Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an odorless and colorless industrial grade propylene glycol from glycerol obtained during the manufacturing of biodiesel. The process includes hydrogenating the glycerol to form a hydrogenated product, distilling the hydrogenated product to form a glycol product, and contacting the glycol product with a treatment bed. The propylene glycol may be used in various industrial and consumer applications and products such as personal care products.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for forming ester based compositions. The ester based compositions may be used in consumer products. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing acyl alkylisethionate esters by the esterification of a sulfonate composition having two or more sulfonate isomers with fatty acid(s). In another aspect, a method is provided for forming an ester based composition including a blend of acyl alkylisethionate and acylisethionate esters.

Abstract: Amine compositions comprising sterically hindered amines and associated methods are provided. In some embodiments, amine compositions of the present disclosure may be useful for selective removal of H2S from an acidic gas stream.

Abstract: Polyurethanes made using compounds of formula A: Q-(R6)-M-(R7)-NR3R4 where Q is OH or NR1R2; M is O or NR5 where R5 is R1 or H; R1 is alkyl or an alkylene alcohol of from 1 to 6 carbons, especially CH3, CH2CH3, or CH2CH2OH; R2 is alkyl or an alkylene alcohol of from 1 to 6 carbons, especially CH3, CH2CH3, or —CH2CH2OH; R3 is hydrogen or alkyl of from 1 to 6 carbons, especially H, CH3 or CH2CH3; R4 is hydrogen; where R6 is an alkylene group of from 2 to 5 carbons; and wherein R7 is an alkylene group of from 2 to 5 carbons. Illustrative catalysts of this invention include but are not limited to N,N,N?-trimethylbis(aminoethyl)ether, dimethylaminoethoxypropylamine, and (3-aminopropyl)(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamine.

Abstract: A process includes receiving a process stream including at least about 80.0% by weight propylene glycol, and contacting the process stream with an absorbent material to produce a product stream. The absorbent material is configured to preferentially absorb ethylene glycol relative to propylene glycol.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst comprising vanadium, phosphorus, and oxygen having average vanadium valence less than about 4.10, and a method of preparing such catalyst, is provided. The catalyst has side crush strength of at least about 5 lbs. and improved yield of maleic anhydride from n-butane between about 1% and about 6% absolute. The catalyst is formed by exposing a conventional active VPO catalyst having average vanadium valence between about 4.10 and about 4.40 to an organic solvent having a dielectric constant between about 5 and about 55 under conditions that facilitate an oxidation-reduction reaction, reducing the valence of the vanadium below 4.10.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for limiting peak exotherm temperatures in epoxy systems comprising the step of: combining an amine hardener, an epoxy and a diluent to form an epoxy system, wherein the diluent is selected from the group consisting of: ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, delta-valerolactam, delta-valerolactone, gamma valerolactone, butyrolactam, beta butyrolactone, gamma butyrolactone, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for producing re-bonded polyurethane foam constructs that are useful in applications such as carpet underlayments. According to the invention, a tertiary amine is employed as a catalyst either alone, or preferably in combination with other catalysts in a binder which comprises an organic isocyanate and a polyol. Inclusion of a tertiary amine as a catalyst dramatically increases production throughput.

Abstract: A surface active agent comprising an arylated methyl ester of a fatty acid, or mixture of fatty acids, derived from biodiesel or a triglyceride source is disclosed. The fatty acid mixture is condensed to methyl esters and alkylated with aromatic substituents under Friedel-Crafts conditions. The alkylated methyl esters may be alkoxylated using a catalyst derived from fatty acids, alkaline earth salts, and strong acids. The resulting nonionic surfactant may also be sulfonated to produce one class of anionic surfactants. The alkylated methyl esters may also be directly sulfonated to produce another class of anionic surfactants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an etheramine mixture containing a monoether diamine and its method of production by alkyloxating an initiator with an alkylene oxide to produce a precursor polyol and reductively aminating the precursor polyol to form the etheramine mixture. The etheramine mixture may be used in variety of applications including as a curing agent for an epoxy resin or as a reactant in the production of polyurea materials.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbonate product including mixing a DMC and methanol mixture with an alcohol, reacting the DMC with the alcohol to form carbonate product, and removing a substantial portion of unreacted DMC and methanol. In one embodiment, the method may be repeated to reach a desired alcohol conversion by adding more DMC and methanol mixture.

Abstract: In another exemplary embodiment, an amine functional curing agent has an Amine Hydrogen Functionality (AHF) of at least 7 and an Amine-Hydrogen Equivalent Weight (AHEW) of at least about 50.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose using low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance surfactants as spray drift reduction agents and methods of using such agents.

Abstract: By the present invention, a surfactant system containing glyphosate has been created which can be used to yield formulations containing an ultra-high load of glyphosate, in which the glyphosate concentration is higher than previously possible in any agriculturally-acceptable formulation. Higher loadings are desirable to reduce shipping and container costs, as well as reduce wastes. The higher loading reduces storage requirements and allows the farmer to handle less volume of pesticide. The main advantage is that maximizing the loading minimizes the cost to deliver the active ingredient, which in turn maximizes economy in use of glyphosate.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel dispersants that are the reaction products of succinic anhydride-containing resins with certain amines. These water soluble dispersants have been found to be unique and highly effective dispersants for water insoluble agricultural suspension concentrate formulations.

Abstract: A method for enhanced oil recovery contacts a gas and an alkylene carbonate with a subterranean formation. The gas may be selected from any gas that is suitable for injection into a subterranean formation and has properties that allow for enhanced recovery of petroleum from a subterranean formation. The alkylene carbonate may be cyclic, straight chained, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst by selecting an active catalyst and contacting the active catalyst with one or more fluids containing an organic solvent or mixture of organic solvents. In one embodiment, each organic solvent has a dielectric constant within a range of about 5 to about 55 when measured at a temperature of 20° C. to 25° C. The catalyst thus prepared may be used in a process for preparing maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose polymeric dispersants that are the reaction product of a polymeric acid and a hydrophilic amine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an etheramine mixture containing a monoether diamine and its method of production by alkyloxating an initiator with an alkylene oxide to produce a precursor polyol and reductively aminating the precursor polyol to form the etheramine mixture. The etheramine mixture may be used in variety of applications including as a curing agent for an epoxy resin or as a reactant in the production of polyurea materials.

Abstract: A composition includes an agricultural component in an amount of at least about 27% by weight and a solvent composition in an amount not greater than about 55% by weight. The solvent composition includes an amide having a structure of Formula I: wherein R1 comprises a C3 to C15 hydrocarbon group, and wherein R2 and R3 comprise a C1 or higher hydrocarbon group.