Abstract: There are provided methods for monitoring the oligomeric content of prepolymers and polymers, which methods employ high-performance liquid chromatographic techniques. Typically, the methods of the present invention may be used to determine the oligomeric content of polyethylene terephthalate polymers and prepolymers.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for continuously oxidizing an aromatic alkyl in the liquid phase and under oxidation reaction conditions, for the purpose of producing a desired aromatic carboxylic acid product, is disclosed. A seriatim arranged array of reactor compartments, each of which is adapted to accommodate a gaseous phase as well as a liquid phase is contemplated. Means for separately adjusting the reaction mixture composition of each reaction compartment is provided.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing polymeric plasticizers from polyethylene terephthalate which comprises reacting a trimellitic acid polyester ether with polyethylene terephthalate to prepare a nonlinear copolymer with hydroxyl functionality which is then reacted with a fatty acid of from 12 to 18 carbon atoms. The resulting composition has excellent properties as a polymeric plasticizer for polyvinylchloride resin.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for monitoring the particle size and moisture content of finely divided material employing the reflectance of scattered light. The invention is particularly directed to monitoring the particle size within limits and moisture content of terephthalic acid after crystallization and drying processes. The invention is futther directed to providing feedback signals to control dryer throughput and dryer temperature to control moisture content of the finely-divided material.

Abstract: Novel maleic anhydride catalysts comprising phosphorus-vanadium oxides and phosphorus-vanadium-co-metal oxides wherein said catalysts do not expand under reaction conditions for the manufacture of maleic anhydride and a process for preparing these catalysts are disclosed. The process comprises reacting a vanadium compound with a phosphoryl halide in the presence of water in an atmosphere comprising at least about 0.1% oxygen wherein the molar ratio of water to phosphorus from the phosphoryl halide is in the range of about 2.25:1 to about 3.75:1.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a composition comprising a polybutyl ketone and a hydroxyester of an epoxidized polybutene wherein the epoxide groups of said epoxidized polybutene are at least 70% trisubstituted. Acid compounds are reacted with epoxidized polybutenes to obtain compositions of increased reactivity as compared with polybutyl ketone compounds. These compositions are useful as chemical intermediates to modify such materials as polyesters and polyurethenes, for applications such as coatings, foams, and sealants.

Abstract: A continuous process for production of maleic anhydride is disclosed wherein maleic anhydride is produced in high yield and catalyst productivity is in the range of from about 0.12 to about 0.18 pounds of maleic anyhdride produced per pound of catalyst per hour. The catalyst comprises vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen and a modifier, preferably molybdenum. The increased catalyst productivity substantially increases production rates without necessity for extensive equipment modification.

Abstract: A process for the production of trimellitic anhydride with improved color properties disclosed. This process comprises treating trimellitic anhydride with an activated silicon compound followed by fractionation and at temperatures of about 200.degree. to about 300.degree. C. and a decreasing pressure of about 1 to about 25 mm Hg. Trimellitic anhydride is used in the manufacture of polyesters and polyamides-imides.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing adhesives from polyethylene terephthalate which comprises reacting a trimellitic acid polyester ether with polyethylene terephthalate to prepare a nonlinear copolymer with crosslinking characteristics suitable for use as an adhesive either as a hot-melt adhesive or as a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing hydroxyethers of epoxidized polybutenes wherein the epoxide groups of said epoxidized polybutenes are about 70% trisubstituted and about 20% tetrasubstituted. Hydroxyl compounds are reacted with epoxidized polybutenes to obtain compounds of increased flexibility, water resistance, lubricity, and adhesion as compared with said hydroxyl compounds.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for liquid phase oxidation of alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons to aromatic carboxylic acids in presence of a multivalent catalyst promoted by a source of bromine. The oxidation is conducted in at least two oxidation reactions. Exothermic heat of reaction is controlled by means of a liquid phase heat exchanger to control temperature and pressure. Oxygen partial pressure in each stage is at least 1.5 psia to minimize oxygen starvation and improve selectivity. Low reactor temperature, high reactor pressure and improved selectivity improve product yield and product quality.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparation of anhydrides containing additional carboxylic acid moieties and dianhydrides of disubstituted maleic anhydride compounds wherein the acid anhydrides and dianhydrides retain their alkene character. The resulting alkene compounds are useful as precursors for polyesters, thermally stable polyamide-imides and polyimides which are also disclosed, as well as a process for their preparation.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a phosphorus-vanadium mixed oxide and existing in the form of geometric shapes, such as tablets, provides minimum expansion of the geometric shapes under process reaction conditions, since the catalyst in the form of said geometric shapes has been heated in an inert atmosphere at a temperature within the range of about 343.degree. C. (650.degree. F.) to about 704.degree. C. (1,300.degree. F.) prior to being exposed to an oxygen-containing atmosphere at an elevated temperature. This catalyst is suitable for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon, such as benzene or n-butane, to maleic anhydride.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of trimelitic acid from pseudocumene is disclosed. The pseudocumene is oxidized in the presence of a cerium, cobalt, manganese, and optionally zirconium, bromine catalyst wherein all of the cerium is added in the second stage of the oxidation, and wherein most of the bromine is also added during the second oxidation stage. Trimellitic acid is useful in the manufacture of polyester and polyamide-imides.

Abstract: The addition of molybdenum to oxidation catalysts provided by a heavy transition metal-bromine ion combination containing cobalt uniquely increases catalytic activity of said combustion for converting methyl groups to the corresponding carboxylic acid groups on the benzene nucleus. Such greater catalytic activity is manifested by higher yields of aromatic acids. The polycarboxylic acids produced by the novel process are useful as raw materials for fibers and films.

Abstract: Novel maleic anhydride catalysts comprising phosphorus-vanadium oxides and phosphorus-vanadium-co-metal oxides which under reaction conditions for the manufacture of maleic anhydride from butane feedstock do not expand to the point of crushing and producing fines. The catalyst being prepared by the process comprising rapidly heating the catalyst syrup during the drying of the syrup so that it reaches a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. in less than about 10 hours.

Abstract: Novel maleic anhydride catalysts comprising phosphorus-vanadium oxides and phosphorus-vandium-co-metal oxides and the process for making such catalysts are disclosed. These catalysts under reaction conditions for the manufacture of maleic anhydride from butane feedstock do not expand to the point of crushing and producing fines. Moreover, the halogen level of such a catalyst is reduced.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the oxidation of esters of para- and meta-methyl-substituted phenols to the corresponding aromatic carboxylic acid in the presence of a promoter comprising an anhydride of a lower aliphatic carboxylic acid and a heavy metal catalyst with or without the presence of bromine. The resulting carboxylic acids are useful in liquid crystal polymers and polymers useful in engineering plastics.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of maleic anhydride using phosphorus-vanadium catalyst and peroxide modifiers.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of pseudocumene to TMLA is disclosed which comprises catalytic oxidation of pseudocumene with air in the presence of acetic acid in an oxidation zone in the liquid phase wherein the weight ratio of acetic acid to pseudocumene is in the range of about 0.5-0:1.0 and the catalyst comprises one or more heavy metal oxidation catalysts comprising zirconium, cobalt, and manganese to provide about 0.1 to about 0.4 weight percent total metals based on pseudocumene and a source of bromine. The addition of the bromine component is controlled to provide a total of about 0.10 to about 0.30 weight percent total bromine based on pseudocumene. The total weight ratio of bromine ions to total metals ions is about 0.5 to about 2.0. The zirconium content is about 1 to about 5% and the manganese content is about 14 to about 60% each by weight of the total metals. The reaction temperature is about 300.degree. F. to about 420.degree. F.