Abstract: Processes for converting glycerol to an amino alcohol product involving reacting glycerol with a metal catalyst to obtain hydroxyacetone, and reacting the hydroxyacetone with an amine compound to obtain an adduct that is then reduced using a reducing agent to obtain an amino alcohol product are described.

Abstract: Principal solvents, especially mono-ol and diol principal solvents, having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, preferably from about 0.25 to about 0.62, and more preferably from about 0.40 to about 0.60, are disclosed that have the ability to make clear aqueous fabric softener compositions containing relatively high concentrations of fabric softener actives having ester linkages in their long, hydrophobic chains. The fabric softener actives are either unsaturated, or have intermediate length chains (˜C12-14) and the said principal solvents are used at levels of less than about 40%. Other solvents may be present. Some of the said principal solvents are novel compounds and/or novel mixtures. Premixes of the fabric softening actives, the principal solvents, and, optionally, other solvents are useful in the preparation of complete formulations by obviating/limiting the need for heating.

Abstract: Principal solvents, especially mono-ol and diol principal solvents, having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, preferably from about 0.25 to about 0.62, and more preferably from about 0.40 to about 0.60, are disclosed that have the ability to make clear aqueous fabric softener compositions containing relatively high concentrations of fabric softener actives having ester linkages in their long, hydrophobic chains. The fabric softener actives are either unsaturated, or have intermediate length chains (˜C12-14) and the said principal solvents are used at levels of less than about 40%. Other solvents may be present. Some of the said principal solvents are novel compounds and/or novel mixtures. Premixes of the fabric softening actives, the principal solvents, and, optionally, other solvents are useful in the preparation of complete formulations by obviating/limiting the need for heating.

Abstract: Novel fatty acids and derivatives thereof such as salts, new surfactant systems comprising one or more of these compounds, consumer products such as laundry products, personal care products, pharmaceutical compositions, industrial cleaners, and the like comprising said compounds or surfactant systems.

Abstract: Process for the conversion of sodium bromide to anhydrous hydrobromic acid and sodium bisulfate, said process with the following sequential steps: reaction of sodium bromide and sulfuric acid in a solution of water to produce hydrobromic acid and sodium bisulfate wherein the conversion of sodium bromide is greater than about 99%; adsorption of iron bromide onto a solid adsorbent; separation of hydrobromic acid and water from the sodium bisulfate; separation and drying of hydrobromic acid; and solidification of the sodium bisulfate into a flaked or granular form.