Abstract: A process for recovering monomeric glycols and glycerine from polyoxyalkylene glycols and polyglycerines which comprises heating the polymeric compounds together with a lower saturated mono-carboxylic acid, containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms such as acetic acid, in the presence of a strong acid, e.g. sulfuric acid, or a strong acid cation exchange resin. The product, which is the diester of the monomeric glycol or the triester of glycerine, is recovered and subsequently hydrolyzed to obtain the desired monoglycol or glycerine product. If it is desired to obtain the ester itself, the latter step of hydrolyzing can be omitted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical process for preparing pentachloro-2-propanone (pentachloroacetone) and dichloroacetic acid from isopropyl ethers which may be partially chlorinated. The pentachloroacetone process is carried out by reacting the isopropyl ethers with chlorine in the presence of water to produce pentachloroacetone which can then be recovered. Alternatively, if dichloroacetic acid is desired, the pentachloroacetone process may be carried further by reacting the pentachloroacetone with a base-acting material to produce a salt of dichloroacetic acid and then reacting this salt with acid to produce dichloroacetic acid of about 95% purity.