Abstract: A method for producing 1,3-butadiene from a 1,4-butanediol feedstock: One step for esterification of 1,4-butanediol, One step for pyrolysis of 1,4-butanediol diester, producing butadiene.

Abstract: Protective films for plasma displays, spectacles or especially polarizers (for example based on cellulose triacetate) including particular plasticizers as a constituent of imaging devices of liquid-crystal type or of spectacles, their production and use, and liquid-crystal display devices and film polarizers producible with them, and also further subject matter of the invention specified in the description, are particularly suitable for thin films and have advantageous properties, for example low water vapor permeability. The plasticizers used are one or more of the formula (I) in which the radicals are each as defined in the rest of the disclosure and are branched-chain alkyl radicals having 9 or 10 carbon atoms, and advantageously one or more further plasticizers.

Abstract: A phase difference plate which comprises one sheet of polymer film containing a compound having a rod-shaped molecular structure and exhibiting a maximum absorption wavelength (?max) of less than 250 nm in an ultraviolet spectrum of its solution and which exhibits a retardation value as measured at a wavelength of 450 nm (Re450) of 60 to 135 nm and a retardation value as measured at a wavelength of 590 nm (Re590) of 100 to 170 nm, where the relationship: Re590?Re450?2 nm is satisfied. The phase difference plate functions as a ?/4 plate.