Abstract: Hexasubstituted guanidinium chlorides are prepared by a method which affords them in high yield as aqueous solutions, optionally also containing alkali metal chlorides. The solutions may be employed as sources of hexasubstituted guanidinium salts useful as phase transfer catalysts for the reaction of alkali metal salts of dihydroxyaromatic compounds with substituted imides to form polyetherimides or their intermediates.

Abstract: Xylene derivatives, such as chloro-ortho-xylene, are oxidized in a solvent in the presence of at least one metal catalyst and optionally at least one promoter. The product comprises chlorophthalic acid or chlorophthalic anhydride.

Abstract: Bis(halophthalimides) such as, 3-bis[N-(4-chlorophthalimido)]benzene are prepared in slurry in an organic liquid such as o-dichlorobenzene or anisole, by a reaction at a temperature of at least 150° C. between at least one diamino compound, preferably an aromatic diamine such as m- or p-phenylenediamine, and at least one halophthalic anhydride such as 4-chlorophthalic anhydride, in the presence of an imidization catalyst such as sodium phenylphosphinate. The solids content of the reaction mixture is at least about 5% and preferably at least about 12% by weight. The product slurry may be employed directly in the preparation of polyetherimides, and similar slurries may be employed to prepare other polyether polymers.

Abstract: Hexasubstituted guanidinium chlorides are prepared by a method which affords them in high yield as aqueous solutions, optionally also containing alkali metal chlorides. The solutions may be employed as sources of hexasubstituted guanidinium salts useful as phase transfer catalysts for the reaction of alkali metal salts of dihydroxyaromatic compounds with substituted imides to form polyetherimides or their intermediates.

Abstract: A method for the solventless synthesis of a phthalimide or phthalimide mixture is provided comprising contacting at least one amine reactant and at least one anhydride reactant in a solventless environment at a first temperature sufficient to allow the reactants to at least partially condense; and increasing the temperature to a second temperature sufficient to melt the reaction mixture, thereby allowing the reaction to go essentially to completion and form the reaction product.

Abstract: A method for the solventless synthesis of a phthalimide or phthalimide mixture is provided comprising contacting at least one amine reactant and at least one anhydride reactant in a solventless environment at a first temperature sufficient to allow the reactants to at least partially condense; and increasing the temperature to a second temperature sufficient to melt the reaction mixture, thereby allowing the reaction to go essentially to completion and form the reaction product.

Abstract: Hexasubstituted guanidinium chlorides are prepared by a method which affords them in high yield as aqueous solutions, optionally also containing alkali metal chlorides. The solutions may be employed as sources of hexasubstituted guanidinium salts useful as phase transfer catalysts and the reaction of alkali metal salts of dihydroxyaromatic compounds with substituted imides to form polyetherimides or their intermediates.

Abstract: An adsorption process uses a non-ion-exchangeable adsorbent polymeric resin of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer such as styrene and a polyvinylidene monomer such as divinylbenzene for the adsorption of organic bases, such amines, amine salts and guanidinium salts, from high ionic strength aqueous solutions. Desorption may be employed for the recovery of said organic bases, and said adsorbent resin may be regenerated.

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.