Abstract: Filled rubber vulcanizates containing aromatic furazan oxides exhibit many improved properties such as increased filler-rubber interaction and decreased hysteresis. Useful furazan oxides have both carbons of the furazan ring as part of a fused aromatic ring. Typical examples are benzofurazan oxide and its methyl and methoxy analogs. Tires made from the inventive vulcanizates show lower running temperatures and improved rolling resistance. The desirable effects of the aromatic furazan oxides may be improved by mixing the rubber, filler and furazan oxide in a conventional mechanical compounding device at specific temperatures and time periods such as about 200.degree.-400.degree. F. for 2-20 minutes.

Abstract: Product constituted by a polymer or a copolymer having in its chain substitutable groups to which are statistically fixed X and Y groups, in which X represents SO.sub.3 --R.sup.1, with R.sup.1 being a hydrogen atom or a physiologically acceptable metal, wherein the Y groups have the formula --SO.sub.2 --R.sup.2, in which R.sup.2 represents a radical derived from arginine or an arginine derivative, bonded by its amino function --NH-- to the radical --SO.sub.2 --.The invention also relates to a process for preparing such a product and to a process of the separation and purification of thrombin.

Abstract: A rubber composition having improved steam resistance comprising a nitrile group-containing hydrocarbon rubber having an iodine number of not more than 120, an organic peroxide vulcanizer and a crosslinking coagent, the amount of said crosslinking coagent being 8 to 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said rubber.

Abstract: A curable composition is prepared by reacting (1) an alkenylphenyl cyanate or mixture thereof, (2) an aromatic polycyanate, polycyanamide or mixture thereof and (3) a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated material or mixture of such materials. Said curable compositions provide polymeric (cured) compositions with improved mechanical strength relative to cured aromatic polycyanates and/or polycyanamides.

Abstract: Carbon black products useful in rubber compositions, and rubber compositions (uncured or cured) containing said carbon black products are described. The carbon black products of the invention comprise carbon black having a surface area of at least 20 m.sup.2 /g. and up to about 10% by weight, based on the weight of the carbon black of at least one aromatic furazan oxide. Useful furazan oxides have both carbons of the furazan ring as part of a fused aromatic ring, and particular examples include benzofurazan oxide, and its methyl and methoxy analogs. Improvements in the processability of uncured rubber compositions containing the carbon black products of the invention have been observed.Filled rubber vulcanizates containing the carbon black products of the invention exhibit many improved properties such as increased filler-rubber interaction and decreased hysteresis.

Abstract: Paper coating compositions contain at least one pigment, at least one binder, and, as an insolubilizer for the binder, the product of the reaction of a low molecular weight polyacrylamide with glyoxal and a urea or a cyclic urea.

Abstract: The invention is clay based water drilling or completion muds with low viscosity and exceptional stability at elevated temperatures of up to 200.degree. C. The muds are characterized by containing from 1 to 10 grams per liter of a low molecular weight polymer or copolymer having functional groups wherein from 2 to 95% of the functional groups consist independently of hydroxamic or thiohydroxamic groups. The mud composition comprises (a) fresh water, water containing electrolytes such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or seawater; (b) clay, chosen to suit the saline concentration of the water and to provide the necessary properties; and (c) one or more viscosity increasing materials.

Abstract: A method for modifying a rubber having an unsaturated carbon bond which comprises reacting the rubber with an organic compound represented by the general formula ##STR1## wherein --R represents a hydrocarbon group, and --X is --H, --CN or ##STR2## in which --Y represents an organic atomic grouping, in the presence of a Lewis acid to introduce an ester group. Optionally, the ester group introduced is converted into a carboxyl group by chemically treating the reaction product.

Abstract: The invention encompasses the synthesis of telechelic, i.e., terminally functional, macromolecular monomers (macromers) and their subsequent homo- and copolymerization. The macromers produced are asymmetric, having dissimilar head and tail groups which provide independent reaction sites. Macromers include .alpha.-phenyl-.omega.-t-chloropolyisobutylene, which can be reacted to form poly(methyl methacrylate-g-isobutylene). The graft copolymers provide novel physical properties which are the product of the respective grafts.

Abstract: A curing agent for fluorocarbon polymer coating compositions selected from the following group: ##STR1## where R is R.sup.1 NH, R.sup.1 is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical, R.sup.2 is C or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, R.sup.3 is H or CH.sub.3, where x is 3 when R.sup.2 is a hydrocarbon group and x is 4 when R.sup.2 is C; the curing agents form ambient curing fluorocarbon polymer coating compositions;These compositions are used to provide corrosion and abrasion resistant coatings for large structures in chemical plants, oil refineries, oil drilling platforms, and the interior of smoke stacks of large utility companies.

Abstract: A coating composition of a fluorocarbon polymer which cures at ambient temperatures in which a fluorocarbon polymer in solution is of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene and has a weight average molecular weight of about 5,000-600,000; the composition also containsdispersed fluorocarbon polymer particles of the following group polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene/propylene polymer, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene/perflouroalkoxyvinyl ether;a metallic oxide such as magnesium oxide which is an acid acceptor; andan aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyamine curing agent;preferably, the composition contains a reinforcing pigment such as titanium dioxide.The coating composition is used to provide corrosion and abrasion resistant coatings for large structures in chemical plants, oil refineries, oil drilling platforms, and as a coating for the interior of smoke stacks of large utility companies.

