Abstract: A process for making polyetherester resins is disclosed. A glycol ester of an aromatic diacid such as terephthalic acid is reacted with a polyether and a source of a dicarboxylic acid such as maleic anhydride to produce a polyetherester resin, wherein the aromatic diester content may be conveniently adjusted as desired. The process permits the preparation of unsaturated polyetherester resins with relatively high levels of terephthalate repeating units while avoiding the difficulties associated with the direct use of terephthalic acid in previously known procedures. Such unsaturated polyetheresters are useful for making thermoset resins with excellent mechanical and physical properties. New glycol esters based on 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and polyester resins and thermosets made from the glycol esters, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a gasoline blending fraction rich in isooctane by the dimerization of isobutylene using tertiary butyl alcohol modifier and isoalkane diluent; advantageously the isobutylene is derived from the dehydration of tertiary butyl alcohol and the isoalkane used as diluent in the dimerization is the product formed by hydrogenation of the oligomerization product.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating aqueous mixtures of 4-hydroxybutanal and 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal is disclosed. The process uses a metallic Pt--Ru catalyst supported on .gamma.-alumina. The process gives improved yields of 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol while minimizing the formation of unwanted by-products such as isobutyl alcohol and tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: Economics of heat are achieved in a process for batch fatty acid esterification of alkoxylated polyol by transferring the reaction mixture to a holding vessel and subsequently heating fresh feed to the batch reaction by indirect heat exchange with the transferred reaction mixture.

Abstract: An olefin such as isobutylene is reacted with a carboxylic acid to produce the ester in the presence of an alkanol modifying agent effective to suppress olefin polymerization, at least part of the modifying agent being formed in situ by reaction of the olefin and water.

Abstract: Acetaldehyde may be effectively removed from a contaminated methanol stream using a distillation method wherein a solvent stream containing a relatively heavy polar compound such as water or propylene glycol is utilized as an extractive distillation solvent. Following the separation of the polar compound from the bottoms stream obtained by extractive distillation, the purified methanol may be recycled for use as a reaction solvent in an olefin epoxidation process.

Abstract: Direct oxidation of propylene to propylene oxide is accomplished using alkaline earth metal compound-supported silver catalysts containing a rhenium promoter and a potassium promoter derived from a potassium salt.

Abstract: Direct oxidation of propylene to propylene oxide is accomplished using alkaline earth metal compound-supported silver catalysts containing tungsten and potassium promoters. In one embodiment of the invention, the tungsten promoter and the potassium promoter are simultaneously introduced through the use of potassium tungstate. Catalysts of this type exhibit unusually high propylene oxide productivity when carbon dioxide is present in the feedstream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of novel polyurethane polyuretidione crosslinking agents in solvent and water borne coatings systems. These polyuretidione polyurethanes are characterized by their relatively low solution viscosity, and the ability to provide a relatively high crosslink density in the final, cured film, and thereby, coatings with the excellent physical properties and resistance to chemical and environmental exposure of known polyurethane systems without the potential for worker exposure to toxic isocyanates. This invention also relates to a process for the production of these polyuretidiones and their use in pseudo-one and two component coating compositions.

Abstract: High quality, consistent polyurethane froth foams, both filled and unfilled, are prepared by directing polyol, isocyanate, and optionally other polyurethane-forming ingredients to a high pressure mix head prior to introducing the mixture to a froth foaming head. Changes in stoichiometry may be made rapidly without shut-down. An in-line blender incorporated filler into the polyol stream minimizing density differentials normally encountered in the holding tank, maintaining low and reproducible viscosity, and allowing for greater amounts of filler than otherwise possible.

Abstract: Cured, thermoset plastic articles derived from scrap polyurethanes are disclosed. The polyurethane is converted to a liquified mixture containing digested polyurethane and cyclic, unsaturated anhydride. A Lewis acid then catalyzes insertion of the cyclic, unsaturated anhydride into the polyether backbone of the polyurethane to give a liquid, unsaturated resin. The unsaturated resin can cured with a vinyl monomer in the presence of a free-radical initiator to give a cured, thermoset plastic.

