Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of lower aliphatic esters by reacting a lower olefin with a saturated lower aliphatic mono-carboxylic acid in the vapor phase in the presence of a heteropolyacid catalyst in a plurality of reactors set up in series such that the reactant gases exiting from a first reactor are fed as the feed gas to a second reactor and those exiting from the second reactor are fed as the feed gas to a third reactor and so on for the subsequent reactors. An aliquot of the reactant monocarboxylic acid is introduced into the feed gas to the second and subsequent reactors so as to maintain the olefin to monocarboxylic acid ratio in the feed gas to each of the second and subsequent reactors within a pre-determined range.

Abstract: Process for the production of lower aliphatic esters comprising reacting a lower olefin with a saturated lower aliphatic monocarboxylic acid in the vapor phase in the presence of a heteropolyacid catalyst. The reaction is carried out in a plurality of reactors set up in series, and the feedstock is rendered substantially free of metallic or metal compound impurities prior to being brought into contact with the heteropolyacid catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of lower aliphatic esters by reacting a lower olefin with a saturated lower aliphatic mono-carboxylic acid in the vapour phase in the presence of a heteropolyacid catalyst in a plurality of reactors set up in series such that the reactant gases exiting from a first reactor are fed as the feed gas to a second reactor and those exiting from the second reactor are fed as the feed gas to a third reactor and so on for the subsequent reactors. An aliquot of the reactant monocarboxylic acid is introduced into the feed gas to the second and subsequent reactors so as to maintain the olefin to monocarboxylic acid ratio in the feed gas to each of the second and subsequent reactors within a pre-determined range.

Abstract: Process for the production of lower aliphatic esters comprising reacting a lower olefin with a saturated lower aliphatic monocarboxylic acid in the vapor phase in the presence of a heteropolyacid catalyst. The reaction is carried out in a plurality of reactors set up in series, and the feedstock is rendered substantially free of metallic or metal compound impurities prior to being brought into contact with the heteropolyacid catalyst.

Abstract: Process for the production of lower aliphatic esters by bringing together in an addition reaction a lower olefin and a saturated, lower aliphatic, mono-carboxylic acid in the vapor phase into contact with a heterpolyacid catalyst. The reactant olefin and acids and any recycled feeds are rendered substantially free of aldehydes impurities prior to being brought into contact with the heterpolyacid catalyst. Acetaldehyde is a catalyst poison and removal of these from the feeds prolongs life and activity of the heteropolyacid catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-aqueous formulations comprising resins and/or polymers with a higher solids content and a solvent which is a diether of the general formula: R.O.R..sup.1.O.R.sup.2, wherein each of R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a straight or branched chain, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms and in which R and R.sup.2 are the same or different alkyl groups and wherein R.sup.1 is an alkylene group, said formulation containing less than 25% w/w of solvents or diluents having free hydroxyl groups. The formulations are particularly useful in vehicle refinishes.