Abstract: The invention describes methods of preparation and compositions of plasticizers. The ketal diester products described are useful as components of polymer compositions. The products are excellent plasticizers for a variety of polymers, such as poly(vinylchloride) plastisols.

Abstract: The invention describes processes to selectively remove or reduce the mineral acid content substantially from compositions comprising a solvent and levulinic acid, wherein the levulinic acid was derived from the reaction between various biomass materials and a mineral acid or an organic acid catalyst.

Abstract: The invention describes methods of preparation and compositions of plasticizers. The plasticizers include at least 2 alkyl ketal ester moieties and have a molecular weight of greater than 300. In one aspect, the alkyl ketal ester moieties are levulinic ester ketals. Certain compositions contain at least one of an antioxidant, a UV stabilizer, a thermal stabilizer or mixtures thereof, present in the composition from about 0.01 to about 5.0 percent by weight of the total composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyhydroxy ketal adduct obtained by the esterification of a hydrocarbon polyol by at least 1.5 equivalents of a ketocarboxy to produce an intermediate ketocarboxylic ester. The intermediate polyketocarboxylic ester is then ketalized to produce the polyhydroxyketal adduct, which can be used to provide a polymeric composition.

Abstract: The invention describes processes to prepare levulinic acid, formic acid and/or hydroxymethyl furfural from various biomass materials.

Abstract: A method for producing a product that comprises glycerol ketal of ethyl levulinate or propylene glycol ketal of ethyl levulinate comprises reacting either glycerol or propylene glycol with ethyl levulinate in the presence of a homogenous or heterogeneous catalyst system in a reactor system. The ethyl levulinate and either glycerol or propylene glycol are heated to remove water, polyol, and excess ethyl levulinate. The excess ethyl levulinate and polyol is recycled back to the reactor. The product is distilled in a specific fashion and optionally treated by means of a stabilizing agent or acid species removal bed, to obtain a composition comprising glycerol ketal of ethyl levulinate or propylene glycol ketal of ethyl levulinate wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 2 wt % contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to formulations including a polymer and a plasticizer composition. The plasticizer composition is a blend of an alkyl ketal ester plasticizer and a second plasticizer selected from a cycloaliphatic compound, an ortho phthalate compound, a terephthalate compound, a benzoate ester compound, and a bio-based compound. The plasticizer composition is at least 10% by weight of the total of the polymer and the plasticizer composition.

Abstract: Personal care formulations containing alkyl ketal esters having the structure wherein a is 0 or an integer of 1 to 12; b is 0 or 1; R2 is a divalent C1-8 group optionally substituted with up to 5 hydroxyl groups; and R1 is C1-6 alkyl.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dispersion comprising a liquid or semi-solid continuous phase, a dispersed solid phase comprising a plurality of organic, inorganic or inorganic-organic particles, and an alkyl ketal ester having the structure wherein a is 0 or an integer of 1 to 12, specifically 1 to 6, more specifically 1 to 4; b is 0 or 1; R2 is a divalent C1-8 group optionally substituted with up to 5 hydroxyl groups; and R1 is C1-6 alkyl, and wherein at least a portion of the alkyl ketal ester is present in the continuous phase, on a surface of at least some of the dispersed particles, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning or personal care composition containing at least one of 1,4-pentanediol and a ketal alcohol of formula (1) wherein R2 is hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl, each R3, R4, and R5 is independently hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl, R6 and R7 are each independently hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl, a=0-3, and b=0-1. R2 is hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl, each R3, R4, and R5 is independently hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl, each R6 and R7 is independently hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with at least one hydroxyl groups, a=1-6, and b=0-2.

Abstract: The invention describes processes to prepare levulinic acid, formic acid and/or hydroxymethyl furfural from various biomass materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fragrant formulation comprising a fragrant composition, and an alkyl ketal ester. Disclosed herein too are methods for manufacturing the fragrant formulation.