Abstract: The catalytic performance of a supported silver catalyst in a propylene epoxidation process is improved by first contacting the catalyst at an elevated temperature with a treatment stream comprised of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide-treated catalyst is thereafter contacted with a feedstream containing propylene, molecular oxygen, but essentially no carbon dioxide under conditions effective to form propylene oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are new coatings compositions based on an HDI isocyanurate or biuret polyisocyanate and a bis(imine) reaction product of a diaminoalkane containing between two and five carbon atoms with an alkyl aldehyde containing between four and seven carbon atoms (advantageously a bis(imine) product of the reaction of 1,4-diaminobutane and isobutyraldehyde). The latter bis(imine) is completely miscible in HDI isocyanurate and biuret polyisocyanates, and, as a reactive diluent, allows the preparation of high performance coatings formulations that require only small amounts of solvents to achieve a conveniently sprayable viscosity.

Abstract: Microcellular polyurethane elastomer shoe sole components have exceptional physical properties may be prepared from isocyanate-terminated prepolymers derived from polyoxypropylene diols having a molecular weight of from about 2000 Da to 8000 Da, an unsaturation less than about 0.02 meq/g, and a random oxyethylene content of from about 5 to about 15 weight percent. The shoe sole components exhibit high tensile strength, elongation, resilience, and in addition have excellent tear strength, particularly 90.degree. angle tear.

Abstract: A process for making polyetherester resins is disclosed. A glycol ester of an aromatic diacid such as terephthalic acid is reacted with a polyether and a source of a dicarboxylic acid such as maleic anhydride to produce a polyetherester resin, wherein the aromatic diester content may be conveniently adjusted as desired. The process permits the preparation of unsaturated polyetherester resins with relatively high levels of terephthalate repeating units while avoiding the difficulties associated with the direct use of terephthalic acid in previously known procedures. Such unsaturated polyetheresters are useful for making thermoset resins with excellent mechanical and physical properties.

Abstract: Unique, well defined polyethers containing both hydroxyl-functionality and unsaturation-functionality are prepared by oxyalkylating an unsaturated monomer having at least one oxyalkylatable hydrogen in the presence of an effective amount of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst, optionally, when necessary, in the presence of a free radical polymerization inhibitor. The resulting polyethers are eminently suitable for such uses as polymer polyol stabilizers or stabilizer precursors, and both in situ and ex situ impact modifiers for thermoplastics.

Abstract: Propylene is separated from the methanol present as a solvent in a crude olefin epoxidation product by means of an extractive distillation wherein a relatively heavy polar solvent having hydroxy groups such as water or propylene glycol is used as the extractive solvent. The method is also useful for removing water and impurities such as acetaldehyde from the propylene oxide.

Abstract: Elastomers exhibiting decreased demold times and improved green strength are prepared by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with a monodisperse polyoxypropylene diol having ultra-low unsaturation, and preferably prepared by the double metal cyanide.t-butyl alcohol catalyzed polymerization of propylene oxide. Further improved demold times and elevated elastomer physical properties are made possible by the use of multidisperse polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol blends having an overall unsaturation of less than 0.010 meq/g and a polydispersity of about 1.4 or greater.

Abstract: An olefin epoxidation process is operated using a plurality of reactor vessels, each containing a fixed bed of a heterogeneous catalyst such as titania-on-silica. The reactor vessels are connected in series whereby a feedstream comprised of olefin and an active oxygen species is passed through said series of reactor vessels in contact with the heterogeneous catalyst to accomplish conversion of the olefin to the corresponding epoxide. As the activity of the catalyst in an individual reactor vessel falls to an undesirably low level, said reactor vessel is taken out of service and a replacement reactor vessel containing fresh or regenerated catalyst introduced. The replacement reactor vessel may, in alternative embodiments of the process, be the first or the last reactor vessel in said series. For example, the feedstream may first be contacted with either the most active or the least active charge of catalyst within the series of reactor vessels.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing a light organic compound from a liquid composition comprising said light organic compound in admixture with a nitroaromatic compound, said light organic compound having a partial vapor pressure in said composition that is greater than the partial vapor pressure of said nitroaromatic compound in said composition, said process comprising contacting said composition with steam or a gas to cause at least a portion of said light organic compound to pass out of said composition and into admixture with said steam or gas.