Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated organic compounds which comprises: (a) heating the halogenated organic compound to a temperature above about 300.degree. C. and (b) contacting the heated organic compound with a catalytic amount of ruthenium-platinum catalyst in the presence of an oxidizing agent at a temperature of at least about 350.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated organic compounds which comprises: (a) preheating the halogenated organic compound to a temperature above about 300.degree. C. and (b) contacting the preheated organic compound with a catalytic amount of ruthenium in the presence of an oxidizing agent at a temperature of at least about 350.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated organic compounds which comprises: (a) preheating the halogenated organic compound to a temperature above about 300.degree. C. and (b) contacting the preheated organic compound with a platinum catalyst in the presence of an oxidizing agent at a temperature of at least 350.degree. C. The process converts the major part of the halide in the organic halide to hydrogen halide.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for removing vinyl chloride from a water-polyvinyl chloride slurry, which contains unreacted vinyl chloride, by steam distillation is disclosed. In many instances, steam distillation of the slurry results in an increase in the number of gels or fish eyes. The improvement comprises conducting the steam distillation in the presence of a minor, but effective, amount of an alkali metal sulfite or carbonate. The improved process results in a polyvinyl chloride having no substantial increase in, or a reduced amount of, gels or fish eyes, while still having good heat stability and porosity properties.

Abstract: Tetrabutylammonium bromide is prepared buy mixing n-butylbromide with tributylamine in acetonitrile, in an inert atmosphere, under reflux conditions for a sufficient period of time to form a solution containing tetrabutylammonium bromide, cooling the resulting solution; mixing the solution with water, thus forming a mixture; and recovering tetrabutylammonium bromide in high yield from the mixture.

Abstract: Cyanoethylation process for producing beta-cyanoethyl capped hydroxy compounds that are essentially free from polyacrylonitrile by-products.