Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving vibration damping of a substrate, such as the underbody of an automobile. The method comprises applying a plastisol which comprises a polymeric component and a plasticizer. The fused plastisol has improved damping behavior as determined using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis. Novel plastisols and novel plasticizers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a terephthalic acid di-ester. The process includes contacting terephthalic acid with a C6-C10 alcohol in the presence of an organo-titanium catalyst and an alcohol-amine promoter under conditions effective to form a corresponding terephthalic acid di-ester. The promoter can improve the reaction time by as much as 50%.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a terephthalic acid di-ester. The process includes contacting terephthalic acid with a C6-C10 alcohol in the presence of an organo-titanium catalyst and an alcohol-amine promoter under conditions effective to form a corresponding terephthalic acid di-ester. The promoter can improve the reaction time by as much as 50%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol from isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is esterified with (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the isophthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. After removal of the (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol from the crude hydrogenation product, the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product can be recovered and purified by a phase separation and distillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol from isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is esterified with (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the isophthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. After removal of the (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol from the crude hydrogenation product, the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product can be recovered and purified by a phase separation and distillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a terephthalic acid di-ester by the esterification of terephthalic acid with an alcohol at elevated and normal temperature and pressure while the water of the reaction is removed from the reaction mixture via an inert gas or a column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of di-n-butyl terephthalate by the esterification of terephthalic acid with n-butanol in the presence of a strong acid while employing a fractionating column.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the yield of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol di-2-ethylhexanoate (TMPD di-2-ethylhexanoate) from the reaction of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (TMPD Glycol) and 2-ethylhexanoic acid through the intermediate compound 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol-2-ethylhexanoate (TMPD mono-2-ethylhexanoate) is disclosed. The method involves maintaining a water level in the reactor of at least 0.10 weight %, and preferable above 0.20 weight %, thereby reducing formation of 2,2,4-trimethylpent-3-enyl-2-ethylhexanoate, an undesirable by-product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of di-n-butyl terephthalate by the esterification of terephthalic acid with n-butanol in the presence of a strong acid while employing a fractionating column.

Abstract: Mixtures of terephthalate diesters having lowered freezing points and methods of making the terephthalic acid diesters. The method includes contacting a first alcohol, a second different alcohol and dimethyl terephthalate in the presence of a catalyst to thereby form the terephthalate diesters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of di-(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate by the esterification of terephthalic acid with 2-ethylhexanol at elevated temperature and pressure while the water of reaction is removed from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the production of tertiary butyl esters by the reaction of a ketene and tertiary butyl alcohol containing a finite concentration of water. The process may be carried out in an absorber reactor with continuous recovery and purification of products by distillation. This process provides high-purity tertiary butyl acetate without the production of unwanted by-products found in many strong acid catalyzed processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the production of tertiary butyl esters by the reaction of a ketene and tertiary butyl alcohol containing a finite concentration of water. The process may be carried out in an absorber reactor with continuous recovery and purification of products by distillation. This process provides high-purity tertiary butyl acetate without the production of unwanted by-products found in many strong acid catalyzed processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the production of 3,4-diacetoxy-1-butene (DAcB) by the reaction of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EpB) with acetic anhydride (Ac.sub.2 O) in the presence of potassium acetate (KOAc) wherein the KOAc is formed in situ by contacting EpB, acetic anhydride and a potassium salt selected from potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide or a mixture of any two or more thereof at elevated temperatures.