Abstract: Provided is a novel improved process for the preparation of .alpha.-D-cellobiose octaacetate via the acetylative degradation of cellulose or cellulose acetate. The title compound is provided in high yield and quality in a facile one-pot process, amenable to large-scale synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the preparation of acetic anhydride which comprises carbonylating a mixture comprising (i) methyl iodide and (ii) methyl acetate and/or dimethyl ether in the presence of a rhodium catalyst and a promoter wherein the concentration of mesityl oxide in the carbonylation mixture is suppressed by the presence therein of at least 100 ppm of dissolved ferrous and/or cobaltous ion.

Abstract: This invention relates to binary blends of cellulose esters and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, cellulose esters and aliphatic polyesters as well as ternary blends of cellulose esters and/or aliphatic polyesters and/or aliphatic aromatic copolyesters and/or polymeric compounds as well as fibers, molded objects, and films prepared therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing an alkylsulfonic anhydride comprising contacting(A) a dehydrated phosphoric acid with(B) an alkylsulfonic acid having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, under conditions of temperature and pressure to result in the substituted absence of phosphoric/alkylsulfonic mixed anhydride and production of a mixture of alkylsulfonic acid and its corresponding anhydride at a conversion of at least 10% of alkylsulfonic acid to the corresponding alkylsulfonic anhydride.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel species of cellulose acetate butyrates and propionates that have significant surface activity. The cellulose acetate butyrate/propionate contains 9-16 wt. % butyryl or propionyl, 6-11 wt. % acetyl, and 12-15 wt. % hydroxyl.

Abstract: Water soluble cellulose acetoacetates prepared by contacting a cellulose material with diketene, an alkyl acetoacetate, 2,2,6-trimethyl-4H-1,3-dioxin-4-one or a mixture thereof in a solvent system comprising lithium chloride plus a carboxamide. Compositions containing the cellulose acetoacetates and, optionally, a crosslinking agent are useful for coatings applications.

Abstract: Provided are water-dissipatable, sulfo-containing polyesters and polyester-amides having copolymerized therein thermally stable near infrared flourophoric compounds. The polymers are useful in coating or ink compositions, which are in turn useful for marking articles for identification/authentication purposes. Also provided is a method for invisibly marking such articles and a method for detecting and sorting articles by utilizing the near infrared flourophoric ink or coating compositions.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of an emulsifiable polypropylene wax having a melt viscosity from 1000 to 5000 cP at 190.degree. C. This process entails reacting at a temperature below 190.degree. C. a thermally degraded polypropylene wax having a melt viscosity below 1000 cP (at 190.degree. C.) with maleic anhydride in the presence of a free radical source. Floor polish formulations containing this polypropylene wax are very clear but yet provide floor finishes that are very tough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of alkali metal diarylphosphide compounds wherein at least one of the aryl radicals is substituted with an alkyl group. Also disclosed is the preparation of alkyl(diaryl)phosphine compounds which are obtained by the reaction of the alkali metal diarylphosphide compounds with alkyl halide alkylating agents.

Abstract: 4-amino-2-buten-1-ol is formed by the regioselective addition of primary amines or ammonia to 3,4-epoxy-1-butene. A quantity of a the primary amine or ammonia is reacted with 3,4-epoxy-1-butene in a reaction medium in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction medium is a liquid which has an E.sub.T (30) no less than about 32. The catalyst is a complex of palladium and phosphine ligands.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermosetting or curable coating compositions comprising (1) a film forming polymeric material bearing acetoacetate residues, (2) an amino resin cross-linking or curing material, (3) an organic sulfonic acid cross-linking or curing catalyst, and (4) an epoxide compound selected from limonene monoepoxide, limonene diepoxide and a mixture thereof. The presence of the limonene epoxide inhibit discoloration of the coating composition upon prolonged storage, especially at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a dimethyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate by the hydrogenation of the corresponding dimethyl benzenedicarboxylate ester in the presence of a class of a supported catalysts comprising palladium and a second Group VIII metal selected from nickel, platinum, ruthenium or a mixture thereof deposited on an alumina support which have a unique combination of characteristics. The use of the catalysts permits the process to be carried out at significantly lower process pressures.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition is provided containing up to 50 weight percent, based on the total solids, of a cellulose mixed ester and a compatible amine neutralized acrylic resin.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for the preparation of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acids by the non-catalytic hydrolysis or acidolysis of dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate esters. The processes provide a means for converting dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate esters to cyclohexanedicarboxylic acids without the co-production of solid by-products which present disposal problems.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for producing a band of rectangular cross section having at least two layers of material. The apparatus includes means for advancing a first band along a predetermined linear path and means for guiding a second band into layered alignment with the first band. The apparatus further includes a roll around which the second band is partially wrapped prior to contacting the first band, the second band having an initial tangential contact position with the roll along a line on the surface thereof extending generally axially with respect to the roll. The roll is tiltable in a plane defined by the axis thereof and the initial tangential contact position of the second band, whereby the lateral take-off position of the second band may be controlled by tilting the roll so as to guide it into aligned juxtaposition with the first band to form a layered, substantially rectangular tow band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer blend having excellent clarity and impact strength which is suitable for use in extrusion blow molding processes comprisinga) about 50-95 wt % of a polyester having repeat units from at least 95 mol % terephthalic acid, at least 90 mol % ethylene glycol and up to 10 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, the polyester having a weight average molecular weight of 75,000-85,000,b) about 40-4 wt % of recycled scrap polyester having repeat units from at least 90 mol % terephthalic acid and at least 90 mol % ethylene glycol and having a molecular weight of about 40,000-55,000, andc) about 1-10 wt % of a polymeric material containing at least 90 wt % polycarbonate and up to 10 wt % polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A process for the partial dehydration and partial purification of a crude water-wet organic stream of the monohydroperoxide of p-diisopropylbenzene is disclosed. This crude stream of monohydroperoxide contains at least 2 wt % water and is partially dehydrated by contacting the stream with a non-reactive inorganic salt to remove a portion of the water into a concentrated brine of the inorganic salt followed by separation of the concentrated brine and the product. The crude water-wet organic stream of the monohydroperoxide is optionally filtered and coalesced prior to contacting the nonreactive inorganic salt.

Abstract: Novel poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates), such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), and blends of these with other polymers are disclosed. A novel process for producing these poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) is also disclosed which entails polymerizing one or more .beta.-substituted-.beta.-propiolactone(s) under polymerization conditions in the substantial absence of water in the presence of an anionic initiator.

Abstract: Provided are polyester compositions having thermally stable colorants copolymerized therein, said colorants comprised of at least one electron-rich aromatic moiety attached to a negatively substituted 2,5-dioxypyrrolin-3-yl moiety and containing at least one, and preferably, two polyester reactive groups. Also provided are polyester color concentrates and blends of the colored polyester compositions with other thermoplastic polymers and shaped or formed articles comprised of same.

Abstract: Emulsifiable linear polyethylene compositions which exhibit good hardness and color characteristics can be obtained by oxidizing a blend of about 90 to 60% by weight of either linear low density polyethylene or high density polyethylene and about 10 to 40% by weight paraffin wax to an acid number of 12 to 30 mg KOH/g. The water emulsions obtained from the emulsifiable polyethylene compositions are useful as textile lubricants and fruit coatings.