Abstract: This invention relates to a process for synthesizing para-diisopropylbenzene utilizing only cumene and propylene as raw materials. This synthesis technique offers the advantage of eliminating benzene as a raw material used in the process. The elimination of benzene is beneficial because it simplifies the process and eliminates the need to purchase and store benzene for use in the synthesis. The elimination of benzene from the synthesis is of particular value since the use of benzene in industrial applications has been under attack on the basis of environmental, safety, and health concerns.

Abstract: Separations processes and apparati capable of purifying thermally sensitive materials at high capacity. An apparatus having a rectification section and a stripping section with the stripping section having a stripping tray with 5 to 50% open area, a pressure drop from 0.02 psi to 0.2 psi and a tray efficiency during operation of the column which is equal to or greater than 20%.