Abstract: A poly(phenylene ether) copolymer of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol and a dihydric phenol having an absolute number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 10,000 grams/mole is made by polymerization of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol and a dihydric phenol in the presence of molecular oxygen, a polymerization catalyst comprising a metal ion and at least one amine ligand, and a solvent composed of at least 95 weight percent of a C1-C3 alcohol selected from methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol. The poly(phenylene ether) copolymer can be, for example, a copolymer of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol, 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenol)propane, and optionally 2,6-dimethylphenol. The poly(phenylene ether) copolymer finds utility in curable compositions, cured compositions, and articles.

Abstract: A poly(phenylene ether) copolymer of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol and a dihydric phenol having an absolute number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 10,000 grams/mole is made by polymerization of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol and a dihydric phenol in the presence of molecular oxygen, a polymerization catalyst comprising a metal ion and at least one amine ligand, and a solvent composed of at least 95 weight percent of a C1-C3 alcohol selected from methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol. The poly(phenylene ether) copolymer can be, for example, a copolymer of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol, 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenol)propane, and optionally 2,6-dimethylphenol. The poly(phenylene ether) copolymer finds utility in curable compositions, cured compositions, and articles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)phenol by reacting a 2-allylphenol with an oxidant in the presence of a catalyst. A 3-chromanol can be formed as a by-product. The method can be used to make 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-6-methylphenol. Transition metal catalysts and peroxide oxidants can be used. Also disclosed is a composition comprising 1 to 90 weight percent of a 2-(2,3-epoxypropylphenol, 5 to 90 weight percent of a 2-allylphenol, and 0 to 40 weight percent of a 3-chroman-ol, and in particular, a composition comprising 1 to 90 weight percent 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-6-methylphenol, 5 to 90 weight percent 2-allyl-6-methylphenol, and 0 to 40 weight percent 8-methyl-3-chromanol.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)phenol by reacting a 2-allylphenol with an oxidant in the presence of a catalyst. A 3-chromanol can be formed as a by-product. The method can be used to make 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-6-methylphenol. Transition metal catalysts and peroxide oxidants can be used. Also disclosed is a composition comprising 1 to 90 weight percent of a 2-(2,3-epoxypropylphenol, 5 to 90 weight percent of a 2-allylphenol, and 0 to 40 weight percent of a 3-chromanol, and in particular, a composition comprising 1 to 90 weight percent 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-6-methylphenol, 5 to 90 weight percent 2-allyl-6-methylphenol, and 0 to 40 weight percent 8-methyl-3-chromanol.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)phenol by reacting a 2-allylphenol with an oxidant in the presence of a catalyst. A 3-chromanol can be formed as a by-product. The method can be used to make 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-6-methylphenol. Transition metal catalysts and peroxide oxidants can be used. Also disclosed is a composition comprising 1 to 90 weight percent of a 2-(2,3-epoxypropylphenol, 5 to 90 weight percent of a 2-allylphenol, and 0 to 40 weight percent of a 3-chromanol, and in particular, a composition comprising 1 to 90 weight percent 2-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-6-methylphenol, 5 to 90 weight percent 2-allyl-6-methylphenol, and 0 to 40 weight percent 8-methyl-3-chromanol.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a polyphenylene ether by subjecting a 2,6-dialkyl-4-halophenol to oxygen in the presence of a water-immiscible solvent, an aqueous alkali, a phase transfer agent, and a molecular-weight-controlling amount of an amine having at least one hydrogen on the amine nitrogen. The polyphenylene ether thus produced has improved flow properties, color and odor, and is suitable for polymer blending with styrenic resins.