Abstract: A method for preparing and isolating dihydroxybiaryl compounds, such as 4,4?-dihydroxybiphenyl, is disclosed. The alkali metal salt of the dihydroxybiaryl compound is protonated with the monohydroxyaryl halide compound initially used in the reductive coupling reaction which produced the alkali metal salt. In addition, the alkali metal salt of the monohydroxyaryl halide compound is produced by the process, which can then be recycled as the base and monohydroxyaryl halide in a further reductive coupling reaction to form the alkali metal salt of the dihydroxybiaryl compound.

Abstract: A method for preparing hydroxyaromatic compounds brominated in the para-position, such as p-bromophenol, is disclosed. The method yields overall high process selectivity through isomeric equilibration and separation of the brominated products, thereby eliminating the need for high para selectivity in the products of catalytic oxybromination reactions of hydroxyaromatic compounds using oxygen, a bromine source, and an acidic medium in the presence of a metal catalyst. Furthermore, the invention provides an efficient method for recycling the metal catalyst, as well as reagents used in the bromination, to further reactions.

Abstract: A method for brominating hydroxyaromatic compounds to form products, such as p-bromophenol, is disclosed. The method uses elemental bromine as the brominating agent and comprises contacting a hydroxyaromatic compound with bromine and oxygen in the presence of metal catalyst. Suitable catalysts include elemental copper, copper compounds, and compounds of Group IV-VIII transition metals.

Abstract: Unexpected corrosion of downstream sections of a dialkyl carbonate manufacturing apparatus has been traced to alkyl chloroformate impurities, which slowly decompose to yield hydrochloric acid. An improved process and apparatus for dialkyl carbonate synthesis reduce corrosion by physically removing or chemically decomposing the alkyl chloroformate impurities within the corrosion-resistant upstream sections of the apparatus. The alkyl chloroformate may be decomposed by passing it through a passageway at a temperature of about 30 C to about 130° C. for a time of about 0.5 hour to about 10 hours. The passageway may include one or more holding vessels or a tubular section that promotes plug flow.

Abstract: Unexpected corrosion of downstream sections of a dialkyl carbonate manufacturing apparatus has been traced to alkyl chloroformate impurities, which slowly decompose to yield hydrochloric acid. An improved process and apparatus for dialkyl carbonate synthesis reduce corrosion by physically removing or chemically decomposing the alkyl chloroformate impurities within the corrosion-resistant upstream sections of the apparatus.

Abstract: Unexpected corrosion of downstream sections of a dialkyl carbonate manufacturing apparatus has been traced to alkyl chloroformate impurities, which slowly decompose to yield hydrochloric acid. An improved process and apparatus for dialkyl carbonate synthesis reduce corrosion by physically removing or chemically decomposing the alkyl chloroformate impurities within the corrosion-resistant upstream sections of the apparatus. The alkyl chloroformate may be decomposed by passing it through a passageway at a temperature of about 30° C. to about 130° C. for a time of about 0.5 hour to about 10 hours. The passageway may include one or more holding vessels or a tubular section that promotes plug flow.