Abstract: Compositions of thermoplastic polymers comprising, in mixture, a thermoplastic polymer and a mixture of self-extinguishability-conferring additives, formed by:ammonium phosphate or ammonium polyphosphate: ##STR1## (wherein p is preferably equal to or greater than 50); phosphorus-containing compound definable by means of the general formula: ##STR2## (wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 have the meaning as indicated in the disclosure).

Abstract: An oligomer flame-retarding additive can be defined by the general formula ##STR1## wherein: R is the hydrogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl radical, containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms;m takes the value 1, 2 or 3;n takes a value, or an average value, comprised within the range of from 2 to 50.Such an additive is obtained by means of the oligomerization of a hydroxyalkylenephenylphosphinic acid or of a related alkyl ester thereof.According to another form of practical embodiment, the flame-retarding additive is the product of co-oligomerization of a hydroxyalkylenephenylphosphinic acid, or of a related alkyl ester thereof, with a phenylphosphonic acid or a related alkyl ester thereof.Such oligomer additives are used for endowing a linear polyester with self-extinguishing characteristics.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of alkylene glycols starting from the corresponding alkylene oxide, which is reacted with water in the presence of carbon dioxide, wherein the reaction catalyst is selected amongst the organic bases, preferably a tertiary amine, whereby the conversion rate and the selectivity are improved.

Abstract: Carbonic acid esters are prepared by reacting the alcohol concerned with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst which is a salt of a metal belonging to the Groups IB, IIB and VIII of the Periodic Table: the least possible number of inorganic anions is desirable in order to reduce the acidity of the environment as far as possible. The salts of monovalent copper are preferred and high yields and selectivities are obtained.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of salts of monoesters of the carbonic acid, the improvement consisting in that the alcohols corresponding to the esters are reacted with carbon dioxide and a compound of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. A distinct advantage over the use of the alcoholates is obtained inasmuch as the reaction is less violent, side-reactions are put aside and the costs are lowered.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a group of variously substituted ureas is disclosed, these compounds being obtained by the pyrolytic decomposition of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbamates corresponding to the expected ureas, the reaction taking place at a temperature of between 150.degree. and 400.degree. C under atmospherical pressures, and preferably under subatmospherical pressures, under which conditions the expected urea either sublimes or is distilled.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing salts of monoesters of the carbonic acid, the improvement consisting in that the alcohol corresponding to the monoester is reacted with carbon dioxide and a halide of a metal of the Groups IA, IIA, IIIA and IIB of the Periodic Table, the reaction being effected in the presence of a nitrogenous, aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic base.

Abstract: An alcohol is carboxylated into the corresponding carbonate by reacting the alcohol with oxygen and carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst system in the heterogeneous phase by introducing the reactants into a reactor charged with a catalyst, such as the complex system formed by copper and 4-vinylpyridine, causing the reactants to flow over the catalyst, and then withdrawing the products of the reaction and unconsumed reactants from the reactor.

Abstract: A copper compound having the general formula: ##EQU1## wherein the copper is in the .sup.+1 oxidation state; R, the same or different, is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl; and R' is ethyl or methyl, is prepared by reacting a monovalent copper salt such as CuBr with an alkali metal alkoxide in the presence of a mixture of an alcohol and a nitrile under anhydrous conditions and in an atmosphere of an inert gas.

Abstract: A process is described whereby carbonic acid esters, i.e., alkyl, aryl and cycloalkyl carbonates, are prepared by reacting an alcohol with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst selected from copper complexed with an organic molecule.