Abstract: In a process for recovering pure methylal from methanol-methylal mixtures, which can optionally contain still further compounds, the separation conducted in a rectification device comprising two rectifying columns. In the first rectifying column, the mixture to be separated is rectified under a pressure lower than that in the second column, into a methylal-rich, methanol-poor distillate, and into a practically methylal-free, methanol-rich sump product. The methylal-rich distillate of the first rectification is then separated in a second rectifying column, operated under a higher pressure than the first rectification column, into a compound stream containing methanol and methylal, which is then recycled to the first rectifying column, and into pure methylal as the sump product.

Abstract: Method for the hydroformylation of olefins with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of soluble cobalt compounds as the catalyst at an elevated temperature and under increased pressure, and optionally in the presence of paraffins and/or other inert diluents. The hydroformylation is conducted, in a first stage, up to a conversion of about 40-75 percent with remixing of the reaction mixture, and then, in a second stage, up to a conversion of at least 95 percent, preferably 95-98 percent, without remixing.

Abstract: A process for preparing an .alpha.,.omega.-C.sub.6 - to C.sub.20 -alkenol of a purity of greater than 85% comprises catalytically dehydrating the corresponding .alpha.,.omega.-C.sub.6 - to C.sub.20 -diol using a catalyst of a neutral, pyrophosphate of lithium, sodium, strontium or barium or a mixture thereof at a temperature of 300.degree.-500.degree. C. and a diol conversion of 10-90%.

Abstract: In a process for the production of neopentyl glycol comprising high-pressure hydrogenating a crude hydroxypivalaldehyde, containing the monoisobutyric acid ester of neopentyl glycol as an impurity, in the liquid phase over a barium-activated copper chromite catalyst, an improvement comprises hydrogenating the crude hydroxypivalaldehyde in the presence of 3-8% of water, and in two stages, wherein, in the first stage, the temperature is 120.degree.-160.degree. C. and the charge of hydrogenation starting material is 0.05-1.0 liter/liter of catalyst . h., and in the second stage, the temperature is 170.degree.-200.degree. C. and the charge of hydrogenation starting material is 0.05-1.0 liter/liter of catalyst . h., whereby there is obtained neopentyl glycol having a degree of purity of above 98% as determined by gas chromatographic analysis.

Abstract: In a method of plasticizing polyvinyl chloride by adding a plasticizer to polyvinyl chloride, an improvement is provided wherein the plasticizer is a di-(cyclohexylethylmethylol) phthalate or a di-(ethylcyclohexylmethylol) phthalate of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is ethyl or hydrogen; R.sub.1 is methyl or hydrogen; and n is an integer of 0-2; and when n is 2, R is H and R.sub.1 is H; when n is 0, R is ethyl and R.sub.1 is H, and when n is 1, R.sub.1 is methyl and R is H; the two alcohol radicals being the same or different.

Abstract: Straight-chain, primary alcohols are prepared by reacting straight-chain 1-bromoalkanes having 6 to 20 carbon atoms with alkali salts of monocarboxylic acids having 4 to 22 carbon atoms in the presence of 1 to 10 mole percent of monocarboxylic acids or alcohols based upon the alkali salt of the carboxylic acid and at temperatures ranging from 150.degree. to 300.degree. C. The esters formed are saponified in alkaline medium to the straight-chain, primary alcohols and separated.

Abstract: Method for the recovery of cobalt as cobalt hydrocarbonyl from a water mono- or diacid, cobalt salt solution which is obtained from the cobalt removal from oxo alcohols, preferably after the addition of higher olefins. These solutions are treated with carbon monoxide and hydrogen under high pressure and high temperature in the presence of an organic solvent wherein the water, mono- or diacid cobalt solutions are treated with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of butanol, in which the butanol to solution ratio ranges from 1:2 through 1:5 at a temperature of between about 140.degree. C to 200.degree. C and a pressure of between about 100 and 300 atmospheres in a homogenous phase followed by cooling between about 0.degree. C and 110.degree. C and separation of the butanol-cobalt hydrocarbonyl phase from the water phase.

Abstract: Straight-chain, primary alcohols are prepared by reacting straight-chain 1-chloroalkanes having 6 to 20 carbon atoms with alkali salts of monocarboxylic acids having 4 to 22 carbon atoms in the presence of 1 to 10 mole percent of monocarboxylic acids or alcohols based upon the alkali salt of the carboxylic acid and at temperatures ranging from 150.degree. to 300.degree.C. The esters formed are saponified in alkaline medium to the straight-chain, primary alcohols and separated.