Abstract: Optically active &agr;-hydroxyethers are prepared from prochiral &agr;-ketoethers by heterogeneous hydrogenation using platinum catalysts in the presence of a chiral nitrogen base in high chemical and optical yields, since this type of hydrogenation selectively hydrogenates only one diastereomer virtually to completion. The yields may be substantially increased by adding a solid, strong base which has a racemizing effect on the non-hydrogenatable diasteromer.

Abstract: A single-stage method for producing &agr;-hydroxy ethers by oxidizing olefinic substrates with organic hydroperoxides and opening the resultant oxirane ring by means of monovalent or polyvalent alcohols wherein a molybdenum compound in combination with a compound selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride, aluminum oxides, 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene or 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane, and mixtures thereof is used as a catalyst system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making alkoxylates of organic compounds. The process requires a) providing an active hydrogen organic compound having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, and b) alkoxylating the organic compound with an alkylene oxide in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst compound corresponding to either formula (I) or formula (II): B(&phgr;)3  (I) H+B(&phgr;)4−  (II) wherein B is a boron atom and H is a hydrogen atom; &phgr; is a phenyl moiety having substituents selected from the group consisting of 1 to 5 fluorine atoms, 1 to 5 CF3 moieties, 1 to 5 OCF3 or SCF3 moieties or OR; wherein C is a carbon atom, O is an oxygen atom, S is a sulfur atom and F is a fluorine atom; wherein R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or aryl group having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms. The process affords a product of very narrow molecular weight distribution with a low degree of both residual active hydrogen organic starting material and undesirable by-products.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the invention is a fluorinated diol and its process of preparation. The fluorinated diol corresponds to the formula (I): CnF2n+1—A—CH2OCH2—C(CH2OH)2—R in which n has a value from 2 to 20 and A means —CH═CH— or —CH2CH2— and R is an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Novel active catalyst compositions comprising a compound or mixture of compounds represented by the formula

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic solvent composition for wet transferring of a transfer film having improved weather-resistance suitable for external ornaments and a method for wet transferring therewith, which comprises a step of transferring patterns directly to the concave-convex surfaces of objects made of various materials such as steel, aluminum, plastic, ceramic, rubber or glass. The wet transferring method using organic solvent composition of the present invention comprises the steps of: coating the surface of an object with the organic solvent composition; transferring a pattern from a pattern-printed transfer film onto the surface of the object by means of liquid pressure driven by floating the transfer film on water in a water tank and pressing the object whose surface is coated with the organic solvent composition onto the film; and, washing the pattern-printed object with water, and then drying the object in oven.

Abstract: A process for preparing 3-alkoxypropanol by heterogenously catalysed hydrogenation of 3-alkoxypropionaldehyde in alcoholic solution, wherein at least one metal from the group iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, chromium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, ruthenium and/or platinum on an oxidic support is used as catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether with high selectivity and high yield. In this process, the (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether is produced by reacting an olefin and a (poly)alkylene glycol in the presence of a catalyst, wherein: 1) a crystalline metallosilicate is used as the catalyst, and at least a portion of the used catalyst is regenerated, and the regenerated catalyst is recycled as the catalyst for the reaction; or 2) the reaction between the olefin and the (poly)alkylene glycol is carried out in the presence of either or both of a (poly)alkylene glycol dialkyl ether and an alcohol.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for preventing clogging of oil filters for various internal combustion engines, the composition comprising at least one hydroxyl-containing component selected from the group consisting of: compounds represented by the formula (1) R1O—(R2O)m—H  (1)  wherein R1 is hydrogen or C1 to C8 alkyl, R2 is C2 to C10 alkylene, m is an integer of 1 to 10, and when m is 2 or more, the two or more R2 groups may be the same or different; and compounds represented by the formula (2)  wherein R3 is C2 to C4 alkylene, R4 is hydrogen or C1 to C10 alkyl, n is an integer of 0 to 8, and when n is 2 or more, the two or more R3 groups may be the same or different; a method for preventing oil filter clogging using the composition, and an engine oil composition containing the composition.

Abstract: A single-stage method for producing &agr;-hydroxy ethers by oxidizing olefinic substrates with organic hydroperoxides and opening the resultant oxirane ring by means of monovalent or polyvalent alcohols wherein a molybdenum compound in combination with a compound selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride, aluminum oxides, 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene or 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane, and mixtures thereof is used as a catalyst system.

