Abstract: High functionality, low viscosity, light colored sucrose-based polyethers are prepared by reacting a starter mixture containing i) approximately 100 parts by weight of sucrose, ii) from about 30 to about 1000 parts by weight of a low molecular weight, relatively high valency alcohol and/or an alkoxylation product of such an alcohol and iii) an alkali metal hydroxide which has been prepared at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 110.degree. C. with an alkylene oxide at a temperature of from about 90.degree. to about 130.degree. C. and at a pressure of from about 0.3 to about 4 bar excess nitrogen pressure. These polyether polyols are particularly useful for the production of polyurethanes, particularly rigid polyurethane foams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing a basic catalyst from a polyether polyol having a hydroxyl number of from 4 to 250 comprising adding from 0.7 to 7 percent by weight of water, based on the polyether polyol, to an alkaline reaction medium containing the polyether polyol at a temperature of from 20.degree. to 120.degree. C.; introducing 1 to 2 times the stoichiometric amount of gaseous carbon dioxide at a temperature of from 75.degree. to 120.degree. C., thereby forming a carbonate salt; and removing the carbonate salt by filtration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the removal of troublesome secondary products, particularly small quantities of water, solvents, low molecular weight glycols, and pungent-smelling substances, from polyethers by means of a tubular coil evaporator.