Abstract: A method of removing specific water-soluble anionic surfactants from water is disclosed. Briefly, the method comprises forming an emulsion by adding a nonionic surfactant and a hydrocarbon to the water and anionic surfactant. The emulsion is broken, with the anionic and nonionic surfactant being present in the hydrocarbon layer.

Abstract: A process for preparing 2,6-xylenol in high selectivity and a catalyst composition useful therein are disclosed. The process comprises reacting phenol, o-cresol or mixtures thereof with methanol in presence of water, hydrogen and a catalyst consisting essentially of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, SnO.sub.2, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, and K.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of chromate ion in drilling and mud filtrates containing lignosulfonates is disclosed. Briefly, the method comprises: (a) treating the filtrate with an effective amount of hydrogen peroxide to destroy any color bodies contributed by the lignosulfonate, and (b) measuring the amount of chromate ion in the filtrate by means of a spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode apparatus for providing cathodic protection of metal structures, especially steel offshore platforms, is disclosed. The anode apparatus comprises (a) container for anode material, (b) anode material, and (c) means for continuously and/or periodically conveying said anode material to said container.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of determining oil saturation in a subterranean formation, penetrated by a well-bore, is disclosed. In the method of determining oil concentration by measuring thermal neutron decay with a low salinity aqueous liquid in said well-bore and said formation, and measuring thermal neutron decay with a high salinity aqueous liquid in said well-bore and said formation, the improvement comprises adding to said low salinity liquid in the well-bore, only, a material which adjusts the thermal neutron capture cross section of the well-bore so that it is approximately the same as the thermal neutron capture cross section of the well-bore when it contains the high salinity liquid.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is directed to a process for preparing 1-methylnaphthalene and 2-methylnaphthalene wherein the process comprises reacting naphthalene and methanol in the vapor phase at elevated temperatures and optionally under pressure in the presence of an effective amount of activated alumina catalyst. In a preferred embodiment the invention is directed to a process for preparing 2-methylnaphthalene in high selectivity by reacting naphthalene and methanol in the vapor phase at elevated temperatures in the range of about 500.degree. to about 650.degree. C. in the presence of an effective amount of activated alumina catalyst.

Abstract: A method of preparing carbon-carbon coupled condensation products of alkylphenols is disclosed. Briefly, the method comprises oxidation of certain specific alkylphenols using palladium acetate as the catalyst in acetic acid or other suitable solvent.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns an improved process for preparing a synthetic hydrocarbon lubricant composition, said composition consisting essentially of di-long-chain alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons. The improved process is directed to a two-step alkylation process, using linear mono-olefins as the alkylating agent, and in which the first alkylation is conducted using HF as the catalyst, wherein the improvement comprises using aluminum chloride or aluminum bromide as the catalyst for the second alkylation step. Use of aluminum chloride or aluminum bromide, instead of HF, in the second alkylation step results in a product having better low temperature properties.

Abstract: A method of preventing, or substantially reducing, the amount of color deterioration of diphenylalkanes, said diphenylalkanes being in contact with a color-deteriorating material, is disclosed. Briefly, the method comprises contacting the diphenylalkanes with an effective amount of ammonia or certain amines.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of preparing alkanedisulfonates by the reaction of olefins with bisulfite or sulfite is disclosed. The improvement comprises conducting the reaction in the presence of an effective amount of a C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 monocarboxylic acid.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of preparing alumina by water hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides is disclosed. Briefly, the improvement comprising admixing the water and aluminum alkoxide under high velocity conditions prior to passing the resulting admixture to the reactor. The improved process results in a product having improved physical properties, particularly pore volume and bulk density.

Abstract: A process for preparing o-benzylphenol is disclosed. The process comprises heating benzyl phenyl ether, either in liquid or vapor phase, in the presence of an effective amount of activated alumina catalyst.

Abstract: A method of reducing discoloration of alumina which is caused by exposure of said alumina to high temperatures is disclosed. The method comprises adding an effective amount of an inorganic oxidizing agent (e.g. H.sub.2 O.sub.2 or NaOCl) to the alumina prior to exposing it to the high temperature.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride containing certain fluorocarbon surfactants has improved antistatic properties.

Abstract: A method of preparing hydrocarbyl-substituted cresols is disclosed. The method comprises heating a mixture of mono- or di-hydrocarbyl-substituted cresols and an alcohol, which is benzyl alcohol or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 aliphatic alcohol, at an elevated temperature in the presence of a catalytic amount of alumina. The product contains at least one hydrocarbyl substituent corresponding to the hydrocarbon moiety of the alcohol used in the process. A typical process employs 4,6-di-t-butyl-m-cresol and isopropanol to prepare a product mixture containing a substantial amount of thymol.

Abstract: A process for preparing cresols from di-hydrocarbyl-substituted cresols, wherein the hydrocarbyl groups contain from 3 to 7 carbon atoms, is disclosed. In the process the di-hydrocarbyl-substituted cresol is contacted with a catalyst (e.g. alumina) in the liquid phase at elevated temperatures and pressure. 4,6-di-t-butyl-m-cresol is a typical feedstock.

Abstract: A method for reducing the vinyl halide content of polyvinyl halide, in particle form, containing vinyl halide, to a preselected level is disclosed. Briefly, the method comprises: (a) determining the threshold temperature corresponding to said preselected level of vinyl halide, and (b) purging the polyvinyl halide containing vinyl halide with an inert gas heated to a temperature of at least the determined threshold temperature until the vinyl halide content of the polyvinyl halide reaches said preselected level.

Abstract: Lubricating oil compositions having improved corrosion inhibition are disclosed. The lubricating oil compositions comprise (a) a major amount of a base lubricating oil, (b) alkenyl succinimide dispersant, and (c) corrosion inhibiting amount of certain specific acidic derivatives of benzene (e.g. 2-amino-5-methylbenzoic acid). In one aspect the lubricating oil composition contains additionally a minor amount of an overbased sulfonate.

Abstract: A process for preparing ortho-substituted cinnamyl phenols is disclosed. The process comprises heating a mixture of cinnamyl alcohol and phenol in the presence of an effective amount of activated alumina.

Abstract: An improved method of drying particulate matter, subject to agglomeration, by fluidized bed drying is disclosed. The improvement of the method comprises adding an effective amount of a fluidizing agent to the particulate matter prior to drying.