Abstract: A process for preparing an aromatic propargyl ether, preferably bispropargyl ether, from phenolic compounds comprising vigorously stirring a propargyl halide, preferably propargyl chloride, with a phenolic compound, such as bisphenol A, in an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at a temperature of from about 0.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C., in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst such as tetrabutylammonium bromide. The mixture is then filtered to recover a solid product. That product is washed with water and propanol. This process provides a product having greater than 98% purity in yields ranging from 85 to 97% of theoretical.

Abstract: Novel 3,4,5-Tri(selena- or tellura-)tricyclo[5.2.1.0..sup.2,6 ]decanes and derivatives are prepared in high yield by contacting a bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene compound and selenium or tellurium in the presence of a solvent, and a catalyst.

Abstract: Epoxy compounds for use as epoxy resins are prepared from relatively inexpensive and renewable resources via a selective halogenation process. Primary pendant hydroxyl groups on straight carbon chain compounds with oxygen atoms pendant to each carbon are selectively halogenated with, for example, carbon tetrachloride. A scavenger agent, triphenylphosphine and pyridine, is used to complex the residual portion of reacted halogenating agent. One additional step with the halogenated intermediate yields epoxy compounds which, when cured, yield epoxy resins.

Abstract: Novel condensation polymers are of the unit formula--O--A--OCO--B--CO--,--O--A--OOCNH--D--NHCO--, or--O--CH.sub.2 CHOHCH.sub.2 --O--A--O--CH.sub.2 CHOHCH.sub.2 O--E--wherein A is the residue of a substituted or unsubstituted 8,9-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-exo-3,4,5-trithiatricyclo[5.2.1.0.sup.2,6 ]decane of the formula ##STR1## B is the residue of a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid; D is the residue of a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic diisocyanate; E is the residue of a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic dihydroxylic chain extender for a diglycidyl ether of the trithiatricyclo[5.2.1.0.sup.2,6 ]decane and n is 1-10.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the preparation of a 1,4-lactone of 3,6-anhydrohexanoic acid which comprises refluxing a 1,4- or 1,5-lactone of pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, or an aqueous solution of pentahydroxyhexanoic acid in an organic reaction media which azeotropes with water in the presence of an inorganic acid, under conditions such that a 1,4-lactone of 3,6-anhydrohexanoic acid is formed.

Abstract: 3,4,5-Trithiatricyclo[5.2.1.0.sup.2,6 ]decanes and derivatives are prepared in high yield by contacting a bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene compound and sulfur in the presence of a solvent, and a catalytic amount of sulfide ions.

Abstract: Polyurethane-type products are prepared by reacting a rigid diol such as a 1:4-3:6 dianhydrohexitol, such as isosorbide, with a polyisocyanate and, optionally, a polyahl. The high molecular weight polymers are easily prepared from renewable resources and exhibit good physical properties. The resulting polymer is suitably employed in the production of films, coatings, molded articles and foams.

Abstract: The invention is a polyurethane comprising the reaction product of(a) a 1,4-lactone of 3,6-anhydropentahydroxyhexanoic acid; and(b) an organic polyisocyanate.The polyurethanes of this invention are useful in coatings, compression moldings, control release systems, films, foams and the like.