Abstract: Dialkyl diamines for use with polyols and polyisocyanates in cast elastomer and reaction injection molding polyurethane processes. The dialkyl diamines are prepared by nitration and reduction of dialkylbenzenes or alkylation of meta-phenylenediamine. The chain extenders have the following structure: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl and R.sub.2 is C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl.Contrary to the teachings of the prior art the novel diamines have surprisingly good reaction times to form polyurethanes with excellent physical properties. Furthermore, little or no mold release is required in RIM and other processes using the chain extenders of the invention.

Abstract: The sulfonation of o-alkylphenols by reaction with sulfuric acid is improved to give higher conversion to disulfonated o-alkylphenol by adding a small amount of a polybasic carboxylic acid (e.g. oxalic acid) to the o-alkylphenol. The sulfonated product is converted to a dinitro-o-alkylphenol by reaction with nitric acid or salt thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing hexene-1 oligomer by a process which comprises oligomerizing hexene-1 in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, such as boron trifluoride, and a promoter, such as water, the improvement comprising dissolving hexene-1 in a hydrocarbon solvent comprising 10-75% of the reaction mixture and conducting the oligomerizing in the hydrocarbon solvent. The hydrocarbon solvent has a minimum boiling point of 60.degree. C. There is an increase in both the reaction rate and trimer yield of product.

Abstract: Friction of internal combustion engines is reduced by using a formulated motor oil in the engine crankcase which contains a minor amount of an N-hydroxymethyl aliphatic hydrocarbylamide, e.g. N-hydroxymethyl oleamide. The additive can also be used in fuel.

Abstract: Hydrogenated dimers of C.sub.12-18 alpha olefins (e.g. 1-tetradecene) made using a Friedel-Crafts catalyst (e.g. BF.sub.3 promoted with water) have low pour points, low volatility and viscosities which make them suitable as crankcase lubricants for internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A process for making a low viscosity, low volatility .alpha.-olefin oligomer suitable for use as a functional fluid or lubricating oil comprising dimerizing a C.sub.6-12 .alpha.-olefin, reacting the resultant dimer with a C.sub.6-18 .alpha.-olefin in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, distilling out volatile components and hydrogenating the residual product.

Abstract: Aromatic hydroxy compounds (e.g., 2,6-dimethylphenol) are converted to the corresponding aromatic amine (e.g., 2,6-dimethylaniline) by reaction with ammonia at elevated temperatures in the presence of a cyclohexanone promoter and a catalyst comprising metallic palladium bonded to a phosphinated polystyrene resin.