Abstract: A curing or bridging composition is useful for effecting the crosslinking of phenolic resoles and the formation of novolaks. The composition comprises from 1% to 99% by weight of partially or totally sulfonated calixarenes and from 99% to 1% of partially or totally sulfonated linear phenolic oligomers, optionally together with partially or totally sulfonated phenol. To the contrary of conventional catalysts for the crosslinking of resoles and the formation of novolaks, the composition is chemically incorporated into the molecular structure of the final products; especially the sulfonated calixarenes confer new, surprisingly improved properties to phenolic resins and novolaks and sensibly accelerate the condensation reactions.

Abstract: A new two-step process for the preparation and industrial manufacture of calixarenes is disclosed. In the first step, linear phenolic oligomers are prepared in a basic medium from an optionally substituted phenol and a formaldehyde source. The reaction mixture is then neutralized or acidified, and cyclization of the oligomers is brought about at higher temperatures in the same reaction medium which is made water free and optionally completed by higher boiling liquids. The process allows a definite control of the cyclic compounds to be synthesized. Furthermore, novel calixarene compounds are disclosed as well as an installation for carrying out the process on a laboratory or industrial scale.

Abstract: A process for recovering volatile, generally bad smelling low molecular, low polar substances called VLC, contained in gas streams, by capturing the same by in contacting the gaseous environment with a calixarene or a resorcinol calixarene present in the form of particles, granules, as a coating or impregnation on or in a solid support, or as an organic or aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for the confinement of generally harmful solid materials is disclosed and claimed. The solid materials are immobilized and confined within a solid matrix for an unlimited storage free from pollution risks. The solid materials are mixed with at least one low condensed, liquid phenolic resin and a cross-linking agent which is selected from partly or wholly sulfonated linear and/or cyclic phenolic oligomers, and the cross-linking which forms said solid matrix under hardening is allowed to occur. When a mould is used for the hardening reaction, solid blocks are formed which are resistant to water, heat, and environmental acids and bases. These blocks need not be stored in a safe environment but can further be used for applications such as construction elements.

Abstract: Para sulfonated calixarenes are obtained in a one-step reaction directly from para blocked calixarenes by treating same with a sulfonating agent, such as concentrated sulfuric acid, to perform an ipso-electrophilic substitution.

Abstract: A phenolic foam having exceptional absorption capacities for pollutants such as hydrocarbons and other substances is described. The foam is hydrophobic and is capable of absorbing such substances in amounts up to 72 times its own weight. It is the reaction product of a resol and a cross-linking agent made of linear and/or cyclic, partially or completely sulphonated, phenolic oligomers, in the presence a surfactant and a swelling agent, and, optionally, of a coloring agent and stabilizers. A method for making the foam, an installation for implementing the method and a use of said foam are also described.