Abstract: A process of preparing cyclic ethers is described. The process involves the reaction of at least one organic compound such as a dioi or a polyol which it has at least one pair of hydroxyl groups separated by 4 or 5 carbon atoms, and which is capable of being converted into an ether linkage, with an organic carbonate in the presence of a base. The base is an alkoxy, a carbonate or a hydroxide base or is a mixture of such bases. At least one of the hydroxyl groups of the organic compound is not a tertiary hydroxyl group.

Abstract: A method for preparing dialkyl carbonates of dianhydrohexitol, includes the following steps: (a) preparing an initial reaction mixture containing at least one dianhydrohexitol, at least two mole equivalents of a dialkyl carbonate of formula and a transesterification catalyst; (b) heating the reaction mixture to a temperature greater than or equal to the boiling temperature of the formed alcohol, or of the azeotrope thereof, in a reaction chamber preferably provided with a rectification column including a sufficient number of theoretical distillation plates to separate the resulting alcohol from the reaction mixture. Certain dialkyl carbonates of dianhydrohexitols produced by the method and the use thereof for synthesizing synthetic polymers are also described.

Abstract: A method for preparing dialkyl carbonates of dianhydrohexitol, includes the following steps: (a) preparing an initial reaction mixture containing at least one dianhydrohexitol, at least two mole equivalents of a dialkyl carbonate of formula and a transesterification catalyst; (b) heating the reaction mixture to a temperature greater than or equal to the boiling temperature of the formed alcohol, or of the azeotrope thereof, in a reaction chamber preferably provided with a rectification column including a sufficient number of theoretical distillation plates to separate the resulting alcohol from the reaction mixture. Certain dialkyl carbonates of dianhydrohexitols produced by the method and the use thereof for synthesizing synthetic polymers are also described.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of an aromatic urethane from the reaction of an aromatic amine and an organic carbonate comprising the steps of passing the aromatic amine and the organic carbonate through a fixed bed reactor containing a zinc carbonate catalyst to produce the aromatic urethane and collecting the aromatic urethane.

Abstract: A process of preparing cyclic ethers is described. The process involves the reaction of at least one organic compound such as a dioi or a polyol which it has at least one pair of hydroxyl groups separated by 4 or 5 carbon atoms, and which is capable of being converted into an ether linkage, with an organic carbonate in the presence of a base. The base is an alkoxy, a carbonate or a hydroxide base or is a mixture of such bases. At least one of the hydroxyl groups of the organic compound is not a tertiary hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for direct and selective synthesis of mono-N-substituted functionalized anilines by using alkylating agents selected from the class of organic carbonates, preferably of the dialkyl, dibenzyl and diallyl types, in the presence of suitable catalysts that are chemically related to the class of aluminosilicates.

Abstract: A process for the .alpha.-monoalkylation of arylacetonitriles, arylacetoesters and arylacetic acids with dialkyl carbonates in liquid phase, in the presence of bases at temperatures ranging from about 100.degree. C. to about 270.degree. C.

Abstract: A continuous process for the alkylation of CH-acid compounds with dialkyl carbonates in gas-liquid phase transfer catalysis conditions is described, consisting of contacting a mixture of a CH-acid compound (arylacetonitrile or malonic diester) and of a dialkylcarbonate, optionally added with an inert carrier (constituted by a polar or aprotic polar liquid or by a gas), with a catalytic bed comprising alumina spheres carrying a base and a phase transfer catalyst.

Abstract: An immobilized reagent for the decontamination of fluids is described, consisting of a solid, carrier on which there are absorbed (a) polyethylene glycols, (b) alkali or alkaline-earth metal alcoholates.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of an halogenated organic compound is described which comprises reacting the compound with a reagent which consists of (a) at least one member which is a polyethyleneglycol, Nixolen.RTM., an alcohol or a polyhydroxy compound, (b) a base, and (c) an oxidizing agent or a source of radicals, in the absence of oxygen. The method is applicable to the decontamination of mineral oils and soil contaminated with polychlorobiphenyls, polychlorodibenzofurans, polychlorodibenzodioxins, DDT and other halogenated organic compounds.The different possible formulations of such reagents allow the preparation of stable reactive mixture, which can be either liquid or solid; the liquid reagents are particularly suitable for the decontamination of porous surfaces such as cement, sandstone, asphalt and for the decontamination of parts of plants contaminated by PCBs.The use of microwaves during the decontamination process proved to be particularly advantageous.