Abstract: An improved, low severity coal liquefaction process is disclosed. In accordance with the process, coal is first decarboxylated and demineralized with hot sulfurous acid. The decarboxylated coal is then liquefied in the presence of an alcohol and an alkali metal hydroxide. In several embodiments, alkali metal-containing materials are reclaimed to produce alkali metal hydroxide for the liquefaction step. In other embodiments, the liquefaction is conducted in the presence of a relatively high-boiling diluent such as a coal-derived liquid.

Abstract: A thermal process for the decarboxylation and dehydration of aromatic acid residue to convert such residue to grindable form and recover the solvent of reaction therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of the subject aqueous solution from a non-bromine manganous salt. More specifically this invention pertains to a critical order of dissolving such salt and elemental bromine and to the use of an anti-oxidant for the manganous ion to prevent its conversion to hydrated manganous dioxide: MnO(OH).sub.2. According to "A Comprehensive Treatise On Inorganic And Theoretical Chemistry", J. W. Mellor, Vol. XII at pages 189 and 259 (published by Longmans, Green and Co., 1947) hydrated manganous dioxide results from the oxidation of a solution of manganous salt with chlorine, bromine, hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide, etc. Such oxidation of a solution of manganous acetate was specifically mentioned. Such hydrated manganous dioxide is described as a white solid product which upon standing in contact with air becomes a dark brown to black product identified as MnO.sub.2.