Abstract: The present invention provides novel curable compositions useful in the preparation of light management films and other optical articles. The curable compositions comprise (a) 0.01 to about 1 weight percent of at least one C10-C40 aliphatic acid, (b) at least one a multifunctional (meth)acrylate having structure I; and in certain embodiments (c) at least one monofunctional (meth)acrylate. In one embodiment, the curable compositions comprise at least one silicone-containing surfactant. The curable compositions may be cured to provide the corresponding cured compositions.

Abstract: A method of increasing the amount of diphenylcarbonate produced per amount of catalyst consumed in a phenol carbonylation process is described. Phenolic carbonylation produces water as a reaction product which reduces the turnover number (TON) of the catalyst. A mixture of a phenolic precursor, a base containing catalyst and co-catalyst components and at least one chemical additive comprising a halide or hydroxide of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal when carbonylated together under specific conditions increases the turnover number (TON) and water resistivity of a palladium catalyst. The metal halide likely makes the catalyst less susceptible to degradation by water hence increasing the reaction yield per weight of catalyst consumed.