Abstract: A process for preparing lower alkyl-halides from the reaction of HX and the corresponding lower alcohol, wherein X represents a halogen atom, comprises continuously feeding HX and a lower alcohol to a reactor maintaining the instantaneous molar ratio of HX to the alcohol greater than 3, and continuously distilling off lower alkyl-halide and water from the reactor, continuously separating the lower alkyl-halide and water and recycling part of the said water to the distillation column to abate HX distillation from the reactor. High acid concentration and temperatures are maintained to obtain high yields and rapid conversion of alkanols.

Abstract: A process is described according to which triaryl phosphates are prepared by the reaction of one or more phenols with H.sub.3 PO.sub.4, in the presence of a hard cation as a catalyst. Novel catalysts and catalyst precursors for this purpose are described.

Abstract: Novel flame-retardant composition incorporate as an active ingredient pentabromobenzylester monoacrylate, of a product of its in situ reaction.Articles made of flammable synthetic resins can be rendered flame-retarded by the incorporation of the novel flame-retandant compositions.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of 3-phenoxybenzylalcohol, 3-phenoxytoluene is reacted with dibromodimethylhydantoin in a non-polar solvent, followed by hydrolysis of the products of the first reaction step.The process provides highly pure 3-phenoxybenzylalcohol with high yields.

Abstract: The bis(4-halo-phthalic acid) quarter salt of formula ##STR1## wherein M is an alkali metal or ammonium, and X is a halogen atom is descibed. Further described is a process for its preparation and a method of purifying 4-halo-phthalic acid containing impurities, which comprises preparing therefrom a compound of formula I, separating the compound of formula I which precipitates from the mother liquor, washing it and recovering the 4-halo-phthalic acid.

Abstract: A catalyst for the asymmetric cyanohydrination of m-phenoxybenzaldehyde, comprises a catalytically effective amount of enantiomeric cyclo (phenylalanyl-histidine) adsorbed on a solid support comprising a non-ionic polymer resin.The catalyst is particularly useful as a catalyst in a process for the preparation of (s)-m-phenoxybenzaldehyde cyanohydrin, in which m-phenoxybenzaldehyde is reacted in a cyanohydrination solvent.

Abstract: A novel flame-retardant material is prepared by copolymerizing pentabromobenzyl-acrylate with a metal salt of a compound of Formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H or lower alkyl, and R.sub.2 is selected from H, lower alkyl and ##STR2## The novel flame retardant has improved thermal stability and is useful in a variety of uses, e.g. as a flame retardant in engineering plastics and styrenic.

Abstract: Phosphorus-based compositions useful as biocides for the control of a broad spectrum of harmful micoorganisms are disclosed. The compositions contain at least one compound of the general formula(RO).sub.2 P(O)CXYZwherein R is H, a C.sub.1-12 aliphatic hydrocarbon radical or a phenyl radical, X is H or halogen, Y is halogen, and Z is a substitutent selected from the group consisting of COOH, CN, COOR and CONR.sub.2, with the proviso that X and Y cannot both be C1. The effective concentrations of the biocides vary according to the specific system, generally being in the range of between 0.1 to 5000 parts per million of substrate. The compositions may be employed alone or in the form of mixtures with other known compatible active agents. The compositions show high biocidal activity against various microorganisms in comparison with known biocides.

Abstract: The novel compound 5,6,7,8-tetrabromo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene (tetrabromotetralin) of the formula: ##STR1## was prepared using 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene as the starting compound. Tetrabromotetralin was employed to prepare flame-retardant plastic compositions.

