Abstract: Olefin oligomers having a lower pour point are obtained by forming a mixture of C.sub.8-18 olefins containing 50-90 weight percent .alpha.-olefins and 10-50 weight percent internal olefins and oligomerizing this mixture using a Friedel Crafts catalyst (e.g. BF.sub.3) and a promoter (e.g. n-butanol). The mixture of olefins can be formed from .alpha.-olefins (e.g. 1-decene) by subjecting the .alpha.-olefins to isomerization until 10-50 weight percent of the olefins are internal olefins.

Abstract: Ether disulfonates or mixtures of ether monosulfonates and ether disulfonates are disclosed as useful surfactants in the recovery of oil.

Abstract: An ether sulfinate/sulfonate or disulfonate having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is a hydrocarbon group having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms,Y is SO.sub.2 M or SO.sub.3 M,Z is hydrogen or a methyl group, andM is an alkali metal, alkylammonium or ammonium cation and mixtures of each of said sulfinate/sulfonate and said disulfonate with an ether monosulfonate having the following formula:ROCH.sub.2 CH(Z)CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3 Mwherein:R is a hydrocarbon group having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms,Z is hydrogen or a methyl group, andM is an alkali metal, alkylammonium or ammonium cation.

Abstract: Furan-2-carboxylic acid-amide and the corresponding furan-2-carboxylic acid are prepared by contacting carbamoyl chloride and furan at a temperature in the range of from about 10.degree. to about 30.degree. C. in a suitable reaction medium.

Abstract: Acid mix produced by the sulfonation of olefin with gaseous SO.sub.3 is converted to sulfonic acid salts in a two-step conversion wherein the acid mix is partially converted in a first step reaction with anhydrous base providing an anhydrous intermediate product. In a subsequent step, the conversion is carried further by reacting the intermediate product with aqueous base.