Abstract: A process for producing 1,3-butadiene which comprises feeding a fraction comprising C.sub.4 -paraffins and C.sub.4 -olefins as the main components and being free from isobutene, 1,3-butadiene and C.sub.4 -acetylenes to a dehydrogenation or oxidative dehydrogenation step (step A), where the n-butenes contained therein is converted to 1,3-butadiene; feeding the 1,3-butadiene-containing hydrocarbon fraction thus obtained (fraction C) to an extractive distillation column (column B), in which said fraction C is distilled in an atmosphere of a selective solvent while obtaining a fraction comprising C.sub.

Abstract: A process for removing asphaltenes present in cat cracker bottoms is disclosed. Basically, the process requires removal of at least a portion of the polynuclear aromatic oils present in the cat cracker bottom, for example, by vacuum stripping, whereby the asphaltenes are thereafter capable of being extracted from the so-treated cat cracker bottom. Heat soaking of the asphaltene-free cat cracker bottom results in a pitch particularly suitable for carbon artifact manufacture.

Abstract: A process and a product of the process for preparing a pitch suitable for carbon artifact manufacture features a pitch having a weight content of between 80 and 100 percent toluene insolubles. The pitch is derived from a deasphaltenated middle fraction of a feedstock, such as a cat cracker bottom. The middle fraction is rich in 4, 5 and 6 polycondensed aromatic rings. The pitch is characterized as being relatively free of impurities and ash.

Abstract: Lubricant compositions adapted for use under extreme pressure conditions comprising a major proportion of a lubricating grease, and a minor proportion of an additive consisting essentially of a solid, oil insoluble arylene sulfide polymer, and a metal salt, particularly an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt, particularly an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a phosphorus acid, for example, mono- or dicalcium phosphate, or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate exemplified by calcium carbonate, or a mixture of such a phosphate salt and carbonate.

Abstract: Lubricating oils containing certain hydroxyl-containing acid esters have been found to be effective friction modifiers and to aid in the reduction of fuel consumption in internal combustion engines.