Abstract: The present invention provides a process for synthesizing dimethyl sulfone by the oxidation of dimethyl sulfoxide with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Polyol blend compositions are provided containing a polyester polyol, especially an aromatic polyester polyol, a compatibilizing block copolymer of ethylene oxide and at least one other alkylene oxide having three or more carbon atoms in the molecule, the block copolymer being terminated by ethylene oxide blocks, and optionally other polyols. The blends are miscible with halohydrocarbon blowing agents such as trichlorofluoromethane and suitable for reaction with polyisocyanates to give polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foams.

Abstract: Polyol blend compositions are provided containing a polyester polyol, especially an aromatic polyester polyol, a compatibilizing block copolymer of ethylene oxide and at least one other alkylene oxide having three or more carbon atoms in the molecule, the block copolymer being terminated by ethylene oxide blocks, and optionally other polyols. The blends are miscible with halohydrocarbon blowing agents such as trichlorofluoromethane and suitable for reaction with polyisocyanates to give polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A storage stable polyester polyol mixture is prepared by digesting polyalkylene terephthalate, particularly polyethylene terephthalate, with a digesting medium comprising a polycarboxylic acid component-containing polyol, wherein the polycarboxylic acid component has ring units with two ##STR1## groups on adjacent or alternate ring positions, the ring unit content of the polycarboxylic acid component being sufficient for improved storage stability of the digestion product. The polyester polyol mixture is useful in the preparation of cellular foam materials, particularly polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A storage stable polyester polyol mixture is prepared by(a) digesting polyethylene terephthalate with a digesting medium comprising a polycarboxylic acid component-containing polyol derived from a digesting polycarboxylic acid component and a digesting polyol component to form a digested polyol mixture and liberate ethylene glycol from said polyethylene terephthalate, and(b) distilling from said digested polyol mixture the amount of liberated ethylene glycol sufficient for improved storage stability of the mixture.The polyester polyol mixture is useful in the preparation of cellular foam materials, particularly polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A storage-stable premix composition for use in a foam-forming reaction with an organic polyisocyanate in the manufacture of a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam comprising(a) at least one polyol,(b) at least one halogenated organic blowing agent,(c) at least one amine catalyst, and(d) a stabilizing amount of at least one polyvalent metal-containing organometallic compound.Some organometallic compounds of the invention have a slight catalytic effect but do not have the pronounced activity of conventional urethane and isocyanurate catalysts such as dibutyltin dilaurate and stannous octoate.

Abstract: A storage stable polyester polyol mixture is prepared by(a) digesting polyethylene terephthalate with a digesting medium comprising a polycarboxylic acid component-containing polyol derived from a digesting polycarboxylic acid component and a digesting polyol component to form a digested polyol mixture and liberate ethylene glycol from said polyethylene terephthalate, and(b) distilling from said digested polyol mixture the amount of liberated ethylene glycol sufficient for improved storage stability of the mixture.The polyester polyol mixture is useful in the preparation of cellular foam materials, particularly polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A polyester polyol suitable for use in a foam-forming reaction with an organic polyisocyanate in the manufacture of a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam, the polyester polyol being the reaction product of polycarboxylic acid and polyol components, wherein the polyol component solely or partially comprises an oxyalkylated polyol selected from the group consisting of(a) at least one oxyalkylated polyol having at least one primary and at least one secondary hydroxyl group, and(b) an oxyalkylated polyol mixture containing at least one oxyalkylated polyol having at least one primary and at least one secondary hydroxyl group.