Abstract: A lower carboxylic acid such as acetic acid is separated and recovered from an aqueous medium by the steps which include contacting, in an extraction zone, the aqueous medium with an extracting agent such as trioctyl phosphine oxide dissolved in an organic solvent such as a mixture of paraffins having a boiling range of about 160.degree. C. to 175.degree. C.

Abstract: Alkali metal salicylate can be efficiently acidified and the salicylic acid product formed contemporaneously sublimed by contacting the salicylate as a solid with gaseous hydrogen chloride at the conditions specified. The temperature of the gaseous hydrogen chloride is controlled so that the heat required to sublime the salicylic acid product is predominantly supplied by the heat of reaction of the hydrogen chloride with the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Crystalline polymers are readily dissolved in chlorinated diphenyl ether solvents. These solvents and in particular the isomers of chlorodiphenyl ether are especially suitable as solvents for polyarylene sulfides. These solvents are biodegradable and can be conveniently used as alternatives to polychlorobiphenyl solvents.

Abstract: Efficient lignin removal from cellulosic pulp with decreased cellulose degradation is attained by replacing chlorine with an acidic bromine-chlorine mixture in acidic chlorination of the pulp.

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: A process for aminoalkylating a polymer containing a plurality of ##EQU1## amide groups as integral parts of the main polymer chain is described wherein aminoalkyl groups pendant from said amide groups are formed. The process comprises (a) swelling the polymer, such as Nylon 6, in an acidic swelling agent such as aqueous formic acid; (b) immersing the swollen polymer in a liquid alkylenimine bath such as ethylenimine; (c) heating the alkylenimine treated polymer from about 70.degree. to 140.degree. C; and (d) recovering the polymer from the swelling agent, unreacted alkylenimine, etc. The heating step is preferably done in an atmosphere of the alkylenimine.

Abstract: A purified p-phenylphenol is obtained by reduction of the m-phenylphenol percentage from crude or technical grade p-phenylphenol by contacting the mixture with a molar quantity of caustic less than heretofore employed, whereby the m-phenylphenol preferentially reacts to form sodium m-phenylphenate while the p-phenylphenol ends up as a solid in substantially pure form. The amount of the caustic is from about 0.5 to about 10 moles of caustic per mole of m-phenylphenol present. Resin grade p-phenylphenol, i.e., containing less than 2% m-phenylphenol can be obtained from a starting material containing up to 30% m-phenylphenol.

Abstract: In an Oxo process wherein an olefin, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 are reacted in the presence of a cobalt salt as catalyst, higher activity and longer useful life of the catalyst are achieved by complexing the catalyst with triphenyl phosphine.

Abstract: Citraconic anhydride is made by the vanadium-catalyzed gas-phase air oxidation of mesityl oxide at about 200-500.degree.C. and atmospheric pressure with a contact time of less than 1 second. Preferred catalysts are vanadium oxide and vanadate salts. Preferred O.sub.2 /mesityl oxide molar ratios are about 10:1 to 100:1.

Abstract: Halogenated .alpha.-methylbenzyl phenyl ethers have been found to be excellent fire retardants for thermoplastics such as polystyrene and polypropylene.

Abstract: New organic compounds, comprising tris(polyhalophenoxy)-s-triazines, e.g., tris-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine. These new compounds have demonstrated utility as fire retardant additives for various polymers.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of propylene glycol monomethyl ether is a more effective coolant for rotary (Wankel) engines and less toxic than is gaseous alkylene glycol.

Abstract: Brominated pentaerythritols are prepared at reaction temperatures of from about 85.degree. to 135.degree.C. by reacting pentaerythritol with HBr in the liquid phase employing a solvent medium containing from about 0.8 to about 25 mole percent of an aliphatic carboxylic acid of 2 to 8 carbon atoms and their anhydrides, based on the pentaerythritol. The HBr is fed continuously to the reactor throughout the reaction. The water formed as a result of the reaction remains in the reaction mixture until substantial completion of the reaction. The product can be predominantly dibromoneopentyl glycol or tribromoneopentyl alcohol and is characterized by the absence of tar formation.