Abstract: This invention relates to a new composition of matter which comprises hydroxybutenyl derivatives of cyclodextrins (HBenCD) or mixed ethers of cyclodextrins where at least one of the ether substituents is hydroxybutenyl (HBenRCD where R is an ether substituent other than hydroxybutenyl). This invention also relates to novel processes for the preparation of cyclodextrin ethers. This invention further relates to inclusion complexes formed between HBenCD or HBenRCD and guest molecules. Such inclusion complexes are useful in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. Furthermore, this invention relates to the incorporation of HBenCD or HBenRCD or their inclusion complexes in thermoplastic materials, textiles or membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid anhydride by the steps of (1) forming a mixed anhydride comprising a trifluoromethanesulfonyl acyl residue and a carboxyl residue by contacting trifluoromethanesulfonic acid or a derivative thereof with a carboxyl compound selected from ketene, dialkyl ketenes, carboxylic acids, and derivatives of carboxylic acids and (2) subjecting the mixed anhydride to reactive distillation wherein the mixed anhydride undergoes disproportionation to produce triflic anhydride and a higher boiling carboxylic acid anhydride.

Abstract: A method for restoring lost activity and selectivity of fresh cesium-promoted catalysts which comprises heating the catalyst at an elevated temperature in the presence of a sweep gas immediately prior to using the catalyst. The catalysts are particularly useful for the selective epoxidation of olefins to their corresponding olefin epoxides. Also described is a method for inhibiting or preventing deactivation of fresh Cs-promoted catalysts.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the preparation of 4,5-diamino-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole and acid addition salts thereof such as the addition salt from sulfuric acid. The process comprises a novel combination of steps beginning with an alkyl(alkoxymethylene)cyanoacetate and 2-hydroxyethylhydrazine and the formation of intermediate compounds 5-amino-4-alkoxycarbonyl-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole (I), 5-amino-4-carboxyl-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole (II), 5-amino-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole (III), 5-amino-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)4-nitrosopyrazole (IV).

Abstract: EpB polyether alcohols were prepared by reacting 3,4-epoxy-1-butene with water or an alcohol such as methanol, butanol or ethylene glycol. Polyether alcohols thus prepared were found to have utility as reactive diluents for oxidatively curable coatings. In addition to this application, 3,4-epoxy-1-butene oligomers can also function as a resin, a chain extender, a monomer, and an additive for various oxidatively curable coating systems including alkyds, unsaturated polyesters, (meth)acrylate functional resins, urethanes, and latexes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of aryl carboxylate esters by the reaction of a phenol reactant with an esterification agent selected from carboxylic acid anhydrides and carboxylic acid halides in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of aryl carboxylate esters by the reaction of a phenol reactant with a carboxylic acid in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA).

Abstract: A process for the recovery and purification of cyclobutanone from a crude product mixture obtained from an oxidation product mixture resulting from the oxidation of cyclobutanol to cyclobutanone in the presence of water. The process provides for the recovery of cyclobutanone in a purity of at least 90 weight percent by a combination of distillation steps.

Abstract: A gum base comprising at least one crosslinked branched aliphatic biodegradable polyester comprising repeat units formed from at least one polyol having three to four hydroxy groups, or ester thereof, at least one dibasic acid, or ester thereof, and at least one long chain monocarboxylic acid, or ester thereof. The process of producing a crosslinked branched aliphatic biodegradable polyester gum base by reactive extrusion is also included.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for the isomerization of epoxyalkenes to dihydrofurans by contacting an epoxyalkene with a catalyst comprising a quaternary organic onium iodide compounds, optionally deposited on a non-acidic support and/or in combination with a Lewis acid co-catalyst The catalyst may comprise a supported catalyst, an unsupported catalyst or a solution of the catalytically-active components in an inert, organic solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of recovering and purifying 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (epoxybutene) from a reaction product gas, obtained by the vapor phase catalytic partial oxidation of 1,3-butadiene with oxygen over a silver catalyst. The recovery and purification comprises absorption of the epoxybutene into a water-miscible solvent followed by separation of the absorbed epoxybutene from the absorbent by extraction into a water-immiscible solvent. A method of recovering and purifying epoxybutene from the extraction solvent and other reaction by-products by a novel combination of distillation and decantation steps also is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of mono-epoxides of certain diolefins wherein a conjugated diolefin, or polyolefin, that contains allylic carbon-hydrogen bonds, is contacted with molecular oxygen in the presence of a modified silver catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing a halohydrin of a water-miscible olefin comprising: reacting a water-miscible olefin in water with a compound of the formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted, lower alkyl having from 1 to 5 carbons and X is a halogen, to thereby form the halohydrin of the water-miscible olefin.

Abstract: Disclosed is process for the treatment of cyclopropanecarboxaldehdye (CPCA) which contains crotonaldehyde impurity with a base at elevated temperature to convert the crotonaldehyde to one or more higher boiling compounds followed by distillation to recover CPCA substantially free of crotonaldehyde. This selective reaction may be combined with a distillation to purify CPCA or in combination with the reaction of the CPCA in the treated mixture to produce a CPCA-derivative while avoiding or minimizing the formation of the analogous crotonaldehyde derivative.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for separating 2,5-dihydrofuran (2,5-DHF) from aqueous solution of 2,5-DHF by extractive distillation using certain organic liquids as the extraction agent.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods of obtaining at least one monosaccharide from corn fiber the method comprises the steps of: (a) heating an aqueous mixture of corn fiber and a liquid; (b) contacting the mixture of step (a) with a protease enzyme, thereby providing a proteolyzed corn fiber and a liquid; (c) separating the liquid from the proteolyzed corn fiber; (d) contacting the proteolyzed corn fiber at least once with an alkaline extractant, thereby providing an insoluble cellulose material and a liquid comprising arabinoxylan; (e) separating the insoluble cellulose material from the liquid comprising arabinoxylan; (f) reducing the volume of the liquid comprising arabinoxylan by removing excess alkaline extractant, thereby providing a concentrated liquid comprising from about 10 to about 50% solids, wherein the solids comprise arabinoxylan; and (g) hydrolyzing the arabinoxylan from step (f) in the presence of a catalyst and a solvent, thereby providing a mixture comprising at least one monosacc

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for the isomerization of epoxyalkenes to dihydrofurans by contacting an epoxyalkene with a catalyst comprising a quaternary organic onium iodide compounds, optionally deposited on a non-acidic support and/or in combination with a Lewis acid co-catalyst. The catalyst may comprise a supported catalyst, an unsupported catalyst or a solution of the catalytically-active components in an inert, organic solvent.

Abstract: Methods for preparing substituted aromatic carboxylic acid esters are described. In particular, the invention relates a method for preparing a nitro-substituted aromatic carboxylic acid ester: Additionally the invention relates to a method for preparing a thioether-substituted aromatic carboxylic acid ester: Such aryl esters are useful in the preparation of various agrochemicals and agrochemical intermediates.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a process for the preparation of 2,5-dihydrofurans by the isomerization of &ggr;,&dgr;-epoxyalkenes in the presence of a catalyst system comprising an organotin compound and an alkali metal iodide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of ketones by contacting one or more carboxylic acids with a niobium catalyst at elevated temperatures. The process includes the use of a modified base-exchanged niobium catalyst that is particularly useful for the production of cyclopropyl ketones such as cyclopropyl methyl ketone from cyclopropanecarboxylic acid and acetic acid.