Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for obtaining organoclay from crude mineral clay, an organoclay obtainable by this method, a method for incorporating organoclay into a polymeric matrix to obtain composites, and some composites obtainable by this method. The method for obtaining organoclay includes reacting crude mineral clay with quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salt in a non-aqueous solvent to obtain ion-exchanged organoclay suspended in this solvent and a solid residue; and separating out the solid residue. The solvent is then separated, preferably by evaporation or filtration.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing chloromethyl phenethyl bromide, in which phenethyl bromide is reacted with HCl and formaldehyde in the presence of zinc chloride as the catalyst, and in a chlorinated hydrocarbon as the solvent. The product is produced in yields in excess of 70%, the para isomer constituting more than 75% of the product which contains a mixture of ortho, meta and para isomers.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous production of bromostyrene or dibromostyrene and of an alkyl bromide, which comprises reacting bromoethyl bromobenzene or bromoethyl dibromobenzene with an alkanol at an elevated temperature. When only these reactants are reacted, the temperature is between 400.degree.C and 550.degree.C; when the reaction is effected in the presence of a source of free radicals, the temperature used can be lower, and temperatures of about 300.degree.C are adequate.

Abstract: A process for the production of mono-, di-, and/or tribromostyrene which comprises reacting .beta.-bromomethyl-mono-, di- and/or tribromobenzene at a temperature between 280.degree.C to 470.degree.C in the presence of a free radical source and either a lower alkanol or water.