Abstract: A method of making a benzyl cis-cyclohexane 1,2-dicarboxylate triester having the steps: a. forming a reaction mixture by reacting the following three components: i. a synthetic or biobased reagent selected from the group consisting of an alpha-hydroxyester and a beta-hydroxyester, ii. an anhydride selected from the group consisting of cis-hexahydrophthalic anhydride, 4-methylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride, and 3-methylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride, and iii. an alkylamine catalyst; and b. contacting benzyl chloride with the reaction mixture to yield a product that is free of phthalates and includes at least one benzyl cis-cyclohexane 1,2-dicarboxylate triester.

Abstract: A method of making a benzyl cis-cyclohexane 1,2-dicarboxylate triester having the steps: a. forming a reaction mixture by reacting the following three components: i. a synthetic or biobased reagent selected from the group consisting of an alpha-hydroxyester and a beta-hydroxyester, ii. an anhydride selected from the group consisting of cis-hexahydrophthalic anhydride, 4-methylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride, and 3-methylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride, and iii. an alkylamine catalyst; and b. contacting benzyl chloride with the reaction mixture to yield a product that is free of phthalates and includes at least one benzyl cis-cyclohexane 1,2-dicarboxylate triester.

Abstract: A process of transesterifying biobased epoxidized vegetable oils with a dialkyl carbonate produces mixtures of epoxidized fatty acid cyclic glycerin carbonate esters and epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters.

Abstract: A process of transesterifying biobased epoxidized vegetable oils with a dialkyl carbonate produces mixtures of epoxidized fatty acid cyclic glycerin carbonate esters and epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters.

Abstract: Compounds useful as plasticizers and the synthesis thereof are disclosed. In general, the invention includes mixed alkyl/aryl asymmetric cyclic diesters where the aryl and alkyl ester moieties are attached to a cyclic structure at vicinal carbons. The invention also includes synthetic processes of making such compounds. Blends of these asymmetric cyclic diesters with other plasticizers are demonstrated to be of use in plasticizing polymers.

Abstract: Compounds useful as plasticizers and the synthesis thereof are disclosed. In general, the invention includes mixed alkyl/aryl diesters where the aryl and alkyl ester moieties are attached to a cyclic structure at vicinal carbons. The invention also includes synthetic processes of making such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds having both a pendent ether group and a pendent ester group that are useful as plasticizers for polymer resin and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment of the invention, compounds according to the invention are formed by converting at least one, but not all, of the hydroxyl groups of a polyol having three or more hydroxyl groups (e.g., gylcerol, pentaerythritol or dipentaerythritol) to a pendent ether group to form a partially-etherized intermediate, and then converting at least one of the remaining hydroxyl groups in the partially-etherized intermediate to a pendent ester group.

Abstract: A process for the production of para-oriented dicarboxylic aromatic acids is disclosed in which an aromatic compound, having a tertiary alkyl group, is oxidized with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising a cobalt salt, a minor amount of a manganese salt, and a source of chloride in the presence of a solvent.

Abstract: A process for the production of para-oriented dicarboxylic aromatic acids is disclosed in which an aromatic compound, having a tertiary alkyl group, is oxidized with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising a cobalt salt, a minor amount of a manganese salt, and a source of chloride in the presence of a solvent.

Abstract: Novel, liquid mixtures of isomeric aldehydes and alcohols are described in the C.sub.11 -C.sub.16 carbon range, the compounds being characterized by a main carbon branched at the position and moderate additional branching in most isomers; the aldehyde mixtures are prepared by an economic route from olefins involving oxo and aldol reaction with the reaction conducted in such a way as to give a high percentage of aldolable product, and preferably with a base catalyzed aldol reaction conducted under conditions to make high conversions attainable. The aldehyde mixtures can be hydrogenated to alcohols and converted to novel ethoxylates or sulfate compositions suitable for use as biodegradable detergents; or hydrogenated and oxidized to novel carboxylic acid compositions also suitable for detergent use.

Abstract: A novel, liquid mixture of C.sub.14 isomeric alcohols is described which is suitable for use in forming effective and biodegradable detergents, the alcohols being characterized by a 5-carbon branch at the 2-position and moderate additional branching in most isomers; the alcohols are prepared by a novel economic route from propylene dimer, involving oxo, aldol and hydrogenation reactions with the oxo reaction conducted in such a way as to give a high percentage of aldolable product and preferably with a base-catalyzed aldol reaction conducted under particular conditions to make high conversions attainable.

Abstract: Hydrogenolysis of hydrobenzoins [1,2-bis(aryl)ethane-1,2-diols] in the presence of a catalyst comprising cobalt carbonyl yields 1,2-bis(aryl)ethanes. The process is particularly directed to the production of 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane from 4,4-dihydroxyhydrobenzoin [1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane-1,2-diol].