Abstract: There is disclosed a process for decolorizing polysuccinimide by means of contacting the polysuccinimide in the solid state with an aqueous solution of a bleach. Typically, polysuccinimide is placed into a solution of hydrogen peroxide to form a slurry with solid particles whereby the color of the polysuccinimide is greatly reduced. Separation of the bleach solution is performed easily by means of solid liquid separation such as by filtration rendering the polysuccinimide acceptable for use directly into detergent formulations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel process for preparing products of the reaction of elemental phosphorus and elemental sulfur under reaction conditions wherein the phosphorus and sulfur are combined in a pre-mix at temperatures below the reaction temperature. The pre-mix may contain a diluent which is preferably the product of the reaction. Phosphorus pentasulfide can be prepared by heating the pre-mix to reaction temperatures wherein lower exotherm temperatures and reduced vibration are observed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing polysuccinimide by thermal condensation of L-aspartic acid to produce polysuccinimide wherein the L-aspartic acid is exposed to an atmosphere in excess of about 350.degree. C. and to a temperature in the range of from about 350.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. for a period of time of from about 6 to about 15 minutes. Under such conditions, at least about 90% conversion of the L-aspartic acid is provided. The polysuccinimide may be hydrolysed to provide polyaspartic acid by conventional hydrolysis under basic conditions.

Abstract: A novel leavening composition comprising calcium acid pyrophosphate in combination with a carbonate factor, said composition exhibiting, in the dough rate of reaction (DRR) test, a maximum rate of release of carbon dioxide occurring between about 17 to about 40 minutes after initial mixing, said maximum rate being at least twice the rate observed at the termination of the mixing time of said test. The pyrophosphate is particularly useful in leavening systems for refrigerated dough in that an initial low rate of reaction with the carbonate factor is observed after which there is a large increase in the rate of reaction without change in temperature. The leavening composition is also useful in batters, dry mixes, frozen and refrigerated doughs and refrigerated batters.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel, highly stable sulfone peroxycarboxylic acids useful in detergent compositions or alone 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 one of A and B contains from 1 to 4 ##STR2## groups bonded to carbon atoms.

Abstract: There is disclosed novel glass fiber particularly useful for preparing formed insulating articles having on the surface of the fibers an amorphous aluminum phosphate polymer wherein the polymer resiliently tacks the glass fibers together so as to provide regain of shape after deformation of the fibers as by compression. Also disclosed is a process for preparing glass fiber articles wherein the fibers are contacted with an ionic polymer which is then dehydrated to form an amorphous non-hygroscopic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polysuccinimide by the thermal condensation of aspartic acid wherein the rate of reaction is increased by contacting the aspartic acid with a gas containing a catalytic amount of carbon dioxide. When the atmosphere in contact with the aspartic acid during the condensation reaction contains about 10 percent, by volume, carbon dioxide, substantially complete conversion to the polymer occurs within about one hour when the reaction is performed in a tray dryer.

Abstract: An improved process for dehydrogenation of detergent range normal paraffins contained in a hydrocarbon mixture to produce monoolefins is described. Improvements are obtained by operating over an entire catalyst operating cycle at an average added hydrogen to detergent range hydrocarbon ratio of from about 0.5 to about 1.9. The improved process is operated in a substantially adiabatic, plug flow reactor at a suitable catalyst bed inlet temperature not greater than about 450.degree. C. The process provides improved tolerance for initial excess catalyst bed activity, allowing desirable catalyst operating cycle lengths to be obtained with more favorable operating conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for the preparation of phosphorus trichloride wherein elemental phosphorus is caused to react with chlorine. The improvement comprises continuous, high speed analysis of the contents of the reactor whereby the reaction is controlled to produce less phosphorus pentachloride and other by-products. The analysis is performed by a laser Raman spectrometer associated with an optrode having a remotely located probe head and a circulating sampling system to continuously provide fresh sample to the probe head continuously. Also disclosed is apparatus for the automatic control of the reaction by control of the reactant feed to the reactor in response to the on-line, continuous analysis of the reactor contents.

Abstract: A process for preparing precursors for amide containing organic peracids is disclosed wherein a polycarboxylic acid is esterified with a low molecular weight alkyl alcohol followed by formation of an amide by reacting the ester with an amine to provide a monoamido carboxylic acid ester. Unwanted diester is removed from the reaction mixture by precipitation at relatively low temperature. The ester is recovered from the reaction mixture by either precipitation or a distillation procedure under high temperature and reduced pressure. The esters are converted to acids highly desirable as precursors for peracids useful as bleaches in laundry detergents.

Abstract: A method of producing medium density granular sodium tripolyphosphate by compacting sodium tripolyphosphate fines with dried sodium orthophosphate salt followed by calcining the compacted mixture at a temperature in the range of from about 300.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C.

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: 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: 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: 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: Polymeric phosphonate anhydrides are formed by dehydrating a reaction mixture comprising a salt of a diphosphonic acid. The invention includes the polymeric phosphonate, its method of preparation, and a primary use.

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: 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.