Abstract: The instant invention relates to a membrane solvent extraction and reaction system. More particularly it pertains to an improvement in the membrane solvent extraction system wherein a solute is extracted through a polymeric membrane from one solvent liquid phase to an extracting solvent liquid without direct contact between the liquid phases which are separated by the membrane and in which the extracting solvent has no greater solubility and usually substantially less solubility for the solute than the feed solvent. The impovement comprises converting the solute permeating across the membrane to a different chemical compound, whereby a high concentration gradient for the solute across the membrane is maintained to improve the separation of the solute from the feed solvent liquid phase.

Abstract: Hydroxyl compounds are oxyalkylated by contacting them with an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, in the presence of a perfluorocarbon polymer containing pendant sulfonic acid groups.

Abstract: This invention relates to oxyalkylations which take place in the presence of solid acid catalysts. More particularly this invention relates to increasing the selectivity of such processes employing a solid acid catalyst, preferably a polyfluorosulfonic acid catalyst, in which an hydroxylic compound reactant reacts with an alkylene oxide reactant to produce a desired mono-oxyalkylated product which tends to react with the alkylene oxide to produce an undesired second product.

Abstract: Exothermic hydroperoxide decomposition reactions catalyzed by solid polymeric acid catalysts are controlled by contacting the reactants with a thin film of the acid catalyst supported on the surface of an impermeable heat exchanger element and contacting the opposite side of the heat exchanger element with a heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to conversion processes which take place in the presence of solid acid catalysts, e.g., hydrocarbon conversion processes. More specifically, this invention relates to a process for the alkylation of organic compounds, preferably aromatic and paraffinic hydrocarbons, with alkylating agents, e.g., alkyl chlorides, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl epoxides, alkynes, etc., in the presence of a polyfluorosulfonic acid catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to conversion processes which take place in the presence of solid acid catalysts, e.g., hydrocarbon conversion processes. More specifically, this invention relates to a liquid phase process for the alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons, with olefin, e.g., ethylene, propylene, etc., in the presence of a polyfluorosulfonic acid catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the sulfonation of organic compounds comprises contacting an organic compound with a sulfonating agent while the organic compound and the sulfonating agent are substantially separated by a polymeric membrane containing pendant acidic groups.

Abstract: A solid fluorocarbon polymer containing pendant sulfonic acid groups and supported on a solid substrate is prepared using an intermediate which is either thermoplastic or soluble to a measurable extent in a solvent. The intermediate is formed into the desired shape and then the intermediate is converted as desired to the sulfonic acid form for use as a catalyst. A preferred embodiment is a solid polymeric acid catalyst consisting essentially of a thin film, less than 2 mils thick, of a solid perfluorocarbon polymer containing pendant acid groups and supported on the surface of a solid impermeable substrate such as a heat conductive metallic composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing an acid catalyst which comprises contacting a copolymer of perflurovinyl ether and tetrafluoroethylene containing pendant sulfonate groups with a strong acid having a pKa of less than 1 to convert said sulfonate groups into sulfonic acid groups, removing the excess strong acid and salt formed from such conversion, preferably by washing said sulfonic acid group containing polymer with a solvent in which said salt and said acid are soluble, and removing said solvent from said sulfonic acid group containing polymer. Preferably the strong acid is nitric acid, e.g., aqueous nitric acid, and said solvent is aqueous. The excess solvent may be removed by drying at a temperature of from 50 to 200 degrees C., preferably at reduced pressures. The use of the catalyst prepared by this method for isomerization of hydrocarbons, e.g., xylene, and dealkylation of alkylbenzenes, e.g., diethylbenzene and diisopropylbenzene are also claimed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the nitration of organic compounds, especially aromatic compounds, which comprises contacting said compound with a nitrating agent at conditions whereby a nitrated product is formed. The nitration agent and the compound are substantially separated by means of a polymeric membrane, said polymeric membrane preferably comprising sulfonic acid groups, pendant to the polymeric backbone. In a most preferred embodiment, the membrane is a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer. The use of this most preferred polymeric material as a membrane in the instant process allows the nitration of aromatic organic compounds to take place without the incorporation of strong sulfuric acid in the nitrating agent.