Abstract: A melt polymerization process for the preparation of poly(1,3-propylene-co-isosorbide) terephthalate (3GIT), new 3GITs and products made from the 3GITs. The process comprises (a) providing a mixture comprising terephthalic acid or its alkyl ester, 1,3-propanediol and isosorbide in a molar ratio of diols to terephthalic acid or its alkyl ester of from about 1.1:1 to about 1.6:1 and a molar ratio of 1,3-propanediol to isosorbide of from about 2:1 to about 10:1; (b) reacting the mixture in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of about 180 to about 245° C., with concurrent removal of a distillate comprising at least 80% of the water or alkanol volatile reaction product, wherein the distillate contains less than about 5 weight % 1,3-propanediol and less than 1 weight % isosorbide; and (c) continuing the reaction in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst at a pressure of about 0.25 to about 2 mm Hg and about 245 to about 260° C.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for making a low color copolymer of ethylene glycol, isosorbide and terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate. This copolymer, poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide) terephthalate, is useful for making bottles, hot-fill containers, films, sheet, fiber, strand and optical article applications. It can also be used to make polymer blends and alloys.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for making a low color copolymer of ethylene glycol, isosorbide and terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate. This copolymer, poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide) terephthalate, is useful for making bottles, hot-fill containers, films, sheet, fiber, strand and optical article applications. It can also be used to make polymer blends and alloys.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing an ester of 1,3-propanediol, comprising, contacting at a temperature of about 0.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C., ethylene, formaldehyde or a form of formaldehyde, a carboxylic acid, and a compound of the formula MZ.sub.n.Q.sub.t, wherein:M is a zirconium[IV], cobalt[II], vanadium[IV], bismuth[II], tin[II], a rare earth metal, scandium or yttrium;n is the oxidation state of M;at least one of Z is an anion of the formula R.sup.1 SO.sub.3.sup.- or R.sup.1 CO.sub.2.sup.-, wherein R.sup.1 is hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms or part of a polymer, and the remainder of Z is oxo or one or more monovalent anions;Q is a neutral ligand; andt is 0 or an integer of 1 to 12.