Abstract: A method is described for the inhibition of corrosion of carbon steels due to heavy brine corrosive attack, which employs As.sup.+z -containing composition.Corrosion inhibiting compositions comprising As.sup.+z, alone or in admixture with urea as a synergistic inhibitor, are also described.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of dimethyl octyl (or pentyl) para-amino benzoic acid is described. The method consists in the carbonylation of para-bromo-dimethyl aniline, in the absence of any promoter, in a reaction system having a pH of above 8 in the presence of an alcohol selected from octanol, pentanol or isomers thereof using a palladium catalyst on an inert support. The reaction is carried out at a temperature in the range of 140.degree. to 200.degree. C. and a pressure of between 1 to 5 atmospheres. The product obtained is characterized by its high purity being substantially free of any impurities.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing chloromethyl phenethyl bromide, in which phenethyl bromide is reacted with HCl and formaldehyde in the presence of zinc chloride as the catalyst, and in a chlorinated hydrocarbon as the solvent. The product is produced in yields in excess of 70%, the para isomer constituting more than 75% of the product which contains a mixture of ortho, meta and para isomers.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of 3,3'-oxy-bis{[2,2'-di(bromomethyl)]propanoic acid}of formula (1) ##STR1## in which Y represents OR, chlorine or NH--R and wherein R represents hydrogen or an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group, in which the alkyl, aryl and aralkyl groups are unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 5 bromine atoms, are described.The novel derivatives of the invention have improved thermal properties and a high content of bromine, and are particularly suitable as flame-retardant agents. Methods of preparation of these novel compounds are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire retardant polymer compositions obtained by the blending of monomeric N-tribromophenylmaleimide, as a fire retardant additive with a polymer. The preferred amount of bromine in the composition is above 0.5% by weight thereof. The polymer is selected from styrenic polymers and copolymers, polyolefine, rubbers, epoxy resins, plasticized PVC and polyurethane. If desired, one or more additional fire retardant(s) may be incorporated in the composition. Optionally, synergistic fire retardant additives such as antimony oxide, or organo-phosphorus compounds are also incorporated. The flame retardant polymer compositions have improved properties compared with those obtained with known flame retardant reagents. It was also unexpectedly found that the fire retardant additive provides to the polymer composition stability against ultraviolet light irradiation.

Abstract: Aqueous antimicrobial compositions in which dibromonitrilopropionamide is the active ingredient contain from 1% to the solubility limit of dibromonitrilopropionamide, from 5% to the solubility limit of water and a balance of up to 100% of a propylene glycol (all percentages being by weight). Tests on stability carried out on the aqueous antimicrobial compositions show that the rates of decomposition are completely satisfactory compared with the rates of decomposition of known compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flame retardant polymer compositions comprising a flammable polymer and an amount of between 1% to 40% by weight of tetrabromodipentaerythritol as flame retardant agent. Optionally, synergistic flame retardant additives such as antimony oxide are incorporated in the compositions. The flammable polymers are selected from polyolefins, polyamides and styrenic resins or mixtues thereof. The flame retardant agent according to the present invention imparts to the polymer compositions improved thermal aging behaviour, thermal stability and non blooming property, compared with known flame retardant agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of mixtures of 3-phenoxybenzyl bromide and 3-pnenoxybenzal bromide using dibromodimethylhydantoin as brominating agent. According to the process, the reaction between the m-phenoxytoluene and the brominating agent is carried out in a non-polar solvent at temperatures above 65 degrees C. The molar ratio between the reactants is selected in the range of between 0.5:1 to 1.25:1 of the brominating agent towards the 3-phenoxytoluene. In a preferred embodiment, a radical initiator is incorporated being selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet rays and compounds containing azo-groups, peroxides or mixtures thereof. According to a most preferred embodiment the addition of the free radical and of the brominating agent is carried out gradually. The process is characterized by its very high yield, the products obtained being of a very high quality.

Abstract: Normally flammable organic polymers are rendered flame retardant by the incorporation of compounds corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## wherein each X is independently Br or Cl. The normally flammable organic polymers are selected from polyolefin, such as polypropylene, epoxy resins, unsaturated polyesters and styrene-based resins. The sulfite ester of tribromo neopentyl alcohol is preferred.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds, useful as flame retardants for normally flammable organic polymers, which correspond to the formula: ##STR1## wherein each X is independently Br or Cl. The novel compounds may be prepared by the reaction of halogenated neopentyl alcohol with thionyl chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intumescent fire retardant compositions for polymers such as olefin polymers, polyester resins, polyurethane resins etc. According to the invention, the intumescent fire retardant compositions contain a thermolized product obtained from a system comprising P.sub.2 O.sub.5 or a P.sub.2 O.sub.5 -precursor together with triethanolamine. The ratio between the constituents is between 0.5 to 2.0 parts by weight P.sub.2 O.sub.5 to 1 part triethanolamine. The intumescent fire retardant compositions according to the present invention obviate the need for using of halogen-containing fire retardants which produce acid vapors during decomposition.