Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: A method of purifying a polymerization reaction mixture containing a poly(arylene ether) is described. The method uses multiple separations of organic and aqueous phases to achieve rapid and efficient removal of polymerization catalyst metal from the poly(arylene ether). When combined with particular precipitation conditions, the method produces a poly(arylene ether) having an improved combination of particle size distribution and low catalyst metal concentration.

Abstract: An alkylation method comprises reacting a hydroxy aromatic compound with an alkyl alcohol in the presence of an alkylation catalyst comprising a metal oxide wherein the alkylation catalyst, has a surface area to volume ratio of about 950 to about 4,000 m2/m3, an aspect ratio of about 0.7 to about 1.0 or a combination of the foregoing.

Abstract: A method of making a catalyst comprising mixing a metal oxide precursor and a pore former to form a metal oxide precursor mixture and calcining the metal oxide precursor mixture in the presence of a flowing gas having a flow rate to form the catalyst comprising metal oxide. The catalyst comprises a first distribution of pores having a median pore diameter of 10 to 50 angstroms and a second distribution of pores having a median pore diameter of 1 to 500 angstroms. The median pore diameter of the second distribution of pores is inversely related to the flow rate of the gas.

Abstract: A method for preparing a poly(arylene ether) with a reduced level of powder fines is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises oxidatively coupling a monohydric phenol in the presence of a solvent and a complex metal catalyst, to produce a poly(arylene ether) resin; and then removing a portion of the solvent to produce a concentrated solution having a cloud point Tcloud. The concentrated solution is then combined with an anti-solvent to precipitate the poly(arylene ether) in the form of a precipitation mixture. The concentrated solution usually has a temperature of at least about (Tcloud?10° C.) immediately before it is combined with the anti-solvent. The precipitation mixture has a temperature of at least about (Tcloud?40° C.) after its formation. Related poly(arylene ether) copolymers are also described.

Abstract: An alkylation method comprises reacting a hydroxy aromatic compound with an alkyl alcohol in the presence of an alkylation catalyst comprising a metal oxide wherein the alkylation catalyst, has a surface area to volume ratio of about 950 to about 4,000 m2/m3, an aspect ratio of about 0.7 to about 1.0 or a combination of the foregoing.

Abstract: An alkylation catalyst comprises a metal oxide wherein the catalyst has a surface area to volume ratio of about 950 m2/m3 to about 4000 m2/m3.

Abstract: A method for preparing a poly(arylene ether) with a reduced level of powder fines is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises oxidatively coupling a monohydric phenol in the presence of a solvent and a complex metal catalyst, to produce a poly(arylene ether) resin; and then removing a portion of the solvent to produce a concentrated solution having a cloud point Tcloud. The concentrated solution is then combined with an anti-solvent to precipitate the poly(arylene ether) in the form of a precipitation mixture. The concentrated solution usually has a temperature of at least about (Tcloud?10° C.) immediately before it is combined with the anti-solvent. The precipitation mixture has a temperature of at least about (Tcloud?40° C.) after its formation. Related poly(arylene ether) copolymers are also described.

Abstract: An alkylation catalyst comprises a metal oxide wherein the catalyst has a surface area to volume ratio of about 950 m2/m3 to about 4000 m2/m3.

Abstract: A method of making a catalyst comprising mixing a metal oxide precursor and a pore former to form a metal oxide precursor mixture and calcining the metal oxide precursor mixture in the presence of a flowing gas having a flow rate to form the catalyst comprising metal oxide. The catalyst comprises a first distribution of pores having a median pore diameter of 10 to 50 angstroms and a second distribution of pores having a median pore diameter of 1 to 500 angstroms. The median pore diameter of the second distribution of pores is inversely related to the flow rate of the gas.