Abstract: The invention provides a process that can be used for producing a bis-glycolate ester of 5-sulfo isophthalate metal salt. The process comprises contacting a 5-sulfo isophthalate a metal salt or a dialkyl ester of 5-sulfo isophthalate metal salt, in the presence of a catalyst, with a glycol. The catalyst comprises (1) a titanium compound, a solubility promoter, a phosphorus source, and optionally a solvent, (2) a titanium compound, a complexing agent, a phosphorus source, and optionally a solvent, a sulfonic acid, or combinations thereof, or (3) combinations of (1) and (2). The solubility promoter can be selected from the group consisting of ortho silicates, ortho zirconates and combinations thereof. The phosphorus source is selected from the group consisting of a phosphonic acid, a phosphinic acid, a phosphine, and combinations of two or more thereof. The complexing agent can be selected from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylic acids, aminocarboxylic acids, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Polymers of 2,2-disubstituted-3-hydroxypropionic acid, e.g., polymers of .beta.-propiolactone, are employed in ceramic compositions as binders or dispersing agents.

Abstract: Alkali-metal tetraorganylborate compounds of formula MBR.sub.4 are prepared by reacting triorganylboranes R.sub.3 B with alkali-metal hydroxide or alkoxide compounds of the formula MOR.sup.1.

Abstract: There are disclosed an improved CO indicating composition consisting essentially of fumed silica having dispersed thereon dry residues of impregnation with a solution of palladium sulfate, sulfuric acid and ammonium molybdate, a CO indicator comprising a strip of a composite of expanded, amorphous-locked tetrafluoroethylene polymer and fumed silica having dried residues of impregnation with the aforesaid solution, an improved detector containing said indicating composition or said indicator, and improved process for detecting CO comprising exposing pre-dried air to the indicating composition or said indicator to effect a color change, extracting colored material with distilled water or an aqueous buffer solution, and measuring the depth of color in the resulting extract.