Abstract: In a process for the production of carbon fibers from high boiling bituminous substances in which a purified and polymerized concentrated carbon fiber precursor is spun into fibers which are oxidized and then carbonized and optionally graphitized, the improvement comprising adding to the carbon fiber precursor just before spinning 2 to 10% by weight of a solvent in which the precursor is insoluble or only slightly soluble under normal conditions and mixing the resulting mixture under hypercritical conditions for the solvent for at least 10 minutes without gas or solid inclusions formed in the fiber and neoformatgion of solids is prevented.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,6-dialkyl-naphthalenes comprising selectively alkylating naphthalene or 2-alkyl-naphthalene with alkylating agent in the presence of a zeolite catalyst at 250.degree. to 345.degree. C. which dialkyl-naphthalenes are useful for the preparation of naphthalene 2,6-dicarboxylic acid used to produce high-quality polyesters or polyamides.

Abstract: Ground coal is dispersed in an aqueous electrolyte and is alternately oxidized anodically and reduced cathodically. The reaction gases and the liquid hydrocarbons obtained and other volatile organic compounds are processed and used in the customary manner. The reactive groups formed in the coal improve its cokeability, extractability and capacity for hydrogenation. In addition, the treated coal because of its good wettability, suspended in water or alcohol, is well suited as a liquid fuel or motor fuel.

Abstract: A method of producing a highly reactive pitch fraction is disclosed. Coal-tar pitch is extracted with hot chloroform and the pitch solution treated with solid iodine. The solid reaction products are separated and, in the presence of chloroform, decomposed with an aqueous ammonia solution. Following separation of the aqueous phase and removal by distillation of the chloroform, there remains a highly reactive pitch fraction which can be converted into high-anisotropic carbon at low temperatures and in short coking times.

Abstract: An improved process for treating coal tar pitch to form anisotropic carbon comprising treating coal tar pitch with picric acid, recovering the resulting picrates, decomposing the picrates and heating the resulting aromatic hydrocarbons to obtain anisotropic carbon in less time.

Abstract: A process is described for the modification of wood and wood products by heat treatment in a closed, heatable vessel, wherein the water content of the starting material is controlled to be no higher than 10% by weight.

Abstract: A process for the production of thionaphthene by dissociation of thionaphthene sulfonic acid such as obtained, for example, in the partial sulfonation of naphthalene fractions of coal tar, characterized in that the density of the reaction mixture is maintained essentially constant during the entire duration of the dissociation reaction and the thionaphthene formed is not removed by azeotropic distillation; a product of high purity is obtained in high yield in a substantially reduced reaction time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plasticized coal tar pitch comprising a mixture consisting essentially of about 50 to about 80 weight percent of a coal tar pitch having a softening point of about 40.degree. to about 75.degree. C. (Kramer-Sarnow); and about 50 to about 20 weight percent of a coal tar fraction rich in crystals and having a boiling point of about 350.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C. The mixture is suitable for blending with crude oil bitumen for producing a binder suitable for application to roadways.

Abstract: Quinoline-insoluble components are separated from coal tar pitch by treating the coal tar pitch which has a softening point of greater than 60.degree. C. (according to the method of Kraemer-Sarnow) with a solvent mixture comprising at least one solvent with paraffinic characteristics and at least one tar solvent, wherein the treatment is carried out at a temperature in the range of 200.degree. to 270.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the transalkylation of nuclear methylated phenols into o-cresol in the liquid or gaseous phase is conducted in the absence of catalysts and in the presence of phenol.

Abstract: In a process for obtaining substantially sulfur free pure naphthalene from bituminous coal tar and thionaphthene as a by-product, a de-phenolized thionaphthene-containing naphthalene fraction from oxidative purification is extracted with concentrated sulfuric acid and acetic acid anhydride in benzene. The thionaphthene is converted into its sulfonic acid derivative and water washed from the benzene-naphthalene mixture. The benzene is distilled leaving pure naphthalene. The sulfonic acid group is cleaved from the thionaphthene with superheated steam to yield thionaphthene.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic conversion of o-ethylaniline to indole in a gaseous phase and in the presence of hydrogen or steam and an SiO.sub.2 -containing catalyst modified by chromium dioxide and copper, wherein said conversion is conducted at about 400.degree. - 700.degree. C.; said catalyst comprising at least about 15% by weight copper and at least about 8% by weight of a chromate of a metal of Group IIA of the Periodic Table. A catalyst for use in the invention is provided.