Abstract: Hydrocarbon solutions containing iodine or iodine-containing impurities are rendered essentially color-free by distillation in the presence of small amounts of a hydrocarbon soluble organometallic compound.

Abstract: Novel compositions are disclosed consisting essentially of aldehydes of the structure R--CHO (wherein R is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 carbon radical) and about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight of a triarylphosphine per 100 parts of aldehyde. In addition, a process for the recovery of essentially pure high boiling aldehyde by fractional distillation is provided wherein about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight of a triarylphosphine per 100 parts of high boiling aldehyde is added to the aldehyde prior to distillation. Further, process for improving the high temperature storage stability of high boiling aldehydes is provided, which comprises adding about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight of a triarylphosphine per 100 parts high boiling aldehyde to the aldehyde.

Abstract: Selective hydrogenation process is provided employing as catalyst a composition consisting essentially of elemental palladium on calcium carbonate support with lead acetate and an aromatic amine oxide. Very high selectivities to cis-olefinic compounds from acetylenic compounds is achieved employing the catalyst of the invention.

Abstract: The self condensation of monovinyl aromatic compounds to acyclic dimers, the cross-reaction of monovinyl aromatic compounds with olefins in the presence of acid catalysts to produce cyclialkylated aromatic compounds, and the production of cyclialkylated aromatic compounds by reaction of olefins with acyclic dimers of monovinyl aromatic compounds in the presence of acid catalysts is improved by employing a tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide solvent.

Abstract: Catalyst supports, catalysts, method for the preparation thereof, and dimerization processes therewith are provided. Catalyst supports consist essentially of potassium carbonate with a crush strength of at least 5 pounds and at least one carbonaceous compound. Catalysts consist essentially of at least one elemental alkali metal deposited on the novel catalyst supports. Optionally, the catalysts further consist essentially of at least one promoter selected from the group consisting of elemental copper, elemental cobalt, and finely divided stainless steel.

Abstract: A novel supported tube bundle, useful for improving the shell fluid flow distribution in a shell and tube heat exchanger is improved by varying the number and position of rods that comprise the rod baffles in the heat exchanger. The number and position of rods are varied to provide fewer rods adjacent the inlet and outlet of the shell than at other portions of the shell so that flow of shell fluid through areas where the flow normally tends to channel is diverted to areas where flow normally tends to by-pass.

Abstract: Aliphatic olefinic hydrocarbons are isomerized in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of elemental chromium or a chromium compound and an aluminum phosphate support wherein the phosphorus/aluminum atomic ratio of the support is less than 1.

Abstract: In the emulsion polymerization of acrylic monomers, an improvement comprises the use of 3-mercaptopropionate esters as chain-transfer agents. Novel polymers are produced by the inventive polymerization process.

Abstract: Method for the production of milled supports useful for the preparation of mono-1-olefin polymerization catalysts is provided by comminuting Mg(O)mX.sub.2 -m or Mn(O)mX.sub.2 -m, and high density ethylene polymer, optionally in the presence of an aromatic phenol and/or an aluminum halide to produce a composite catalyst support prior to further comminution with a tetravalent titanium halide to produce a first catalyst component and finally admixture of the first catalyst component with an organoaluminum catalyst compound. Polymerization process employing the novel catalyst system thus produced is also provided.

Abstract: Process for the conversion of organic halides to organic aldehydes is provided wherein a mixture consisting essentially of organic halide and dimethyl sulfoxide is first heated to a temperature of about 40.degree.-100.degree. C. for a time in the range of about 0.1-12 hours, then sodium bicarbonate is added and thereafter the resulting mixture further heated to a temperature in the range of about 90.degree.-180.degree. C. for an additional time in the range of about 0.1-12 hours. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a cosolvent selected from the group consisting of dimethylphthalate, triglyme and caprolactone is added along with the sodium bicarbonate prior to the second heating step. In another specific embodiment of the invention, the second heating step is carried out under reduced pressure conditions. The formation of alcohol by-product is greatly reduced in the practice of the present invention. Thus higher yields and easier recovery of the desired aldehyde product are achieved.