Abstract: An alkoxylation catalyst is prepared by a) reaction of one mol of a dicarboxylic acid with from 1.5 to 8 mol of an alkoxylated alcohol to form the corresponding dicarboxylic monoester, b) formation of an alkaline earth metal salt of the dicarboxylic monoester by addition of water and from 0.45 to 0.55 mol of a basic alkaline earth metal compound per mol of dicarboxylic acid originally used, c) partial neutralization of the alkaline earth metal salt by addition of from 0.25 to 0.7 mol of H2SO4 per mol of basic alkaline earth metal compound originally used and d) removal of the water present at a temperature of less than 100° C. The catalyst prepared in this way makes it possible to prepare colorless alkoxylates having a narrow homologue distribution.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of polyadducts of alkylene oxide on a chain initiator with at least one active hydrogen comprises the step of: (a) providing n reaction units constituted by a tubular reactor (11), and a heat exchanger (14) downstream of the tubular reaction (11); (b) supplying the preheated chain initiator and the alkylene oxide to the reactor of the first reaction unit; (c) reacting the chain initiator with the alkylene oxide to obtain a first mixture; (d) cooling the first mixture by means of the heat exchanger (14); (e) supplying the reactor of the following reaction unit with the cooled mixture and with alkylene oxide; (f) repeating the procedure until the last reaction unit and then discharging the last mixture containing the desired product. The tubular reactors are vertical and the chain initiator and alkylene oxide are sprayed into the top of the reactor where a gas liquid reaction occurs.

Abstract: This application relates to a process for making glycol ethers, said process comprising reacting an olefin oxide with an alcohol over a catalyst comprising a crystalline metallosilicate which is basic in character, wherein the molar ratio of alcohol to olefin oxide employed is at least 2:1.

Abstract: A process for preparing tetrahydrofuran, which comprises reacting 1,4-butenediol diethers of the formulae I and/or II RO—CH2—CH═CH—CH2—OR  I RO—CH2—CH2═CH—CH2—OR  II, where the R radicals can be identical or different and are C1-C15-alkyl or cycloalkyl radicals, C6-C12-aryl radicals or C7-C15-aralkyl radicals, with water and hydrogen at from 20 to 300° C. under from 1 to 300 bar in the presence of catalysts or catalyst combinations which comprise components which are both capable of hydrogenation and have acidic or basic centers and a novel process for preparing 1,4-butanediol diethers of the formula I by metathesis are described.

Abstract: An R-configuration or S-configuration optically active secondary alcohol of the general formula (1), CH3C*H(OH)(CH2)mOCH(CnH2n+1)2  (1) wherein C* is an asymmetric carbon atom, m is an integer of 1 to 3, and n is an integer of 1 to 3, and a process for the production thereof, comprising optical resolution of a corresponding racemic alcohol by asymmetric trans-esterification, specifically using a lipase derived from Candida antarcia microorganism. The present invention can provide the novel optically active secondary alcohol having a methyl group on an asymmetric carbon and an alkoxy terminal having branched alkyl chains formed of the same numbers of carbon atoms, and an economical and simple process for the production thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides lipids having: 1) a glycerol backbone; 2) a hydrocarbon chain, preferably saturated and containing 16 or 18 carbon atoms, attached to C-1 of the backbone by an ether linkage; 3) a methyl group attached to C-2 of the backbone, preferably by an ether linkage; and, 4) a sugar attached to C-3 of the glycerol backbone in either the alpha or beta anomeric configuration, the sugar being altered by modification of, or substitution for, one or more of its hydroxyl groups. Also provided herein are ether-lipid-containing compositions, as well as methods of administering such compositions to animals, for example, those afflicted with cancers, as well as various other diseases and disorders.

Abstract: A process for preparing an organic compound, comprising conducting an organic reaction in the presence of a phosphine oxide represented by formula (1); ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is the same or different and each represents a hydrogen or hydrocarbon group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and x is the amount of water as a molar ratio which is 0 to 5.0, exhibiting a high catalytic performance especially in an organic reaction involving an alkylene oxide.

