Abstract: A catalytic process for the formylation, in the 2-position, of optionally substituted phenols, particularly 4-nonylphenol, using a catalyst comprising a tin phenoxide and a tertiary amine.

Abstract: A liquid diphenylmethane diisocyanate composition which comprises diphenylmethane diisocyanate in which from 10 to 35% of the isocyanate groups have been reacted with a mixture of alkylene glycols each containing at least three carbon atoms, one of the glycols being dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol or a higher propylene glycol. The composition is made by heating together the reactants.

Abstract: A process for reducing the cyclohexanone content of crude aniline that has been prepared by the catalytic hydrogenation of nitrobenzene comprising treating the crude aniline with phosphoric acid or an alkyl or chloroalkyl ester thereof.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of isocyanate groups to carbodiimide groups which comprises contacting the compound containing the isocyanate groups with a cyclic phosphorus compound which catalyses said conversion in the presence of a nitrogeneous base and the use of the products thereof in the manufacture of isocyanate-based polymers.

Abstract: A composition of matter which comprises a compound containing one or more ester groups, especially a polyester polyol or a polyester-urethane, and, as a stabilizer against hydrolysis, an isourea or an isocyanate adduct thereof.

Abstract: A diphenylmethane diisocyanate composition which comprises diphenylmethane diisocyanate, a diphenylmethane diisocyanate uretonimine group-containing derivative, a reaction product of diphenylmethane diisocyanate and a diol of molecular weight less than 175 and optionally not more than 10% by weight of methylene bridged polyphenyl polyisocyanates of isocyanate functionality higher than two, the composition having an isocyanate functionality of not more than 2.3. Methods of manufacture of such compositions, which compositions are useful for the manufacture of polyurethanes.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of isocyanate groups in a refined organic isocyanate into carbodiimide groups which comprises heating said organic isocyanate with a catalyst of the formula: ##STR1## or the 2,3 or 3,4-mono-unsaturated analogues thereof, wherein R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group, R.sup.1 to R.sup.8 which may be the same or different are hydrogen, chlorine or lower alkyl, X and Y may be chlorine or bromine or X and Y taken together may represent the divalent atoms =O or =S or the divalent radial =N aryl, followed by deactivation of the catalyst by adsorption on a substrate or by addition of one or more of the halides of hydrogen, phosphorus or tin or an oxyhalide of phosphorus or sulphur. When only partial conversion takes place the carbodiimides react with further isocyanate groups to give uretonimines. The products are useful for the manufacture of polymers especially microcellular polyurethanes.

Abstract: A tertiary amine having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein X is the residue of an organic acid X(OH).sub.n, n being the number of acidic groups present in the acid. The amines are useful as catalysts in the production of polyurethanes.