Abstract: Block copolyestercarbonates substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polymer chain may be prepared by a method which comprises the steps of: (A) preparing a hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate in a molten reaction mixture comprising at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid diarylester under transesterification conditions, said polyester intermediate having a degree of polymerization of at least 4; and (B) conducting a reaction of said polyester intermediate with a carbonate precursor in a two-phase system comprising an aqueous phase and a water-immiscible organic solvent. Articles comprising the copolyestercarbonates are another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Silylmethanethiols have been found to be useful promoters in the acid catalyzed condensation reaction between phenol and acetone to afford bisphenol A. Silylmethanethiols provide improvements in both the rate and selectivity of bisphenol A formation relative to known thiol promoters such as 3-mercaptopropionic acid or hexanethiol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering a metal nitrite, e.g., sodium nitrite, from a reaction mixture formed from an aromatic displacement reaction such as the synthesis of an aromatic bis(ether phthalimide) in an organic non-polar solvent. The process comprises forming a reaction mixture from the synthesis of an aromatic bis(ether phthalimide) comprising a recoverable amount of metal nitrite; treating the reaction mixture with an amount of water effective to produce an aqueous solution phase of metal nitrite and an organic non-polar phase; and separating the aqueous solution phase of metal nitrite from the organic non-polar phase.

Abstract: Weatherability of polycarbonates, or of blends of polycarbonates with other polymers such as polyesters, is improved by incorporating therein a thermoplastic arylate polymer comprising units derived from a resorcinol or alkylresorcinol isophthalate-terephthalate. These units may be combined with units derived from a resorcinol or alkylresorcinol ester of a C.sub.4-12 aliphatic, alicyclic or mixed aliphatic-alicyclic dicarboxylic acid, such as sebacic acid.

Abstract: Quaternary salts having a double helix structure are prepared by the reaction of dihydroxyaromatic compound, preferably a bisphenol, with an alkali metal hydroxide and a quaternary salt, such as a tetraalkylammonium or hexaalkylguanidinium chloride. The quaternary salts and their alkaline hydrolysis products are useful as catalysts in various reactions, including imide formation from bisphenol salts and halo- or nitro-substituted phthalimides and redistribution and equilibration of polycarbonates.

Abstract: Disclosed are weatherable polyester soft block copolymer compositions comprising copolymers of resorcinol or alternatively phenol, aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and a aliphatic dicarboxylic acid based structural units. These polyester soft block copolymers comprise a substantial proportion of direct linkages between the resorcinol or alternatively the phenol, and the aromatic dicarboxylic acid based structural units, the balance of the linkages being between resorcinol and the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid based structural units.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing a nitrogen or oxygen containing organoalkoxysilane such as an isocyanurate or fumarate by reacting a haloalkylaikoxysilane such as a chloropropytrimethoxysilane and a reactant of either a cyanate or an ammonium salt of an organic acid of C1-C20 carbon atoms or a metal salt of an organic acid of C1-C20 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof to a reaction temperature of at least about 80.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C., the improvement is in carrying out the reaction in the presence of a guanidinium salt phase as a transfer catalyst such as hexaethylguanidinium chloride. The improved process also is reacted wherein the temperature increase from the exotherm reaction above the reaction temperature ranges from about 0.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. A preferred metal cyanate is sodium cyanate.

Abstract: Branched polycarbonates having properties suitable for blow molding are prepared by equilibrating a linear or branched aromatic polycarbonate with certain tetraphenols, especially 2,2,5,5-tetrakis (4-hydroxyphenyl)hexane and ?1,1-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl!-phenyl ether.

Abstract: A method for removing halogenated organic compounds from contaminated particulate material. Formic acid is dry mixed with the contaminated material and an external heating means is used at temperatures of about 250.degree.-450.degree. C. for 10-50 minutes to drive the halogentated organic compounds from the soil.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the removal of halogenated organic contaminants from particulate material by admixing a monocarboxylic acid with the particulate material, and passing a vapor phase of steam through the material to substantially remove the halogenated organic contaminant.

Abstract: Quaternary salts having a double helix structure are prepared by the reaction of dihydroxyaromatic compound, preferably a bisphenol, with an alkali metal hydroxide and a quaternary salt, such as a tetraalkylammonium or hexaalkylguanidinium chloride. The quaternary salts and their alkaline hydrolysis products are useful as catalysts in various reactions, including imide formation from bisphenol salts and halo- or nitro-substituted phthalimides and redistribution and equilibration of polycarbonates.

Abstract: Contaminated material is treated with heat and steam to remove halogenated organic compounds from the material. The heating temperature can be lowered by admixing an additive with the contaminated material. A short passage of steam at a flow rate of about at least 0.5 pounds of water by weight per minute per ton of soil immediately following the heating and holding stage, substantially removes the halogenated organic contaminants to below ten parts per million in the treated material.

Abstract: A carbonate ester is produced by the metal-induced reaction of a hydroxy compound with a sulfur compound in a melt process. An orthocarbonate can also be produced. The orthocarbonate can be converted into carbonate ester in a subsequent operation.