Abstract: A process for producing polyhydroxy ethers having the formula (I) (HO).sub.(w--M) W(OV).sub.m, in which W represents an organic group and OV a structural element containing hydroxyl groups, having the formula (III) ##STR1## A multifunctional alcohol W(OH).sub.w (II) is reacted with an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compound XCH.dbd.CY--CZ.dbd.O (IV) and formaldehyde in the presence of a base. The .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compound (IV) and the remaining quantities of formaldehyde, multifunctional alcohol (II) and base are added continuously or periodically to an aqueous solution or suspension containing at least 10 mole % of the multifunctional alcohol (II), at least 10 to 70 mole % of the formaldehyde and at least 10 mole % of the base. Preferred multifunctional alcohols (II) are pentaerythritol, TMP and TME. Preferred carbonyl compounds (IV) are acrolein and .alpha.-alkylacrolein. New asymmetric polyhydroxy ethers are also disclosed.

Abstract: 3-Methoxy-1-propanol is prepared in an advantageous manner by alkylating 1,3-propanediol with methyl chloride in the presence of a base.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic addition of nucleophilic agents to alkynes or allenes to form alkenes substituted by the nucleophile which may further react with the nucleophile and/or isomerize comprises using a catalyst comprising a wholly or partly ionized complex of univalent gold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether with high selectivity and high yield. In this process, the (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether is produced by reacting an olefin and a (poly)alkylene glycol in the presence of a catalyst, wherein: 1) a crystalline metallosilicate is used as the catalyst, and at least a portion of the used catalyst is regenerated, and the regenerated catalyst is recycled as the catalyst for the reaction; or 2) the reaction between the olefin and the (poly)alkylene glycol is carried out in the presence of either or both of a (poly)alkylene glycol dialkyl ether and an alcohol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provides for decontamination of soil from contaminates such as polychlorinated biphenyls. The method involves (a) admixing a short chain alcohol and a ethoxylated alcohol to provide a solvent composition, (b) admixing the solvent composition with the contaminated soil to extract the contaminant from the soil into the solvent to form contaminated solvent, (c) separating the soil from the contaminated solvent, (d) washing of the decontaminated soil with water to remove residual solvent from the soil, and (e) distillation of the contaminated solvent to separate the reusable short chain alcohol as a light fraction from a heavy fraction containing the ethoxylated alcohol and the contaminant.

Abstract: An arrangement for a falling film type reactor uses corrugated plates to improve the distribution and dispersion of the gaseous reactant into the liquid. Corrugated plates introduce increased turbulence for promoting better distribution and dispersion of the gas. Corrugation angles can be varied to suit the fluid flow properties of the liquid reactant. The reactor arrangement can also include heat transfer channels defined by the corrugated plates in an alternate arrangement of heat transfer channels and gas liquid contacting channels. The corrugations may also be varied to suit the particular heat transfer requirements of the reactions. The corrugated plates are spaced apart in the contacting channels to prevent localized film contact and placed in contact in the heat exchange portion to stabilize the plate elements defining the corrugations.

Abstract: Active hydrogen containing organic compounds, for example alcohols, thiols, phenols, thiophenols, carboxylic acids, amides and amines, are alkoxylated, for example, ethoxylated, using catalysts comprising a salt of a Group IIa or Group Ia element and an oxyacid of at least one element chosen from Group IVb, Group Vb or Group VIb, for example, lanthanum titanate, barium titanium, barium strontium titanate, yttrium titanate, lanthanum zirconate, barium zirconate, lanthanum hafnate, barium strontium titanate zirconate and neodymium titanate. The catalyst provide narrow distribution of alkoxylation species and efficient reaction rates.

Abstract: A precursor for alkoxylation catalysts is prepared by reacting a chelating anionic or nonionic phase transfer catalyst with an alkaline earth metal compound in the presence of a compound which can be alkoxylated. Suitable phase transfer catalysts are, in particular, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ether carboxylic acids, ether sulfonic acids or ether phosphonic acids. Addition of sulfuric acid to such a precursor produces an alkaline earth metal sulfato complex which is the actual catalyst for the alkoxylation.

Abstract: A process for preparing 3-oxyalkylpropan-1-ols by catalytic hydrogenation of 1,3-dioxanes with catalysts comprising a hydrogenation-active component on an acid support.

