Abstract: The catalyst system disclosed herein comprises a combination or a chelate of a hydrocarbyl lithium compound with a dialkylaminoaldehyde dialkyl acetal having the formula R'.sub.2 N--A--CH(OR.sub.2) wherein R and R' are alkyl groups of 1-3 carbon atoms and A is a divalent aliphatic group of 1-10, preferably 1-3 carbon atoms, with a direct linkage of no more than 3 carbon atoms between the N and the --CH(OR).sub.2 group. This catalyst system is particularly useful in the polymerization of vinyl compounds such as ethylene, propylene, styrene, butadiene, etc. The process for the polymerization of conjugated dienes produces polymers of excellent properties. For example, with butadiene-1,3 and other appropriate conditions, polybutadiene with high percentages of 1,2-polybutadiene structure are produced.

Abstract: The catalyst system disclosed herein comprises a combination or a chelate of a hydrocarbyl lithium compound with a dialkylaminoaldehyde dialkyl acetal having the formula R'.sub.2 N-A-CH(OR.sub.2) wherein R and R'are alkyl groups of 1-3 carbon atoms and A is a divalent aliphatic group of 1-10, preferably 1-3 carbon atoms, with a direct linkage of no more than 3 carbon atoms between the N and the --CH(OR).sub.2 group. This catalyst system is particularly useful in the polymerization of vinyl compounds such as ethylene, propylene, styrene, butadiene, etc. The process for the polymerization of conjugated dienes produces polymers of excellent properties. For example, with butadiene-1,3 and other appropriate conditions, polybutadiene with high percentages of 1,2-polybutadiene structure are produced.

Abstract: When polyphosphazenes are exposed to elevated temperatures, their physical properties often deteriorate. The addition of a stabilizing compound represented by the structure: ##STR1## wherein W is --CRR'-CRR'-- or ##STR2## AND WHEREIN R and R' are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, acyl or a mixture thereof, and M is zinc or magnesium; to polyphosphazene rubbers result in improved retention of the physical properties of such polyphosphazenes. Further, the use of additives of this type does not adversely affect the ability of peroxy compounds to cure the polyphosphazenes to form vulcanizates.Especially useful compounds represented by the above structural formula are zinc or magnesium 1,2-bis(2-oxybenzylideneamino)ethylene.

Abstract: The incorporation of a metal salt of a fatty acid and/or organic sulfonic acid into a polybutadiene resin greatly enhances the resistance thereof to thermoxidative deterioration.

Abstract: The incorporation of a combination of [1] a bromine-releasing flame-retarding compound (e.g., tetrabromobenzene, hexabromobenzene, decabromodiphenyl oxide, etc.) and [2] a zinc O,O-dihydrocarbyl phosphorodithioate (e.g., a dialkyl or diaryl derivative) or a chelated complex containing vanadium (III) or manganese (II) (e.g., such as acetonylacetonate, etc.) in a polybutadiene resin, renders the resin flame resistant.