Abstract: The 2-alkyl-6-t-butyl-4-(pentamethylbenzyl)phenols in which the 2-alkyl group is t-butyl or methyl are novel compounds having melting points sufficiently low to make them attractive as antioxidants for low melting polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.

Abstract: 3,5-dialkyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-substituted benzene compounds are made by reacting 2,6-dialkyl-4-methoxymethyl phenols with a benzene compound having an unsubstituted nuclear position in an inert solvent and in the presence of sulfuric acid catalyst while distilling methanol by-product from the reaction mixture as it forms.

Abstract: 3,5-dialkyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-substituted benzene compounds are made by reacting 2,6-dialkyl-4-methoxymethyl phenols with a benzene compound having an unsubstituted nuclear position in an inert solvent and in the presence of an organic sulfonic acid catalyst while distilling methanol by-product from the reaction mixture as it forms.

Abstract: 3,5-di-alkyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-substituted aromatics are made in improved yield by co-feeding 2,6-di-alkyl-4-alkoxymethyl phenol and sulfuric acid to a benzene compound, e.g. mesitylene, in an inert solvent at -10.degree. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Antioxidant compounds having the structure: ##STR1## in which p is 1 or 2 and + is a tert-butyl group provide excellent oxidation stability, melt flow index and yellow index, especially in polypropylene.

Abstract: Phenols, e.g. 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, are coupled to form biphenols, e.g. 4,4'-bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), by reaction with aqueous hydrogen peroxide under basic conditions in the presence of a phase transfer agent.

Abstract: A process for making a 2,6-di-hydrocarbyl-4-alkoxyalkylphenol, e.g. 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol, by reacting a 2,6-dihydrocarbylphenol with formaldehyde in a stoichiometric excess of alcohol and in the presence of a Mannich base catalyst preferably formed in situ by adding a catalyst-forming amount of a secondary amine, e.g. dimethylamine, to the mixture of 2,6-di-hydrocarbylphenol, formaldehyde and alcohol. Unreacted alcohol and amine are distilled out and the 2,6-di-hydrocarbyl-4-alkoxyalkylphenol is reacted with a benzene-type compound, e.g. mesitylene, to make a hindered phenolic antioxidant, e.g. 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tri-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene.

Abstract: Small amounts of paraformaldehyde and a carboxylic acid are added to a reaction mixture of trialkylbenzene and 3,5-dialkyl-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol to thereby increase the yield of the product: trialkyl-tris(3,5-dialkyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene. The reaction catalyst, sulfuric acid or a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, is not adversely affected by the additional ingredients.