Abstract: A process for the liquid-phase hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to .gamma.-butyrolactone in the presence of a catalyst composed of cobalt oxide and palladium on a support of silica.

Abstract: A process for the production of C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alcohols via the direct hydration of olefins in the presence of water, and acid or a strongly acidic solid with the separation of aqueous crude alcohols from the reaction product.

Abstract: Supported olefin conversion catalysts are activated by a method which comprises calcining the catalyst, impregnating the calcined catalyst with an alcoholic solution of an alkali metal salt, an alkali metal base or an alkali metal alcoholate and then recalcining the catalyst.

Abstract: A grease which has improved stability at high temperature is provided by incorporating in an otherwise conventional grease a lithium soap of a hydroxy-stearic acid and an alkali borate. The grease is made by adding lithium tetraborate directly to a mixture comprising a lithium soap of a hydroxy-fatty acid and lubricating oil wherein the resulting mixture has from about 5 to 20 percent by weight of the lithium soap and from about 0.1 to 3 percent by weight of lithium tetraborate.

Abstract: Process for the production of film forming synthetic resins for hair fixative compositions by reacting a methylolated 5,5-dialkylhydantoin containing 1-5 carbon atoms in each alkyl group at an elevated temperature in the presence of a bifunctional acid amide and/or amine. Hair fixative compositions containing 2-10% by weight of the resin product as the major or sole resin compound.

Abstract: Process for the production of an aliphatic alcohol comprising reacting an olefin having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms with sulfuric acid to form an ester reaction product, diluting said product with water and steam stripping to remove a lower aliphatic alcohol overhead leaving a dilute sulfuric acid solution, concentrating said dilute sulfuric acid solution in a first stage indirect evaporator, recycling the steam generated in this first stage evaporator to the steam stripping step, further concentrating the sulfuric acid solution in a second stage direct heat evaporator to form a concentrated sulfuric acid solution and recycling said concentrated sulfuric acid solution for reaction with fresh olefin feed.

Abstract: Unsaturated hydrocarbons are separated from liquid mixtures containing same by adsorbing the unsaturated compound using a metal-loaded macroporous exchange resin and desorbing the unsaturated compound using a normally gaseous hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A process for converting .gamma.-butyrolactone to tetrahydrofuran by treating the lactone with hydrogen in the presence of a cobalt-copper chromite catalyst at elevated pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of chip boards especially multi-layer chip boards, using condensation resins as binders, and the products thereof the improvement including wetting powdered adhesive particles before applying the adhesive particles to wood chips.

Abstract: A process for purifying a primary monoalcohol being admixed with diol impurities containing primary and secondary hydroxyl groups without appreciably affecting the primary hydroxyl groups of said admixture, which comprises passing a mixture of said diol and said monoalcohol at a temperature of about 170.degree. to 220.degree.C in the liquid phase over a gamma-alumina catalyst.

Abstract: Aromatic compounds can be separated from slack wax in a continuous cyclic process using a macroporous metal ion loaded cation exchange resin involving successive steps of adsorption, purge, desorption and purge.

Abstract: The interface between two fluids such as oil and water in an underground cavern may be detected by placing a gelled substance containing a source of gamma radiation at the interface and detecting the emissions from the gelled substance.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for the production of a single-component resin powder useful in electrostatic spray coating processes by the formation of partially esterified and alkoxylated copolymers obtained through the reaction of vinyl-aromatic hydrocarbons with alpha, beta-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydrides which are subsequently half-esterified and thereafter the resultant carboxyl group of which is alkoxylated with C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkene oxides. Said copolymer is reacted with a monoblocked diisocyanate between 110.degree. and 130.degree.C in the melt form until said single-component resin powder is formed.

Abstract: A process for converting maleic anhydride to .gamma.-butyrolactone by treating the anhydride with hydrogen in the presence of co-catalysts comprising palladium and nickel-copper chromite at elevated pressures and temperatures.

Abstract: Substituted cyclohexene-2-ones are prepared by reacting a cyanoethylated ketone, such as 1,1,1-tri-beta-cyanoethyl acetone, in a polar solvent, e.g., methanol or water, in the presence of a catalyst. The compounds formed are useful in the production of cyclic amino acids, esters, hydroxy acids, as modifiers and as hardeners for phenolic and epoxide resins and as additives for lubricating oils.

Abstract: Wood materials are prepared, characterised by improved resistance to hot water and by high weather resistance, by combining wood products with a phenol-aldehyde resin and alkylene carbonate hardener, the latter being incorporated in said resin as an aqueous formaldehyde solution.

Abstract: Mineral oils containing small amounts (less than 2 weight percent) of normal paraffins may be urea dewaxed to produce refrigerator oils having Freon cloud or flock points of at least minus 55.degree.C. by utilizing large excesses of the amount of crystalline urea theoretically required for complete conversion of the n-paraffins into solid adduct and conducting the adduct formation under conditions of vigorous agitation.

Abstract: Alkyl-substituted unsaturated .delta.-lactams are obtained by contacting monocyanoethylated ketones with an aqueous acid solution and permitting them to react. Alkyl-substituted unsaturated .delta.-lactams of this invention are valuable intermediate products useful for organic synthesis in the production of pharmaceuticals and plastics.

Abstract: A method for consolidating an oil-bearing formation by the use of a consolidating material together with a combustion promoter whereby oxidation occurs upon the injection of an oxygen-containing gas, thereby affecting consolidation of the formation.