Abstract: Hydrolytically stable liquid detergent formulations are disclosed containing the potassium salt of polymeric acetal carboxylates. Such liquid formulations remain single phase for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A method of carbonylation of formaldehyde is disclosed. In the method, an aqueous formaldehyde concentrate comprising between about 60% by weight and about 85% by weight formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and sulfuric acid are brought together in the absence of an effective amount of added Group IB cocatalyst in a reaction zone under a carbon monoxide partial pressure in the reaction zone of not greater than about 1.72.times.10.sup.7 N/M.sup.2. A carbonylation reaction is thereby effected in which a carbonylation product is produced comprising at least about 2% by weight sulfuric acid and a mixture of compounds of the formula:HO(CH.sub.2 COO).sub.n Hwherein n is a positive integer of at least 1. Also disclosed is a method for preparation of an alkyl glycolate by esterification of the carbonylation reaction mixture.

Abstract: Asbestiform crystalline calcium sodium metaphosphate fiber is prepared by (a) forming a wet mix slurry having a composition on a dry basis equivalent to a CaO/Na.sub.2 O/P.sub.2 O.sub.5 mol percent ratio of about 24.0-34.0/12.0-18.0/50.0-60.0, with the proviso that the CaO/Na.sub.2 O mol ratio is from about 1.60 to about 2.00, (b) forming and growing product crystals of calcium sodium metaphosphate under crystal formation and growth conditions between the solid phase of the wet mix slurry and substrate crystals of calcium sodium metaphosphate, and (c) fiberizing the product crystals of calcium sodium metaphosphate.

Abstract: Iron/lithium promoted phosphorus-vanadium-oxygen catalysts for the production of maleic anhydride are prepared by contacting a substantially tetravalent vanadium-containing compound and a phosphorus-containing compound and a promoter component containing each of iron and lithium in a substantially anhydrous alcohol medium in the presence of anhydrous hydrogen chloride to form an iron/lithium promoted phosphorus-vanadium-oxygen catalyst precursor. The catalyst precursor is recovered, dried, roasted, formed into structures if structures are desired, and calcined.

Abstract: Dialkyl glyoxylates useful as anionic surfactants are disclosed. The dialkyl glyoxylates are particularly effective in removing soils from fabrics under laundering conditions. Detergent compositions containing the dialkyl glyoxylates and detergency builders are disclosed.

Abstract: Elastomeric polymers are rendered more tractable, thereby decreasing the amount of vehicle or heat required for vehicle- or melt-deposition, while resulting in very little or no loss of strength of the polymer, by the use of at least one compound comprising at least three hydrocarbon rings including at least one aromatic ring and, in most embodiments, at least one saturated ring free to rotate independently of at least one aromatic ring in the molecule of that compound. Compositions comprising an elastomeric polymer and at least one such compound are especially attractive for use in solvent, latex and/or hot melt adhesive compositions.

Abstract: A fiber bed separator and method are provided for separating liquids from gases using cylindrical fiber bed elements disposed in a non-vertical position, preferably at an angle of from 0.degree. to 75.degree. from horizontal, and particularly disposed in a substantially horizontal position. The fiber bed is of fiber of at least 5 micron mean diameter packed to a bed voidage of from about 85 to 98%, the fiber diameter and bed voidage being selected such that at design bed velocity and liquid loading the fiber bed is not flooded and the residual saturation of the fiber bed against gas drag (R.sub.v) on the liquid collected is less than the residual saturation of said bed against gravity drainage (R.sub.g). The gas stream containing the liquid flows from the hollow core of the cylindrical element radially through the fiber bed such that the gas and the collected liquid phase flow radially outwardly through said fiber bed and the liquid drains downwardly around the outer circumference of the fiber bed.

Abstract: The zonal concentration of solids in an aqueous dispersion is increased through the use of electroendosmosis. In the aqueous dispersion, a first cathode means, an anode means, spaced from the first cathode means, a second cathode means, intermediate the first cathode means and the anode means, and means for establishing a direct current electrical potential between the first and second cathode means and the anode means, is provided wherein electroendosmosis may be used to increase the density of solids within aqueous dispersions covering areas greater than twelve meters in diameter.