Abstract: A process for preparing 3-oxyalkylpropan-l-ols by catalytic hydrogenation of 1,3-dioxanes with catalysts comprising a hydrogenation-active component on an acid support.

Abstract: An integrated process to produce diisopropyl ether from propane has been developed. In a first reaction zone the propane in a feedstock, after any hydrocarbons containing four or more carbon atoms are removed from the feedstock via fractionation, is dehydrogenated in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst to form propylene. After removing hydrogen, the propane and propylene mixture generated in the first reaction zone is separated into a propane enriched stream and a propylene enriched stream where the propylene enriched stream contains at least 65 mass % propylene. The propane enriched stream is recycled to the feedstock fractionation unit, and the propylene of the propylene enriched stream is reacted with water in a second reaction zone in the presence of an acidic catalyst to form isopropyl alcohol which is concurrently reacted with propylene to produce diisopropyl ether.

Abstract: A process reaction between: (1) a compound that contains one or more epoxide moieties per molecule, and (2) a compound that contains one or more primary aliphatic hydroxyl groups per molecule; is catalyzed by: (3) a catalyst compound containing one or more trifluoromethanesulfonate moieties and one or more silyl moieties and run at a temperature of no more than 130.degree. C., such that the catalyst preferably catalyzes reaction at the primary aliphatic hydroxyl group, so that the resulting resin does not gel.

Abstract: Monoalkyl glycol ether is separated from dialkyl glycol ether by phase separation using a hydrocarbon solvent, preferably with the addition also of water.

Abstract: Glycerol, glycidol, glycerol carbonate or 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol is polymerized into preponderantly linear oligomers at 150.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst, selected from RbF, CsF and/or KF impregnated on alumina and zirconium oxide. The alumina is preferably gamma-alumina.

Abstract: According to the invention, the alkoxylation of compounds containing active hydrogen atoms is carried out in the presence of specific alkaline earth metal salts of alkylor alkenylsuccinic monoesters as catalyst. The alkoxylates obtained have a narrow homolog distribution and a good appearance.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyol ethers comprising the steps ofA) reacting a mixture of at least one polyol and at least one carbonyl compound of the formulaR.sup.1 --CO--R.sup.2 (I)in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another represent hydrogen or aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms and 0, 1, 2, or 3 double bonds, with hydrogen at an elevated temperature in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst which is insoluble in the reaction mixture; andB) removing the polyol ether-containing reaction product from the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the production of a material having an increased molecular weight relative to the diepoxide starting material the material being either a hydroxy-terminated or an epoxy-terminated material comprisinga) reacting a diepoxide with a dihydroxy compound, in the presence, as catalyst, of a triflate salt of a metal of Group IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, or VIIIA of the Periodic Table of Elements (according to the IUPAC 1970 convention);b) de-activating the triflate salt catalyst; andc) optionally advancing the material produced in step b), with an aromatic diol or phenol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparation of monoalkyl ethers by reacting low molecular weight olefins and the corresponding oxiranes, in the presence of a catalyst comprising an acidic heterogeneous or homogeneous catalyst, generally represented by the equation: ##STR1## where R, R', R" may be hydrogen or an alkyl radical.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of adducts by reacting an alcohol with an epoxy compound in the presence of a catalyst, which comprises reacting an alcohol of formula I ##STR1## wherein A is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or araliphatic radical and r is a number from 1 to 10, with a mono- or diepoxide in the equivalent ratio of 1:20 to 20:1, based on the hydroxyl and epoxy groups, in the presence of a metal complex of formula II as catalyst[M.sup.n+ (L.sub.1).sub.x (L.sub.2).sub.y (L.sub.3.sup.m-).sub.z ][X.sup.k- ].sub.(n-zm)/k (II),whereinM is a metal of the main groups or subgroups of the Periodic Table of the Elements,L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 are weakly bonded, neutral, unidentale or multidentate ligands,L.sub.3 is a strongly bonded, non-replaceable neutral or anionic unidentale or multidentate ligand,X is an anion of the following formulae BF.sub.4.sup.-, PF.sub.6.sup.-, AsF.sub.6.sup.-, SbF.sub.6.sup.-, ClO.sub.4.sup.-, IO.sub.4.sup.-, NO.sub.3.sup.

