Abstract: A process for the preparation of cis-2-alkenoic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof, comprising rearranging 1,3-dibromo-2-alkanone in an alkaline environment in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of an alkali metal salt of cis-2-alkenoic acid, and isolating from the reaction mixture cis-2-alkenoic acid, either in the form of the free acid or in the form of the alkali metal salt.

Abstract: A continuous process of preparing bromopicrin is disclosed. The process is effected by transferring a continuous flow of a first mixture and a continuous flow of a second mixture into a first reactor, the first mixture containing nitromethane and bromine and the second mixture containing an aqueous solution of an alkaline substance, to thereby obtain a reaction mixture which comprises bromopicrin in said first reactor; and collecting the bromopicrin from the reaction mixture. Highly pure bromopicrin obtained by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous process of preparing bromopicrin is disclosed. The process is effected by transferring a continuous flow of a first mixture and a continuous flow of a second mixture into a first reactor, the first mixture containing nitromethane and bromine and the second mixture containing an aqueous solution of an alkaline substance, to thereby obtain a reaction mixture which comprises bromopicrin in said first reactor; and collecting the bromopicrin from the reaction mixture. Highly pure bromopicrin obtained by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polybrominated bisaryl compounds containing bromomethyl or bromomethylene groups are provided, as well as flameproof polymeric formulations comprising the compounds. The novel compounds exhibit a good thermal stability, and are particularly suitable for flame-retarding polystyrene thermoplastic foams. A process for making the polybrominated bisaryl compounds is also provided.

Abstract: Polybrominated bisaryl compounds containing bromomethyl or bromomethylene groups are provided, as well as flameproof polymeric formulations comprising the compounds. The novel compounds exhibit a good thermal stability, and are particularly suitable for flame-retarding polystyrene thermoplastic foams. A process for making the polybrominated bisaryl compounds is also provided.