Abstract: A method for compensating for a shift in color in a light source and a system of color illumination for a projection visual display (PVD) system.

Abstract: A process for preparing lactide or glycolide from a lactic acid oligomer or glycolic acid oligomer is disclosed where the molecular weight of the synthesis reactor residue is controlled to no more than 1.2 times that in the feed. The process is carried out at 130.degree. to 280.degree. C. and preferably 180.degree. to 210.degree. C. using from 1 to 6 weight percent catalyst in the oligomer feed to the synthesis reactor. The catalysts are tin or tin compounds, yttrium or rare earth metal compounds, or antimony compounds which are known as alphahydroxycarboxylic acid cyclic dimerization or polymerization catalysts.

Abstract: The depolymerization of poly(hydroxyacids) in a liquid medium is enhanced by the presence of a quaternary ammonium compound. Poly(hydroxyacid) polymers containing a quaternary ammonium salt are more readily depolymerized.

Abstract: A process for solubilizing solid formaldehyde oligomers without contaminating the solution product with undesirable solvent products by treating the oligomer with heated hydroxyacetic acid.

Abstract: A continuous catalyzed vapor phase process for the production of dimeric cyclic esters which comprises converting the corresponding alpha-hydroxy-carboxylic acid or ester in the vapor phase over a solid catalyst, such as a silica-alumina, preferably a silica-alumina having a high silica content, in the presence of a carrier of gas.

Abstract: Solid compositions comprising water degradable oligomers of hydroxyacetic acid and lactic acid having molecular weights of 800-4000 and containing 40-60 mole percent hydroxyacetic acid. The compositions are useful as controlled release agents for chemicals, especially as a toilet bowl cleaning component. Optional ingredients include dyes, fragrances, filler materials, surfactants, algicides, pest control agents, quaternary ammonium salts, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of lactones by the catalytic dehydrogenation of aliphatic diols containing from 3-7 carbon atoms and optionally one or more ether linkages in the diol chain. The reaction is conducted in the liquid phase with a copper chromite catalyst at a temperature of from about 150.degree.-250.degree. C. in the absence of added hydrogen, and preferably at reaction conditions where yields are about 99%.

Abstract: Oil field chemicals are incorporated in polymeric particles of the condensation product of hydroxyacetic acid or the co-condensation product of hydroxyacetic acid and other compounds containing hydroxy-, carboxylic acid-, or hydroxycarboxylic acid moieties. The particles are introduced into an oil well bore and/or subterranean oil formation where the polymeric particles dissolve over a period of time and release the oil field chemicals.

Abstract: Phenyl esters of substituted acids are prepared by a two-step process in which a phenol derivative is first treated with an acid halide to yield a phenyl ester intermediate, and the intermediate is reacted with an appropriate nucleophile.

Abstract: Monomethylformamide and dimethylformamide are produced by the catalytic reaction of formamide and methanol, using a quaternary ammonium compound as the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for making highly pure cyclic esters by heating a copolymer of .alpha.-hydroxy acid or its ester on a thermally stable polyether core.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and method of temporarily reducing the permeability of subterranean formations penetrated by a wellbore. In particular, it relates to an inexpensive, low molecular weight condensation product of hydroxy acetic acid with itself or compounds containing other hydroxy-, carboxylic-acid-, or hydroxycarboxylic-acid moieties and method for preventing fluid loss during well treatment.

Abstract: In the process of preparing substituted formamides by the catalytic oxidation of substituted tertiary amines, in which a metal halide catalyst is used in conjunction with an alkali metal halide corrosion inhibitor, pitting of equipment can be inhibited by including in the reaction medium a primary alkylamine, urea or a substituted urea, or thiourea or a substituted thiourea.

Abstract: The alkali metal methylate catalyst used in the catalytic preparation of dimethylformamide from dimethylamine and carbon monoxide is deactivated by bringing it into contact with an alkyl formate.

Abstract: The alkali metal methylate catalyst used in the preparation of dimethylformamide from dimethylamine and carbon monoxide can be preserved, recycled and reused if the reaction mass contains dimethylamine in excess of the stoichiometric amount at all times.

Abstract: Substituted formamides are prepared by the catalytic oxidation of substituted tertiary amines, in which the catalyst is a metal halide used in conjunction with an alkali metal halide or ammonium halide.

Abstract: A melt oxychlorination process which produces trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene by chlorinating C.sub.2 hydrocarbons and their incompletely chlorinated derivatives containing at least 50% by weight of 1,1,2-trichloroethane, dichloroethylene, or both together, with a melt consisting essentially of iron chloride, copper chloride and alkali metal chloride by dispersing the material to be chlorinated in the melt whereby said material is chlorinated by the melt, wherein certain alkali metal chlorides, proportions thereof, and process conditions are utilized to provide desired product selectivity.

Abstract: The production of undesirable oligomeric cyclic ethers in the preparation of polyether glycols is reduced by using as a catalyst an acid-activated montmorillonite clay which contains, per gram, 0.1 to 0.9 milliequivalent of hydrogen ions having pK.sub.a values of -3 to -8.

Abstract: A process for chemical plating of nickel or cobalt onto materials otherwise noncatalytic to the plating baths by pretreating the materials with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride or dimethylamine borane prior to chemical plating. Treating the material with an oxidizing agent prior to the pretreatment is also useful, especially for plating copper. The invention is particularly desirable for plating nickel onto copper conductor patterns on polymeric substrate circuit boards. The copper is plated with nickel, and the substrate is not.