Abstract: An alkoxidation production low in alkylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane content is prepared by reacting an alkylphenol or fatty alcohol with an alkylene oxide in the presence of an alkali fatty alkoxide obtained by direct reaction of an alkali hydroxide with a fatty alcohol at elevated temperature.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for the interconvertion of the enantiomers of acyclic 1,2-dihydroxy-3-alkenes or for converting either enantiomer of acylic 1,2-dihydroxy-3-alkenes to the corresponding antipodal 1-hydroxy-2-alkoxy-3-alkene compounds has been discovered, comprising reacting in an acidic reaction media either enantiomer of an acylic vinyl epoxide (which can be derived from the corresponding acyclic 1,2-dihydroxy-3-alkene) with water, alcohol, or a mixture thereof. When substantially optically pure acyclic vinyl epoxide compounds are employed in the inventive method, the interconverted acyclic 1,2-dihydroxy-3-alkene or 1-hydroxy-2-alkoxy-3-alkene compound products are also substantially optically pure.

Abstract: Volatile organic barium, strontium and calcium compounds, which consist of the complex of a barium-, strontium- or calcium-.beta. diketonate and one or more coordinating ligands, characterized in that at least one coordinating ligand of the barium or strontium compound is formed by a neutral oxygen or a neutral nitrogen donor ligand, or one of the coordinating ligands of the calcium compound is formed by a neutral oxygen donor ligand.

Abstract: Haloalcohols of the general formula IHal--X--OH (I)where X is straight-chain or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkylene of 4 or more carbon atoms in the chain, which may be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, and Hal is halogen, are prepared by reacting a diol of the general formula IIHO--X--OH (II)where X has the above meanings, with an aqueous hydrogen halide solution in a water-immiscible organic solvent which is inert under the reaction conditions, at from 50.degree. to 150.degree. C., using an excess of hydrogen halide, based on the diol of the general formula II, of from 10 to 200 mole percent and setting a volume ratio of inorganic phase: organic phase of from 1:2 to 1:50.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel substituted cyclohexanol compounds possessing a sandalwood aroma which are useful as fragrance materials. The invention also provides methods for synthesis thereof through a novel aldehyde intermediate. The compounds of the invention have the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is ##STR2## and wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or ethyl, R.sub.2 -R.sub.7 are independently hydrogen or methyl with the proviso that a maximum of two of the substituents R.sub.2 -R.sub.7 are methyl, and R.sub.8 is hydrogen, lower alkyl (C.sub.1 to C.sub.5) or acyl. The invention also provides fragrance compositions which utilize the compounds of the invention to impart a sandalwood aroma to perfume compositions, colognes and perfumed articles.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalyst which comprises one or more compounds comprising a rare earth element and phosphorus supported on an inert porous support. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvents, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A process for preparing ethers which comprises contacting a carboxylated ether with a metal oxide catalyst under conditions effective to produce the ether.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydroxyl-containing compounds which comprises contacting a carboxylated hydroxyl-containing compound with a metal oxide catalyst under conditions effective to produce the hydroxyl-containing compound.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of sodium barium phosphate or potassium barium phosphate. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvent, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: Alkoxylates of active hydrogen compounds having a peaked molecular weight distribution are prepared by reacting the active hydrogen compound with an alkylene oxide of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms using iron oxides as alkoxylation catalysts.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a xerogel comprising one or more compounds comprising a rare earth element and phorphorus. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvents, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a glycol ether by reacting an olefin oxide with an excess of an alcohol over a catalyst; characterized in that the catalyst comprises a material which has been prepared by calcination of an anionic double hydroxide clay having a structure comprising magnesium and aluminum in combination, followed by rehydration and subsequent recalcination.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active alcohol is disclosed, which comprises asymmetrically hydrogenating a carbonyl compound in the presence of a ruthenium-optically active phosphine complex as a catalyst. The resulting alcohol has high optical purity.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of one or more soluble basic compounds of one or more elements of the lanthanum series (atomic numbers 57-71, inclusive). The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvents, and chemical intermediates. When the process is applied to the preparation of alkylene oxide, particularly ethylene oxide, adducts of alkanols, particularly primary alkanols in the C.sub.6 to C.sub.24 range, the product is a valuable narrow range nonionic surfactant, characterized by relatively narrow distribution of alkylene oxide adducts.