Abstract: Primary and secondary alcohols are oxidized to aldehydes and ketones, respectively, by passing a gaseous mixture of the alcohol and oxygen (air) over a supported catalyst of Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt, Ir or Os. The catalyst is improved by admixture with a tin compound. The support for the catalyst is preferably alumina, silicon carbide or other inert material having a low surface to weight ratio. Preferred conditions are atmospheric pressure, about 250.degree.-500.degree. C. and a space velocity of 1000-4000/hr. Preferred alcohols are isopropanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol and ethanol.

Abstract: Homopolymers and copolymers of glycidyl esters are made by reacting the acids to be esterified with the corresponding polymer of tert.-alkyl glycidyl ether under substantially anhydrous conditions and in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, preferably a sulfonic acid. The reaction proceeds satisfactorily at about 100.degree.14 150.degree. C with displacement of the tert.-alkyl group by the acyl group of the acid and evolution of tert.-olefin. By use of the appropriate proportion of reactant acid and/or appropriate reaction time, any desired proportion of the glycidyl groups can be esterified.

Abstract: Antistatic compositions for topical application to substrates, which comprise(a) a polymer of less than about 20,000 molecular weight consisting essentially of, in polymerized form, about 10 to 99 mole % alkylene oxide, of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, about 1 to 90 mole % glycidol and about 0 to 15 mole % of the glycidyl ester of a fatty acid of about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and about 0 to 15 mole % of the glycidyl monoester of a polycarboxylic acid,(b) a curing agent capable of cross-linking the polymer by reaction with the primary hydroxyl groups of the glycidol units, such as melamine-formaldehyde condensates, dialdehydes, polycarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, epoxy resins (polyepoxides), polyisocyanates, and the like and(c) a catalyst for the curing reaction, such as zinc fluoroborate, a sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, ammonium sulfate or the like.

Abstract: New polymers are copolymers of glycidol, glycidyl esters of fatty acids, and, optionally, alkylene oxides. They are conveniently made by the reaction of a fatty acid with a polymer or copolymer of tert.-butyl glycidyl ether in the presence of an acid catalyst. They are useful as coatings, lubricants, plasticizers, textile antistatic agents and surfactants.

Abstract: Phenoxyalkanoic acids, e.g., 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, are made by simultaneously adding equivalent amounts of haloalkanoic acid and alkali metal hydroxide to a hot mixture of about equimolar amounts of the appropriate phenol and the alkali metal salt of the phenol while distilling water from the reaction mixture as formed.

Abstract: Linear copolymers of glycidol, glycidyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids and, optionally, alkylene oxides, are made by the reaction of an unsaturated fatty acid with a polymer or copolymer of tert.-butyl glycidyl ether in the presence of an acid catalyst. The products are polymerizable and copolymerizable with vinyl monomers and are useful as curable resins.

Abstract: The title compound is made by the direct bromination of citraconic anhydride in the vapor phase at 200.degree.-500.degree. C. with a contact time of less than about 20 seconds. The reactants are preferably diluted with an inert solvent, such as a halogenated hydrocarbon and/or a gaseous diluent, such as N.sub.2.

Abstract: Linear copolymers of glycidol, glycidyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids and, optionally, alkylene oxides, are made by the reaction of an unsaturated fatty acid with a polymer or copolymer of tert.-butyl glycidyl ether in the presence of an acid catalyst. The products are polymerizable and copolymerizable with vinyl monomers and are useful as curable resins.

Abstract: Morpholinones are efficient selective solvents for aromatic hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon mixtures containing same. For example, N-methyl-3-morpholinone is an efficient selective solvent for benzene, toluene, and xylene from a hydrocarbon stream obtained from a catalytic reformer.

Abstract: Cupreous catalysts containing (a) copper prepared by reducing copper oxide, (b) reduced copper oxide, or (c) copper oxide have been found to be excellent heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of nitriles in the presence of water to the corresponding amides. High conversions and yields are obtained with little or no deleterious by-products.

Abstract: Magnetic tapes are made by applying to a backing film an aqueous dispersion of magnetic particles having dissolved therein cyclic sulfonium zwitterion monomers, magnetically orienting the magnetic particles, drying the coating and curing same. Upon removal of the water and/or moderate heating, the monomers polymerize to form a durable matrix having the magnetic particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: Heat transfer agents containing at least about 20 volume percent of diphenyl oxide and at least 20 volume percent of diphenylyl phenyl ether, polyphenyl ether or mixtures thereof have been found to be excellent heat transfer fluids with an unexpectedly broad range of liquidity.