Abstract: A method for direct synthesis of cyclic carbonates is achieved by reacting at least one epoxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a choline catalyst, such as choline chloride, under mild conditions such as a temperature between about 25° C. to 150° C. and a pressure of from about atmospheric to 75 psi (0.52 MPa), in a cyclic carbonate solvent. The choline catalyst may be the only catalyst used, and a co-catalyst or hydrogen bond donor is not necessary. The concentration of choline catalyst in the solvent ranges from about 0.5 mol % to about 10 mol %, based on the epoxide.

Abstract: A method for direct synthesis of cyclic carbonates is achieved by reacting at least one epoxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a choline catalyst, such as choline chloride, under mild conditions such as a temperature between about 25° C. to 150° C. and a pressure of from about atmospheric to 75 psi (0.52 MPa), in a cyclic carbonate solvent. The choline catalyst may be the only catalyst used, and a co-catalyst or hydrogen bond donor is not necessary. The concentration of choline catalyst in the solvent ranges from about 0.5 mol % to about 10 mol %, based on the epoxide.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of fatty acids and/or oils via emulsion polymerization techniques is performed in two stages. One or more suitable ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized in the first stage of an emulsion polymerization. The ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of fatty acids and/or oils are blended with other monomers and polymerized in a second stage of the polymerization reaction. A suitable surfactant is added to the polymerization mixture to facilitate formation of the emulsion. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is a hybrid surfactant, i.e., one having both anionic and non-ionic characteristics.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of fatty acids and/or oils via emulsion polymerization techniques is performed in two stages. One or more suitable ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized in the first stage of an emulsion polymerization. The ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of fatty acids and/or oils are blended with other monomers and polymerized in a second stage of the polymerization reaction. A suitable surfactant is added to the polymerization mixture to facilitate formation of the emulsion. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is a hybrid surfactant, i.e., one having both anionic and non-ionic characteristics.