Abstract: Aromatic compounds such as toluene and o-xylene are chlorinated in the presence of a catalyst combination prepared by combining (A) at least one salt comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of a Group 4–12 metal, a lanthanide and an actinide; and a counterion; and (B) at least one organic sulfur compound, preferably phenothiazine-N-carbonyl chloride. The catalyst combination may include reaction products of (A) and (B). Under these conditions, production of the p-chloro isomer is optimized. In some embodiments said counterion is an organic counterion derived from at least one acidic organic compound selected from the group consisting of those with an approximate pKa value relative to water of at least about 3.

Abstract: A curable composition includes a functionalized poly(arylene ether); an alkenyl aromatic monomer; an acryloyl monomer; and a polymeric additive having a glass transition temperature less than or equal to 100° C. and a Young's modulus less than or equal to 1000 megapascals at 25° C. The polymeric additive is soluble in the combined functionalized poly(arylene ether), alkenyl aromatic monomer, and acryloyl monomer at a temperature less than or equal to 50° C. The composition exhibits low shrinkage on curing and improved surface smoothness. It is useful, for example, in the manufacture of automotive body panels.

Abstract: Aromatic compounds such as toluene and o-xylene are chlorinated in the presence of a catalyst combination prepared by combining (A) at least one salt comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of a Group 4-12 metal, a lanthanide and an actinide; and a counterion; and (B) at least one organic sulfur compound, preferably phenothiazine-N-carbonyl chloride. The catalyst combination may include reaction products of (A) and (B). Under these conditions, production of the p-chloro isomer is optimized. In some embodiments said counterion is an organic counterion derived from at least one acidic organic compound selected from the group consisting of those with an approximate pKa value relative to water of at least about 3.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention comprise a pigment comprising one or more substantially spherical-shaped beads, wherein each substantially spherical-shaped bead comprises one or more high aspect ratio particles encapsulated within an encapsulating material. Embodiments also comprise a resinous composition comprising said pigment. Yet further embodiments comprise a method of preparing said pigment via suspension polymerization. The substantially spherical-shaped beads of this invention may be used to produce resinous compositions having a flowline-free colored, sparkling and/or metallescent appearance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing impurities from products derived from oxidation of an ortho-dialkylaromatic compound which comprises at least one step selected from the group consisting of extraction of an aqueous solution comprising aromatic dicarboxylic acid product with an organic solvent and extraction of an organic solution comprising aromatic anhydride product with an aqueous bicarbonate solution for a time period insufficient to allow hydrolysis of anhydride to acid.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of chlorophthalic acid by liquid phase oxidation of chloro-ortho-xylene is disclosed. The chlorophthalic acid may be dehydrated to form chlorophthalic anhydride which is useful in the synthesis of polyetherimide.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of halophthalic acid by liquid phase oxidation of halo-ortho-xylene is disclosed. The halophthalic acid may be dehydrated to form halophthalic anhydride which is useful in the synthesis of polyetherimide.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of halophthalic acid by liquid phase oxidation of halo-ortho-xylene is disclosed. The halophthalic acid may be dehydrated to form halophthalic anhydride which is useful in the synthesis of polyetherimide.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition comprises a capped poly(arylene ether), an alkenyl aromatic monomer, and an acryloyl monomer. The composition provides good flow properties and fast curing rates. After curing, the composition exhibits good stiffness, toughness, heat resistance, and dielectric properties.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of halophthalic acid by liquid phase oxidation of halo-ortho-xylene is disclosed. The halophthalic acid may be dehydrated to form halophthalic anhydride which is useful in the synthesis of polyetherimide.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of halophthalic acid by liquid phase oxidation of halo-ortho-xylene is disclosed. The halophthalic acid may be dehydrated to form halophthalic anhydride which is useful in the synthesis of polyetherimide.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of chlorophthalic acid by liquid phase oxidation of chloro-ortho-xylene is disclosed. The chlorophthalic acid may be dehydrated to form chlorophthalic anhydride which is useful in the synthesis of polyetherimide.

Abstract: A curable composition includes a functionalized poly(arylene ether); an alkenyl aromatic monomer; an acryloyl monomer; and a polymeric additive having a glass transition temperature less than or equal to 100° C. and a Young's modulus less than or equal to 1000 megapascals at 25° C. The polymeric additive is soluble in the combined functionalized poly(arylene ether), alkenyl aromatic monomer, and acryloyl monomer at a temperature less than or equal to 50° C. The composition exhibits low shrinkage on curing and improved surface smoothness. It is useful, for example, in the manufacture of automotive body panels.

Abstract: A method for forming a dialkyldichlorosilane, comprising reacting elemental silicon with an alkyl chloride using copper as a catalyst together with promoters zinc, tin, and a special promoter. The special promoter is silver, a silver compound, gold, a gold compound, or combinations thereof. The alkyl may be methyl such that the dialkyldichlorosilane is dimethyldichlorosilane and the alkyl chloride is methyl chloride. The reacting generates the dialkyldichlorosilane in accordance with a first selectivity for the dialkyldichlorosilane that exceeds a second selectivity for the dialkyldichlorosilane. The second selectivity is a selectivity for the dialkyldichlorosilane that would have existed had the special promoter been absent.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition comprises a capped poly(arylene ether), an alkenyl aromatic monomer, and an acryloyl monomer. The composition provides good flow properties and fast curing rates. After curing, the composition exhibits good stiffness, toughness, heat resistance, and dielectric properties.

Abstract: Addition of phosphine ligands can produce high yields of tetraphenoxymethane, TPM, and diphenylcarbonate, DPC, in short reaction times and improved reaction rates by a copper-induced condensation of phenol and carbon disulfide, CS.sub.2. Either aromatic or aliphatic substituted phosphine ligands can be employed. The copper(I) oxide utilization is significantly improved in reactions containing phosphine ligands, such that yields exceeding 100% tetraphenoxymethane are observed. Some of the sulfur-containing byproduct is transferred to the phosphine in the form of phosphine sulfide.

Abstract: A carbonate ester is produced by the metal-induced reaction of a hydroxy compound with a sulfur compound in a melt process. An orthocarbonate can also be produced. The orthocarbonate can be converted into carbonate ester in a subsequent operation.