Abstract: Ethylene, 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane, and optionally carbon monoxide are reacted in the presence of a free radical catalyst to form a biodegradable and optionally photodegradable polymer represented by the formulae: ##STR1## where x and y are integers or ##STR2## where x, y and z are integers.

Abstract: Ethylene, 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane, and optionally carbon monoxide are reacted in the presence of free radical catalyst to form a biodegradable and optionally photodegradable polymer represented by the formulae: ##STR1## where x and y are integers or ##STR2## where x, y and z are integers.

Abstract: A polyketone having a molecular weight greater than 1,000 and containing 0.01 to 50 mole percent carbonyl groups is contacted directly with an organic peroxyacid to produce a polyester. The polyketone is in a single homogenous phase during the oxidation process and may be in either solid or liquid form.In a preferred embodiment, a molten polyketone is contacted with an organic peroxyacid in a reactive extrusion process to produce polyester pellets.

Abstract: A copolymer of trans-1,4-hexadiene and propylene, and a method for its preparation. The copolymer is isotactic, essentially free of cis-1,4-hexadiene, and contains from 0.01 to 5 mole percent 1,4-hexadiene. The copolymer is radiation-stabilized against molecular weight degradation, and cross-links to form gel upon exposure to radiation. The copolymer is prepared by contacting a mixture of propylene and 1,4-hexadiene essentially free of cis-1,4-hexadiene with a coordination catlyst, e.g. Ziegler-Natta catalyst, under copolymerization conditions. Hydrogen is used to moderate the molecular weight of the copolymer and enhance the catalyst activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are block and random graft copolymer compositions comprising a base polymer of crystalline polyolefin to which is grafted at least one side or end chain of a hydroxy-ended polylactone, the process for making said graft copolymer compositions, and use thereof in engineering thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: A process for reacting in admixture, an olefin with oxygen, CO, and water, to form a cyclic alkylene carbonate, in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising a catalytically active osmium compound, copper containing co-catalyst I (e.g. CuBr.sub.2) and a co-catalyst II (e.g. pyridine) is disclosed.

Abstract: The process for hydroxylating olefins with oxygen in the presence of water, an osmium-halide (e.g., OsBr.sub.3) catalyst and transition metal containing co-catalyst (CuBr.sub.2) is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for hydroxylating olefins, such as ethylene or propylene, using an osmium oxide catalyst such as OsO.sub.4, a carboxylate salt co-catalyst, such as sodium acetate, and organic hydroperoxide oxidant is disclosed.

Abstract: A process directed to the hydroxylation of olefins by reacting said olefins in the presence of oxygen, water, and a catalyst composition comprising (i) a catalytically active osmium containing compound, (ii) a Co-catalyst I comprising a copper containing compound such as CuBr.sub.2, and (iii) a Co-catalyst II capable of increasing the rate and/or selectivity of the hydroxylation reaction, such as pyridine is disclosed.

Abstract: A process directed to the hydroxylation of olefins by reacting said olefins in the presence of oxygen, water, and a catalyst composition comprising (i) a catalytically active osmium containing compound, (ii) a Co-catalyst I comprising a copper containing compound such as CuBr.sub.2, and (iii) a Co-catalyst II capable of increasing the rate and/or selectivity of the hydroxylation reaction, such as 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2.] octane is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for hydroxylating olefins, such as ethylene or propylene, using an oxidant selected from organic hydroperoxides, H.sub.2 O.sub.2, and oxygen and a catalyst composition comprising at least one osmium carbonyl catalyst, such as Os.sub.3 (CO).sub.12, and optionally at least one cocatalyst such as NaI, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for hydroxylating olefins with an organic hydroperoxide and water in the presence of an osmium containing catalyst (e.g. OsO.sub.4) and an organic halogenated hydrocarbon co-catalyst (e.g., n-butyl iodide) is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for hydroxylating olefins using a supported osmium catalyst such as Os.sub.3 (CO).sub.12 adsorbed on a support, such as MgO, and optionally in conjunction with a co-catalyst such as NaI, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing polyols such as diols by catalytic hydroxylation of an olefinic compound by reacting the olefinic compound with an organic hydroperoxide and water in the presence of a catalyst comprising osmium compound and a specific halide co-catalyst is disclosed.

Abstract: A process directed to the hydroxylation of olefins by reacting said olefins with an oxygen containing gas and water in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising (i) a catalytically active metal oxide such as OsO.sub.4, (ii) as a co-catalyst I a transition metal salt such as CuBr.sub.2, and (iii) optionally a co-catalyst II salt such as tetra ethyl ammonium bromide is disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic hydrocarbon fluid is prepared by oligomerizing an olefin reactant in the presence of a catalyst prepared by reacting tungsten hexafluoride and a branched-chain aliphatic alcohol at a moderate temperature. For example, 1-butene is oligomerized at a temperature of about 40.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst obtained by reacting tungsten hexafluoride and isopropanol in a four to one mol ratio. The liquid oligomer product is then hydrogenated to remove residual unsaturation.

Abstract: Method for preparing polyols such as diols and triols by the homogeneous catalytic hydroxylation of an olefinic compound by contacting the olefinic compound with an organic hydroperoxide in an inert polar solvent containing catalytic amounts of an osmium compound and a halide and at least a stoichiometric amount of water based on the amount of said olefinic compound.

Abstract: A catalyst is prepared by reacting tungsten hexafluoride with a branched-chain aliphatic alcohol in a molar ratio of 2:1 to 20:1. This catalyst can be used to oligomerize 1-butene to produce synthetic hydrocarbon oils.

Abstract: Cumene hydroperoxide is decomposed to phenol and acetone using a Lewis acid catalyst of the group tungsten hexafluoride, silicon tetrafluoride, stannous chloride, stannic fluoride, antimony pentachloride, sulfur monochloride and sulfur tetrafluoride.

Abstract: Cumene hydroperoxide is decomposed to phenol and acetone using boron trifluoride or boron trifluoride complexed with an oxygen-containing polar compound as the decomposition catalyst. The boron trifluoride in the reaction product is then complexed with an amine such as trimethyl amine for recovery and reuse in the process.