Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1,3-dichloropropane by reacting bis(3-hydroxypropyl)ether with hydrogen chloride, optionally in the presence of tertiary basic nitrogen compounds or other tertiary aliphatic bases as catalysts, distilling off the 1,3-dichloropropane and the water of reaction and working up the two phases.

Abstract: To prepare .alpha.,.omega.-bromochloroalkanes, a cyclic ether, to which water has optionally been added, is hydrochlorinated and then the resultant phase is reacted, without any prior purification or separation, with gaseous hydrobromic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of .alpha.,.omega.-bromochloroalkanes. A cyclic ether is hydrobrominated and then the phase obtained is reacted, without any prior purification or separation, with thionyl chloride.

Abstract: A process is described for the removal of dimethyl ether in methyl chloride by catalytic cleavage by means of hydrogen chloride. Dimethyl ether is present as an impurity in crude methyl chloride produced by the catalytic esterification of methanol. The crude methyl chloride is cooled so that water and hydrogen chloride separate out. Gaseous hydrogen chloride is then added to the methyl chloride in an amount corresponding to at least twice the molar amount of dimethyl ether, and the gaseous mixture is passed over a methanol esterification contact catalyst at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a membrane solvent extraction and reaction system. More particularly it pertains to an improvement in the membrane solvent extraction system wherein a solute is extracted through a polymeric membrane from one solvent liquid phase to an extracting solvent liquid without direct contact between the liquid phases which are separated by the membrane and in which the extracting solvent has no greater solubility and usually substantially less solubility for the solute than the feed solvent. The impovement comprises converting the solute permeating across the membrane to a different chemical compound, whereby a high concentration gradient for the solute across the membrane is maintained to improve the separation of the solute from the feed solvent liquid phase.