Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the polymerization of an olefinic feedstock comprising one or more of butene-1, butene-2 and iso-butene by bringing the feedstock into contact with an ionic liquid comprising a) an aluminium compound of the formula R.sub.n AlX.sub.3-n wherein R is a C1-C6 alkyl radical, X is a halogen atom and n is 0, 1 or 2, and b) a substituted imidazolium and/or a substituted pyridinium halide such that the melting point of the ionic liquid is below the reaction temperature in the range from -50.degree. C. to +100.degree. C. The polymers so produced can be used to react with alkenyl succinimides which are useful fuel and lubricating oil additives.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of scale in waters having a high barium content and low pH comprises the addition of an aqueous solution of a phosphonate of formula: ##STR1## wherein Z=--CHR.sup.1 PO.sub.3 R.sub.2R=H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or MR.sup.1 =H, CH.sub.3, CR.sub.3, C.sub.6 H.sub.5, SO.sub.3 H.sub.2M=alkali metal or ammonium ionn=2-6, preferably 2-4m=2-6, preferably 2-4a=2-10, preferably 2-4b=2-10, preferably 2-6x=0-6, preferably 0-3y=0-6, preferably 0-2provided that when y=0 at least one of n or m is greater than 2.The phosphonates may be present in the form of a fully or partially neutralised salt and may be injected into production fluids obtained from an underground reservoir or injected into the reservoir via a wellbore as part of a squeeze technique.

Abstract: Alkyl-, aryl- or alkylaryl-alkoxy halides are prepared by reacting the corresponding alcohol, phenol or alkyl phenol with ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide in the presence of an amine catalyst to form an alkoxy alcohol, and directly reacting the latter with a halogenating agent in the continuing presence of the amine catalyst.Neutralization of the product and/or catalyst removal from the first stage is no longer necessary and reaction rates and yields are increased in the second stage.

Abstract: Alkyl-, aryl-, or alkylaryl-alkoxy ethane sulphonates are prepared by reacting the corresponding halides with potassium or ammonium sulphite in the presence of water in amount less than 50% by weight of the alkoxy ethane halide.Reducing the water content of the reaction mixture to a low level increases the throughput and yield and reduces the increase in viscosity of the reaction mixture as the reaction proceeds.