Abstract: Lactone copolymers are disclosed which are polymerized from a first lactone monomer and a second amorphous monomer which is effective to suppress the crystallization of the copolymer. It is disclosed that suppression of the crystallization can provide enhanced mechanical properties in films made from the copolymers. As a result, films prepared from the copolymers of the present invention can have properties rendering them suitable for use as biodegradable trash bags as well as for other uses.

Abstract: Condensation copolymers are disclosed which are polymerized from a first monomer which is capable of polymerization by condensation polymerization, e.g., ring opening lactone polymerization, and a second monomer which is effective to suppress the crystallization of the copolymer. It is disclosed that suppression of the crystallization can provide enhanced mechanical properties in films made from the copolymers. As a result, films prepared from the copolymers of the present invention can have properties rendering them suitable for use as biodegradable trash bags as well as for other uses.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved process for preparing polyarylene polyethers by (a) converting a dihydric phenol to the alkali metal phenolate by adding an alkali metal or alkali metal compound to the phenol in a mixture of a sulfone or sulfoxide solvent and a solvent which forms an azeotrope with water, (b) removing water by codistillation with the azeotrope forming cosolvent, and (c) reacting the phenolate mixture with a dihalobenzeneoid compound, wherein a lighter colored product is obtained by adding the sulfone or sulfoxide solvent in increments.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a mixture of aromatic sulfonyl chlorides and aromatic sulfones substantially free of the corresponding aromatic sulfonic acids and their anhydrides, which comprises the steps of (a) reacting a monosubstituted benzene such as monochlorobenzene with sulfur trioxide in the presence of at least about 15 mole percent to about 50 mole percent of thionyl chloride, based on the sulfur trioxide, at a temperature from about the freezing point of the reactants to about 40.degree. C.; (b) adding to the reaction mixture of step (a) at least about 60 mole percent thionyl chloride, based on the sulfur trioxide, and preferably a small catalytic amount of dimethylformamide, wherein the total thionyl chloride in the reaction mixture is at least about 110 mole percent, based on the sulfur trioxide, while maintaining the reaction mixture at a temperature between about 25.degree. C. and 70.degree. C.; and then (c) continuing the reaction up to a temperature of about 160.degree. C.