Abstract: Processes for synthesizing diacetone alcohol from acetone are provided. An exemplary process includes contacting acetone with a heterogeneous catalyst at a temperature of less than 100° C., to provide diacetone alcohol. The heterogeneous catalyst can include molecular sieves. Processes for synthesizing mesityl oxide from acetone are also provided.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to polycarbonate compositions and methods of manufacturing the polycarbonate compositions. In one exemplary embodiment, a polycarbonate composition of the present disclosure includes one or more polycarbonate polymers, one or more catalysts and one or more bi-functional additive agents, wherein the bi-functional additive has quenching and release activities.

Abstract: A method is provided for the preparation of polycarbonates by the reaction of a diaryl carbonate, such as DPC and a dihydric phenol, such as BPA. The method utilizes the steps of successively processing the diaryl carbonate and the dihydric phenol in a melt in a first reaction stage, a second reaction stage and at least a first polymerization stage, and shifts the processing conditions such that the desired low viscosity/high end-cap product is obtained. This is achieved by having the ratio of diaryl carbonate to dihydric phenol in the melt prior to the first reaction stage greater than 1.08; and by controlling the temperature and residence time in the first polymerization stage to provide a polycarbonate product having a melt flow rate at 250° C. of greater than 10 g/min and an end-cap level of at least 90%. The method of the invention can be used in a linear manufacturing process, in which there is one product produced.