Abstract: A process for preparing alkyl glyceryl sulfonate includes fractionally distilling an alkyl glyceryl epoxide mixture to afford alkyl glyceryl epoxide of formula IV: where R is a C4-12 alkyl, in at least about 98.0% purity by weight with respect to epoxidized compounds, the epoxidized compounds comprising the alkyl glyceryl epoxide of formula IV, dimer alkyl glyceryl epoxide of formula V, and trimer alkyl glyceryl epoxide of formula VI: where R is a C4-12 alkyl; and reacting the at least about 98.0% alkyl glyceryl epoxide of formula IV with a mixture of an alkali bisulfite and an alkali sulfite in a sulfonation reaction at a temperature, to afford the alkyl glyceryl sulfonate of formula I: where R is a C4-12 alkyl and M is an alkali metal.

Abstract: A process for preparing biodegradable, high humidity resistant crosslinked starch esters comprising reacting starch with monocarboxylic acid anhydride in a caustic catalyzed system to a DS of about 1.3 to 2.7 and crosslinking the starch ester in the same reaction mixture with polyfunctional acid and/or anhydride.

Abstract: A method of preparing a hot melt adhesive composition comprising a starch ester having a DS (degree of substitution) of 0.3 to 3.0 and a selected non-volatile, organic diluent wherein the starch ester is a wetcake having 40% or more by weight of moisture.

Abstract: A formaldehyde-free latent crosslinking monomer represented by the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, or R.sup.4 --C(O)--; and R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aryl, contains an allyl group capable of undergoing addition copolymerization and a dialkoxy ethyl group capable of crosslinking under acidic conditions. The monomer can be copolymerized with comonomers to form emulsion polymers for use as formaldehyde-free binders in nonwoven textiles. Methods for the preparation of the monomer, the polymers, and the nonwoven fabrics are described.

Abstract: A formaldehyde-free latent crosslinking monomer represented by the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, or R.sup.4 --C(O)--; and R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aryl, contains an allyl group capable of undergoing addition copolymerization and a dialkoxy ethyl group capable of crosslinking under acidic conditions. The monomer can be copolymerized with comonomers to form emulsion polymers for use as formaldehyde-free binders in nonwoven textiles. Methods for the preparation of the monomer, the polymers, and the nonwoven fabrics are described.

Abstract: A semi-continuous process for the manufacture of acetals of chloroacetaldehyde is described. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, chloroacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal is prepared by introducing chlorine and vinyl acetate through separate inlets into the upper opening of a cooled vertical packed column to form an intermediate product. The intermediate flows through the column, and optionally a static mixer, into a cooled batch reactor precharged with an excess of methanol to form the crude acetal product. Isolation and purification of the product is accomplished by known batch-type procedures.

Abstract: A semi-continuous process for the manufacture of acetals of alpha-halogenated aldehydes is described. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, chloroacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal is prepared by introducing chlorine and a mixture of vinyl acetate and an excess of methanol through separate inlets into a reaction site of a vertical packed column and collecting a low boiling distillate formed from by-product vapors and separately collecting the crude acetal product flowing downward from the reaction site.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium monomers and monomers copolymerizable therewith are reacted in the presence of anionic polymers to directly form a dry coacervate by a process which comprises forming a solution comprising the monomer(s), the anionic polymer, solvent(s) and a free-radical initiator and simultaneously polymerizing and drying the solution at a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent.

Abstract: Graft copolymers of cellulose derivatives and N,N-diallyl,N-N-dialkyl ammonium chlorides or bromides are prepared using a dry or substantially solvent-free system by impregnating a concentrated aqueous solution of the N,N-diallyl-N,N-dialkyl ammonium halide, water soluble surfactant and catalyst onto the dry cellulose substrate, heating the reaction mass for sufficient time to achieve polymerization and then drying.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium monomers and monomers copoylmerizable therewith are reacted in the presence of anionic polymers to directly form a dry coacervate by a process which comprises forming a solution comprising the monomer(s), the anionic polymer, solvent(s) and a free-radical initiator and simultaneously polymerizing and drying the solution at a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent.

Abstract: Homo- and copolymers of quaternary ammonium monomers are prepared directly in dry form by a process which comprises forming a solution of the monomer(s), solvent and a free-radical initiator and simultaneously polymerizing the monomers and drying the solution at a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent.