Abstract: A method for making 2,6-xylenol is described. One embodiment of the method comprises: preparing a magnesium-based solid catalyst composition by dry-blending basic magnesium carbonate with at least one filler; forming the catalyst composition into a suitable catalyst-shape; calcining the shaped catalyst at a temperature in the range of about 350° C. to about 550° C.; and reacting phenol and methanol in the presence of the catalyst, to form 2,6-xylenol. The level of chlorides in the magnesium carbonate is less than about 250 ppm, and the level of calcium in the magnesium carbonate is less than about 2,500 ppm.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyphenylene ether resin is described. In one embodiment the method comprises: preparing a magnesium-based alkylation catalyst, by dry-blending at least one filler with a magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination; calcining the alkylation catalyst; reacting a phenolic compound and an alkyl alcohol in the presence of the alkylation catalyst, to form a 2,6-alkyl-disubstituted phenolic compound; and oxidatively coupling the 2,6-alkyl-disubstituted phenolic compound in the presence of a suitable polymerization catalyst, to form the polyphenylene ether resin.

Abstract: A method for making 2,6-xylenol is described. One embodiment of the method comprises: preparing a magnesium-based solid catalyst composition by dry-blending basic magnesium carbonate with at least one filler; forming the catalyst composition into a suitable catalyst-shape; calcining the shaped catalyst at a temperature in the range of about 350° C. to about 550° C.; and reacting phenol and methanol in the presence of the catalyst, to form 2,6-xylenol. The level of chlorides in the magnesium carbonate is less than about 250 ppm, and the level of calcium in the magnesium carbonate is less than about 2,500 ppm.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyphenylene ether resin is described. In one embodiment the method comprises: preparing a magnesium-based alkylation catalyst, by dry-blending at least one filler with a magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination; calcining the alkylation catalyst; reacting a phenolic compound and an alkyl alcohol in the presence of the alkylation catalyst, to form a 2,6-alkyl-disubstituted phenolic compound; and oxidatively coupling the 2,6-alkyl-disubstituted phenolic compound in the presence of a suitable polymerization catalyst, to form the polyphenylene ether resin.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid catalyst composition is described. A magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination, and which includes reduced levels of chlorides and calcium, is dry-blended with at least one filler. Dry-blending is usually carried out in the absence of a promoter. A method for selectively alkylating at least one hydroxyaromatic compound by using the catalyst is also described. A typical product is 2,6-xylenol. Related processes for preparing polyphenylene ethers are described.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid catalyst composition is described. A magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination, and which includes reduced levels of chlorides and calcium, is dry-blended with at least one filler. Dry-blending is usually carried out in the absence of a promoter. A method for selectively alkylating at least one hydroxyaromatic compound by using the catalyst is also described. A typical product is 2,6-xylenol. Related processes for preparing polyphenylene ethers are described.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid catalyst composition is described. A magnesium reagent which yields magnesium oxide upon calcination, and which includes reduced levels of chlorides and calcium, is dry-blended with at least one filler. Dry-blending is usually carried out in the absence of a promoter. A method for selectively alkylating at least one hydroxyaromatic compound by using the catalyst is also described. A typical product is 2,6-xylenol. Related processes for preparing polyphenylene ethers are described.