Abstract: The invention provides a fluorescent whitening agent or optical brightener of formula (I) or (II) having the structure: (I) (II), wherein Y is Z or X?L; wherein: A is CR1R2(CH2)n wherein R1 is H, CH2OH or COZ, R2 is H or CH2OH and wherein n is 1 or 2, or wherein A is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic ring fused with N and X wherein N and X are respectively bound to adjacent carbon atoms on the ring; X is O, S or N—H; Y is Z or X?L; the or each Z is independently OH, OM, OR3, O(CH2)qSO3M, NH2, NHOH, NHR4 or NR42, wherein M is selected from an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal; R3 represents a linear or branched alkyl, an aryl, an alkaryl, an aralkyl, a linear or branched alkyl alcohol, a linear or branched alkyl alcohol polyol, a hydroxyalkylamine, a polyhydric alcohol, a sugar, a linear or branched alkyl ether, a polyester having from 2 to 1000 repeat units, or a polyoxyalkylene chain having from 2 to 1000 repeating units; q is 1 to 5; R4 is independently selected from methyl, ethyl,

Abstract: A method for the isolation of oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) suitable for use on an industrial scale. A method can include using oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane, in particular, its use can be as a polar modifier for butadiene and styrene butadiene polymerization so is to produce rubber. Utilizing the material as an alternative to DTHFP in rubber production avoids subsequent leaching of the DTHFP into the environment as the oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) gives rise to much lower levels of leaching.

Abstract: A method for the isolation of oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) suitable for use on an industrial scale. A method can include using oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane, in particular, its use can be as a polar modifier for butadiene and styrene butadiene polymerisation so is to produce rubber. Utilising the material as an alternative to DTHFP in rubber production avoids subsequent leaching of the DTHFP into the environment as the oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) gives rise to much lower levels of leaching.

Abstract: A hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on a support, preferably alumina or activated charcoal support, is used in the presence of lithium salts, with salts such as the borates being preferred. This provides hydrogenation of precursors to give rise to a stereoselective, such as diastereoselective bias in the product of alkene hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst, method of using, and use of a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on a support, preferably alumina or activated charcoal support. This in the presence of lithium salts, with salts such as the borates being preferred. This provides hydrogenation of precursors to give rise to a stereoselective, such as diastereoselective bias in the product of alkene hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst, method of using, and use of a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on a support, preferably alumina or activated charcoal support. This in the presence of lithium salts, with salts such as the borates being preferred. This provides hydrogenation of precursors to give rise to a stereoselective, such as diastereoselective bias in the product of alkene hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst, method of using, and use of a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on a support, preferably alumina or activated charcoal support. This in the presence of lithium salts, with salts such as the borates being preferred. This provides hydrogenation of precursors to give rise to a stereoselective, such as diastereoselective bias in the product of alkene hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: A polymeric material includes phenyl moieties, ketone moieties and ether moieties in the polymeric backbone of said polymeric material, wherein the difference between the nucleation temperature (Tn) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of said polymeric material is greater than 23° C.

Abstract: A polymeric material includes phenyl moieties, ketone moieties and ether moieties in the polymeric backbone of said polymeric material, wherein the difference between the nucleation temperature (Tn) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of said polymeric material is greater than 23° C.

Abstract: A polymeric material includes phenyl moieties, ketone moieties and ether moieties in the polymeric backbone of said polymeric material, wherein the difference between the nucleation temperature (Tn) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of said polymeric material is greater than 23° C.

Abstract: Polyaryletherketones and a method for producing the same are described wherein, for a given melt viscosity, the melt flow index is higher than expected. Such polymers may be used in situations where relative high flow is desirable.