Abstract: An improved process for separating high purity alkyl glyoxylate from complex mixtures containing alkyl glyoxylate, alkyl glycolate, water, alcohol and miscellaneous impurities by an azeotropic distillation operation using an azeotroping agent selected from the group consisting of methylene dichloride, 1,1,1--trichloroethane, and benzene.

Abstract: A composition of matter in particulate, crystalline form. The composition comprises a hydrate-forming phosphate selected from the group consisting of sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate and trisodium phosphate, between about 0.1% by weight and about 23% by weight added water in the form of water of hydration said water containing in solution sufficient surfactant to provide the composition from about 0.20 ppm and about 125 ppm of a surfactant. Methods for preparing such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for activating metal surfaces prior to coating with a phosphate compound are disclosed. Colloidal alkyl benzene sulfonate salts are disclosed as a novel class of activating materials to replace titanium containing Jernstedt salt baths for treatment of metal surfaces prior to coating with a protective phosphate material.

Abstract: Granular or powder compositions containing diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid) and/or its salts in admixture with sodium sulphate and/or bisulphate in an amount, expressed as the equivalent amount of anhydrous sodium sulphate, of at least 60% of the dry weight of the diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid) and/or its salts can be stored for extended periods while remaining in the form of free-flowing solids.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a seal assembly for sealing an electrode movable vertically through an opening in the roof of an electrode furnace. The seal assembly comprises a lower assembly including an annular base adapted for sealing engagement with the roof around the roof opening, an annular wall extending up from the base, and an annular scraper extending generally radially inwardly relative to the wall and having an inner edge adapted for scraping material from the outer surface of the electrode as the electrode moves vertically. The seal assembly also includes an upper assembly comprising a pair of annular seals of refractory material disposed in vertically spaced relation, each seal comprising a plurality of discrete arcuate seal segments, a mechanism for applying an inward radial pressure to each seal to hold it in sealing engagement with the electrode, and a mechanism for holding each seal against upward movement relative to the roof as the electrode moves up through the roof opening.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel, highly stable sulfone peroxycarboxylic acids useful in detergent compositions alone or as bleaching agents which are represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein A and B are organic moieties bonded to the sulfur atom by a carbon atom and at least one of A and B containing at least one ##STR2## group bonded to a carbon atom.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing nitrilotriacetonitrile in which the reactants, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, and either ammonia or hexamethylenetetramine are reacted first in a mixing reactor, preferably a circulating loop reactor at from about 90.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C., then reacted in a plug flow tubular reactor at from about 95.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C., then after cooling the reaction mixture crystalline nitrilotriacetonitrile is recovered.

Abstract: The disclosed process is employed to recover phenol from aqueous solutions produced by distillation of the product of a process for producing a phenyl ester by the reaction of a carboxylic acid and phenol. Purified phenyl ester is employed to extract phenol from the aqueous solution. The extract is combined with raw product for recovery of the phenol and phenyl ester. In a preferred embodiment the process for producing the phenyl ester is continuous and the extract containing phenol and phenyl ester are fed to the dewatered ester stream for product recovery.