Abstract: This invention is an improved two-stage method for producing phenol and acetone from cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) comprising decomposing cumene hydroperoxide in a first stage, and subjecting the product of the first stage to hydrogenation in a second stage; residual cumene hydroperoxide may be decomposed in the second stage, with or without recycling of acetone and/or part of the effluent of the second stage back to the first stage; cumene is also desirably recycled.

Abstract: A monomer-rich acrylic syrup is cast including about 10% to about 20% ground acrylic particles. During curing, the particles absorb over half their weight in monomer, and a cured sheet is formed in which the matrix monomer and uncrosslinked polymer form a phase which extends through the particles, while the particles appear to be fused together. Including a crosslinker in the syrup further insures the interpenetration of the matrix phase into the swollen particles. A textured surface is formed, which is useful as an anti-slip surface in bathtubs and shower stalls, after thermoforming.

Abstract: Mono and diallyl amines are silylated to protect them from reacting with high activity Ziegler-Natta catalysts so they may be copolymerized with propylene; copolymers of such amines with propylene and their hydrolyzed or alcholyzed counterparts; also the amine monomers disclosed.

Abstract: Phenolic compounds, particularly phenol, are aminated by reaction with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst made by calcining bayerite.

Abstract: Magnesium/aluminum synthetic anionic clay catalysts are made by spray-drying a slurry of a Mg/Al synthetic clay, making a plasticized mixture of the spray-dried clay with diatomaceous earth, forming, drying and calcining the formed dried mixture. The catalyst is useful for making isophorone by the condensation of acetone.

Abstract: Undesirable color change in freshly manufactured cumene hydroperoxide is inhibited by treatment comprising adding sodium hydroxide in an effective amount up to about 120 ppm and holding the treated cumene hydroperoxide at a temperature of about 50.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C. for 0.5 to two hours; optionally the cumene hydroperoxide so treated in the higher end of this caustic range is further treated with a wiped-film evaporator.

Abstract: Mono and diallyl amines are silylated to protect them from reacting with high activity Ziegler-Natta catalysts so they may be copolymerized with propylene; copolymers of such amines with propylene and their hydrolyzed or alcholyzed counterparts; also the amine monomers disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer dispersed liquid crystals are made by mixing liquid crystals into a syrup of polymethylmethacrylate dissolved in polymerizable monomers comprising methyl methacrylate, and polymerizing to monomers, to obtain finely dispersed micelles of liquid crystals which change refractive index in response to an electric field.

Abstract: Neopentyl glycol is made by reacting isobutyraldehyde with paraformaldehyde in the presence of a tertiary amine and cadmium or yttrium oxide; then hydrogenating the resulting reaction mixture containing hydroxypivaldehyde and at least about 20% 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropylhydroxypivalate.

Abstract: Mangesium/aluminum synthetic anionic clay catalysts are made by spray-drying a slurry of a Mg/Al synthetic clay, making a plasticized mixture of the spray-dried clay with diatomaceous earth, forming, drying and calcining the formed dried mixture. The catalyst is useful for making isophorone by the condensation of acetone.

Abstract: Neopentyl glycol is made from isobutyraldehyde and paraformaldehyde; the aldol reaction product is directly mixed with a lower alcohol for hydrogenolysis.

Abstract: Neopentyl glycol is made by reacting isobutyraldehyde with paraformaldehyde in the presence of a tertiary amine and one or more oxides of elements of Groups IB, IVA, IVB, VA, VB, VIB and VIII of the periodic table; then hydrogenating the resulting hydroxypivaldehyde-containing product.

Abstract: Silyl derivatives of eugenol include compositions of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from linear, branched, and cyclic hydrocarbon groups having a total of from one to about eight carbon atoms, except that where one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 or R.sup.3 is a phenyl group, the total of carbon atoms must be at least nine. They may be made by silylating the corresponding hydroxyl compound. They are useful as comonomers for olefins to introduce functional sites and may be copolymerized in Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems.

Abstract: Amination of phenolic compounds by ammonia is accomplished in the presence of a gamma alumina containing a small amount of fluoride.

Abstract: Method of preparing para-cumylphenol including reacting an excess of phenol with alpha-methylstyrene by the slow addition of alpha-methylstyrene to a 50% to 200% molar excess of phenol at a temperature from about 80.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. in the presence of an acid catalyst and thereafter maintaining the temperature at about 95.degree. to about 100.degree. C. to obtain a crude cumylphenol reaction product containing acid derived from the catalyst, and distilling the reaction product in the presence of an amount of base sufficient to neutralize the acid therein.

Abstract: Mesitylene (1,3,5 trimethylbenzene) is made by passing acetone in the vapor phase over a niobium catalyst. The catalyst is preferably made by impregnating a silica support with 2% niobium by weight and calcining for about 18 hours at about 550.degree. C. 70% selectivity is obtained at 60-80% by weight conversion.

Abstract: Impact resistant compositions are prepared by the incorporation of acrylic rubber particles (or multi-stage emulsion polymer particles containing a rubbery layer) in a predominantly methyl methacrylate matrix. The emulsion particles are prepared in water as a latex stabilized with anionic groups. The particles are transferred to a methyl methacrylate medium by destabilizing the latex with a quaternary ammonium salt and optionally a di- or multivalent inorganic salt. Impact resistant compositions are prepared by separating the water from the methyl methacrylate layer and polymerizing the methyl methacrylate.

Abstract: Impact resistant compositions are prepared by the incorporation of acrylic rubber particles (or multi-stage emulsion polymer particles containing a rubbery layer) in a predominantly methyl methacrylate matrix. The emulsion particles are prepared in water as a latex stabilized with anionic groups. The particles are transferred to a methyl methacrylate medium by destabilizing the latex with a quaternary ammonium salt and optionally a di- or multivalent inorganic salt. Impact resistant compositions are prepared by separating the water from the methyl methacrylate layer and polymerizing the methyl methacrylate.

Abstract: 2,6-hydroxynaphthoic acid is made by reacting 2-naphthol with cesium or rubidium hydroxide to obtain cesium or rubidium naphthoxide, and reacting the naphthoxide with CO.sub.2 in the presence of cesium or rubidium carbonate.

Abstract: Methyl isopropenyl ketone is produced from methyl ethyl ketone and paraformaldehyde under mild reaction conditions utilizing a catalyst comprising a halogen acid salt of a secondary amine and (a) a non-soluble solid oxide of an element selected from Groups IB, IIIA, IVA, IVB, VA, VB, VIB and VIII of the periodic table, or (b) a carboxylic acid. Temperatures of 120-150 and pressures of 700-1400 kpa are preferred; co-products may include ethyl vinyl ketone.