Abstract: A rosin alcohol alkoxylated with 0-200 moles of at least one alkylene oxide selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, and combinations thereof per mole of alcohol is provided. A thickening agent and a method for making the thickening agent includes an alkoxylated rosin alcohol alkoxylated with 0-200 moles of at least one alkylene oxide selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, and combinations thereof per mole of alcohol where the alkoxylated rosin alcohol is reacted using a linking compound for linking at least two hydroxyl groups. The alkoxylated rosin alcohol and linking group may be reacted with a polyalkylene glycol. The alkoxylated rosin alcohol and thickening agent may be incorporated into an emulsion polymer or a polymer dispersion, or a paint or coating composition, as a wetting agent or rheology modifier, respectively.

Abstract: Blooming and/or syneresis in gel formulations can be reduced or eliminated by adding to an organic mixture an effective amount of a polyamide gelling agent having a softening point of less than about 105° C. wherein the polyamide is the reaction product of one or more diamines, optionally one or more mono-amines, one or more hydrogenated C36 dimer acids, optionally one or more C2-22 dicarboxylic acids, and optionally one or more C2-22 monocarboxylic acids.

Abstract: Blooming and/or syneresis in gel formulations can be reduced or eliminated by adding to an organic mixture an effective amount of a polyamide gelling agent having a softening point of less than about 105° C. wherein the polyamide is the reaction product of one or more diamines, optionally one or more mono-amines, one or more hydrogenated C36 dimer acids, optionally one or more C2-22 dicarboxylic acids, and optionally one or more C2-22 monocarboxylic acids.

Abstract: Treating low reactivity alkylating agents in the vapor phase with catalysts converts the low reactivity alkylating agents to high reactivity alkylating agents. The alkylating agents are useful in synthesis of alkyl aromatics with Lewis acid catalysts.

Abstract: Aliphatic hydrocarbyl-substituted aromatic amines are prepared by reacting an aromatic amine and an aliphatic hydrocarbylating agent, such as an olefin, in the presence of a heteropolyacid catalyst such as Cs.sub.2.5 H.sub.0.5 PW.sub.12 O.sub.40, for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to permit reaction.

Abstract: Hydrocarbyl-substituted amides can be prepared in a catalyzed Ritter reaction by contacting a nitrile with a hydrocarbylating agent, in the presence of an acidified clay as the catalyst, under conditions conducive to the formation of the hydrocarbyl-substituted amide.

Abstract: Hydrocarbyl-substituted amides are prepared by a process comprising contacting a nitrile with a hydrocarbylating agent, such as an alkylating agent, in the presence of a catalyst comprising a heteropolyacid or salt thereof.