Abstract: Copolyesters containing secondary hydroxyl groups are useful polyols for manufacturing polyurethanes. These can be prepared by reacting a secondary hydroxyl-containing fatty acid or ester thereof with an initiator containing hydroxyl and/or primary or secondary amino groups. A copolyester of particular interest includes a poly(ethylene oxide) segment derived from a poly(ethylene oxide) initiator.

Abstract: Copolyesters containing secondary hydroxyl groups are useful polyols for manufacturing polyurethanes. These can be prepared by reacting a secondary hydroxyl-containing fatty acid or ester thereof with an initiator containing hydroxyl and/or primary or secondary amino groups. A copolyester of particular interest includes a poly(ethylene oxide) segment derived from a poly(ethylene oxide) initiator.

Abstract: Disclosed are reduced salt polyallylamine polymer compositions, a process for producing a cross-linked polyallylamine polymer from a reduced salt, aqueous solution of a polyallylamine polymer and a multifunctional cross-linking agent and to cross-linked polyallylamine polymer compositions produced thereby.

Abstract: Composite polyamide reverse osmosis membranes are treated with an aqueous chlorinating agent at a concentration of 200 to 10,000 ppm for a time sufficient to improve flux, lower salt passage and increase the stability to base. In a preferred embodiment the membrane is treated with heated water at temperature of 40.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. before being exposed to the chlorine treatment.

Abstract: A method of making a semipermeable composite membrane comprising a discriminating layer formed insitu by interfacial polymerization is disclosed. The method provides for removal of a water immiscible solvent for a reactant in the interfacial polymerization by physical means not requiring a phase change such as a water knife, air knife, roller, or rubber blade. Composite membranes having good flux, good salt rejection, and low levels of remaining organic solvent are obtained.

Abstract: A method of producing sodium dithionite comprising electrolyzing a catholyte solution of sulfur dioxide in an electrolytic cell at a pH of at least about 3, the electrolytic cell having a carbonaceous cathode, is disclosed. Particularly high current efficiencies can be attained using a high surface area carbon material for the cathode. The use of a stabilizer to inhibit decomposition of the sodium dithionite to form sodium thiosulfate is also disclosed. The stabilizer is added to the catholyte and is selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, sodium tripolyphosphate, acid phosphates and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for the electrochemical reaction of a lower organic halide, e.g., benzyl chloride, wherein the improvement comprises the catalytic in situ conversion of the lower organic halide to a higher organic halide, e.g., benzyl iodide, which reacts under milder conditions than does the lower organic halide. An example of such an improved process is the dimerization of a benzyl chloride to form a diphenylethane wherein a catalytic amount of sodium iodide is added to the electrochemical cell under conditions such that the conversion of the benzyl chloride to benzyl iodide is effectively driven to completion.

Abstract: Substituted amino aromatic compounds such as 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid are prepared by electrolytically reducing the corresponding nitro aromatic compound in a basic medium at temperatures below 60.degree. C. and current densities greater than 50 milliamps per square centimeter. The aminohydroxybenzoic acids are useful in the preparation of polybenzoxazoles which are used to make fibers and composites having high strength and thermal stability.

Abstract: Substituted organic diols such as diethylene glycol can be oxidized in an electrochemical cell to form a six-member heterocyclic alcohol, such as 1,4-dioxan-2-ol. The six-member heterocyclic alcohols are useful as solvents for pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Dicarboxylic acids are prepared by oxidation of (poly)alkylene glycols with electrochemically generated nickel-oxide hydroxide.

Abstract: A nickel-oxide hydroxide electrode is prepared by galvanostatic cycling of a nickel metal in contact with a basic electrolyte under electrochemical conditions.