Abstract: Azeotropic compositions are formed with n-butane, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluoro-n-butane and 1,1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluoro-n-butane.

Abstract: A phosphorus-containing flame retardant for synthetic resins is produced by (1) combining suitable amounts of at least one of certain phosphorus oxide compounds, at least one of certain nitrogenous compounds, and hydroxy compounds including dipentaerythritol and at least one hydroxy polyalkylene oxide having a molecular weight not greater than 800 and being selected from compounds having the formula, HO--(R--O).sub.n --H or HO--(R--O).sub.m --R' wherein R is an alkylene or cycloalkylene hydrocarbyl radical having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, n is 3 or greater, m is 2 or greater, and R' is a methyl or ethyl radical, wherein the amount of said at least one hydroxy polyalkylene oxide is no greater than about 30 weight percent of the total hydroxy compounds, and (2) heating the components under such conditions that the resulting product when incorporated into a synthetic resin will not cause significant foaming of the synthetic resin when it is subjected to molding conditions.

Abstract: Perfluorocarboxylic acids are produced by a metathesis reaction between an acid and a perfluoro acid fluoride in the presence of an acid anhydride. The perfluoroacid fluoride can conveniently be produced by electrochemical fluorination of the acyl fluoride co-product of the metathesis step. The acid anhydride present during the metathesis reaction serves the dual function of enhancing the desired reaction to produce the perfluorocarboxylic acid product and to react with impurities and by-products which would otherwise remain with the product and complicate its recovery.

Abstract: Perfluoro-n-heptane is produced by an electrochemical fluorination process comprising cooling the effluent from a first cell to a temperature sufficient to condense such effluent, separating a fluorocarbon-rich phase from the condensate, a second stage fluorination wherein partially fluorinated n-heptanes in the fluorocarbon-rich phase are further fluorinated and separation of perfluoro-n-heptane from the second stage effluent by simple fractionation.

Abstract: In an electrochemical fluorination process, feedstock is introduced near the bottom end of a porous carbon anode and an excess of electric current is utilized so as to generate excess free fluorine. Hydrogen is introduced at a point near the top of the anode, but below the level of the electrolyte. The net effect of these steps is to give smoother operation with longer anode life.