Abstract: In a process for the production of neopentyl glycol by hydrogenation of the aldol product of formaldehyde and isobutyraldehyde, an improvement comprises the wiped-film evaporator treatment of a saponified NPG-containing mixture. The process results in a very pure product and also eliminates the need for the addition of steam to the crude NPG, thus saving the cost of energy for removing the water from the NPG.A further yield improvement is achieved by extracting NPG from the caustic residue with isobutyraldehyde and water. The isobutyraldehyde selectively recovers the NPG while the water selectively removes the caustic. The isobutyraldehyde and NPG are then conveniently recycled to the aldol reaction zone.

Abstract: Crude cumene hydroperoxide is purified by subjecting it to an evaporation step at a pressure of about 2 to 10 (preferably 3 to 7) mg Hg abs. and a temperature of about 150.degree. F. to about 210.degree. F. (pref. about 175.degree. F. to 195.degree. F.) to remove light impurities and then subjecting the residue from the first evaporation step to a second evaporation step also at a temperature of about 135.degree. F. to 210.degree. F. (pref. about 150.degree. F. to 185.degree. F.) but at a pressure of about 0.5 to about 8 (preferably 1 to 3) mm Hg abs. to obtain a distillate significantly reduced in color bodies, water, acetophenone, and dimethylbenzyl alcohol, and sodium.

Abstract: Diphenylamine is made by the reaction in the vapor phase of two moles of aniline with the consequent evolution of ammonia; surprisingly high yields and selectivities are obtained by maintaining a significant concentration of ammonia in the catalyst zone, preferably by using the ammonia as a carrier for the aniline.

Abstract: Weakly basic ion exchange resins are used to remove iron compounds in anhydrous or substantially anhydrous organic systems such as phenolic process streams. The resins may be either in the form of a weak salt such as the amine hydrochloride or may be a protonated amine carboxylic acid in the acidic form. In either case, we have determined that the active site does not perform in a conventional ion exchange manner but rather forms a complex with the entire iron compound molecule. While the complex is formed in a waterless or almost waterless system, it may be regenerated in an aqueous system.

Abstract: Gas stream mixtures including ethylene, acetylene, CO, CO.sub.2, water, alcohols, H.sub.2 S, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons, CS.sub.2, etc., are prepared for further treatment by removing the water, alcohols, CS.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons in separate solvent-absorption systems. In particular, coke oven gas is treated to remove water, CS.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons prior to contacting it with cuprous aluminum halide to effect removal by complexing of ethylene, acetylene and/or carbon monoxide; off-gas from the complexing ligand zone or elsewhere may be used to prestrip and/or regenerate the solvent in the absorption system. Very little energy is consumed, extraction efficiencies are very high, and fouling is avoided.

Abstract: This invention concerns a carbonization and desulfurization process in which elevated pressures are used so that the product gases contain sufficient hydrogen for use as a recycle stream in the carbonization and desulfurization. The elevated pressures permit product recovery systems for the gas products which utilize the elevated pressures of the carbonization and desulfurization.