Abstract: A surface modifying composition for vulcanized rubber comprises a halogen-releasable halogenoid and a waxy substance having a melting point of not more than 100.degree. C. and is non-solvent type. In the surface modification of vulcanized rubber, the surface coated with the surface modifying composition is heated at 60.degree.-150.degree. C.

Abstract: A coating composition of a fluorocarbon polymer which cures at ambient temperatures in which the fluorocarbon polymer is of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene and has a weight average molecular weight of about 50,000-600,000; the composition containsa metallic oxide such as magnesium oxide which is an acid acceptor, andan aliphatic or cycloaliphatic ester polyamine curing agent;preferably, the composition contains a reinforcing pigment such as titanium dioxide.The coating composition is used to provide corrosion and abrasion resistant coatings for large structures such as chemical plants, oil refineries, oil drilling platforms, and as a coating for the interior of smoke stacks of large utility companies.

Abstract: Ethylidene bisformamide is prepared by reacting, at elevated temperatures, dry acetaldehyde and formamide in the presence of an acidic catalyst and an ammonia scavenger such as acetic anhydride. The bisformamide is recovered as a bottoms products of high speed low residence time distillation techniques, e.g., wiped film evaporation. The resulting ethylidene bisformamide may be cracked to N-vinylformamide, which monomer is useful in the preparation of active polymers and copolymers, including poly(vinylformamide) which can be hydrolyzed to poly(vinylamine) salts by contact with acid. These amine salts can then be converted to the free amines, which are precursors of polymeric dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A coating composition of a fluorocarbon polymer which cures at ambient temperatures in which the fluorocarbon polymer is of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene and has a weight average molecular weight of about 50,000-600,000; the composition containsa metallic oxide such as magnesium oxide which is an acid acceptor, andan aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyamine curing agent;preferably, the composition contains a reinforcing pigment such as titanium dioxide.The coating composition is used to provide corrosion and abrasion resistant coatings for large structures such as chemical plants, oil refineries, oil drilling platforms, and as a coating for the interior of smoke stacks of large utility companies.

Abstract: A coating composition of a fluorocarbon polymer which cures at ambient temperatures in which a fluorocarbon polymer in solution is of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene and has a weight average molecular weight of about 5,000-600,000; the composition also containsa dispersed fluorocarbon polymer of the following group polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene/propylene polymer, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene/perflouroalkoxyvinyl ether;a metallic oxide such as magnesium oxide which is an acid acceptor; andan aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyamine curing agent; preferably, the composition contains a reinforcing pigment such as titanium dioxide.The coating composition is used to provide corrosion and abrasion resistant coatings for large structures in chemical plants, oil refineries, oil drilling platforms, and as a coating for the interior of smoke stacks of large utility companies.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing an organic semiconductor. More specifically, it relates to a process for producing an electrically conductive acetylene high polymer, which comprises doping an acetylene high polymer having a fibrous microcrystalline (fibril) structure with a specified electron acceptor compound having low toxicity, to obtain an electrically conductive acetylene high polymer having an increased electrical conductivity, and flexibility and heat stability. The electrically conductive acetylene high polymer obtained by the process of this invention is a P-type semiconductor whose electrical conductivity can be freely controlled within the range of 10.sup.-9 to 10.sup.3 ohm.sup.-1, cm.sup.-1, and is useful as a material for photoelectric converter elements such as solar cells and photosensers, and as P-N hetero junction elements.

Abstract: Polymeric optical filter agents and photographic products and processes using same are disclosed. The polymeric optical filter agents are pH-sensitive optical filter agents comprising polymeric backbone units having the following hydrazone moiety: ##STR1## where R is a group which can provide a double bond for conjugation with the ##STR2## portion of the moiety to provide light-absorbing capability for the agent at a pH above its pKa, and X represents a substituent of R providing at least one electron-withdrawing group. The polymeric pH-sensitive optical filter agents have a highly colored light-absorbing form at a pH above the pKa and are substantially non-absorbing at a pH below the pKa. The polymeric optical filter agents are useful in photographic film units and processes for the protection of photoexposed photosenstive elements against the occurence of fogging during in-light development.

Abstract: In a batch process for the treatment of the surface of a solid polymeric material by a gas reactive therewith comprising the following steps:(a) providing a closed system comprising a chamber;(b) introducing the material into the chamber;(c) heating the chamber and the material to a selected temperature in the range of about 100.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F.;(d) evacuating the system;(e) introducing the reactive gas into the system in an amount (i) of up to about 10 percent in excess of the theoretical amount of gas required to react with the surface of the polymeric material to a desired depth and (ii) sufficient to provide a partial pressure in the system in the range of about 0.

Abstract: A polymeric reagent for the isolation and protection of carbonyl compounds comprising a polymer having a functional group of the formula --ONH.sub.2 covalently attached to the polymer where the functional group is capable of reacting with a carbonyl group of a carbonyl compound when a solution containing the carbonyl compound contacts the polymeric reagent is disclosed along with methods of using this reagent.

Abstract: Novel organic polymers have a chain carrying active groups, a hydroxyl, alkoxy, halogen, thiol or sulphide group or a second active group being attached as a substituent to a carbon which is in the alpha position with respect to that carrying the first active group. The preparation of these polymers is advantageously effected using polymers carrying epoxide bridges, which are opened by the action of an active cosmetological or other active compound. These polymers are particularly suitable for the protection of the skin against solar radiation, as creams or gels for the skin and for the hair and/or as pigments.

Abstract: Improved tack, green strength or non-black filler interaction capability are realized in a treated diene rubber. The method of treating diene rubber to achieve the improvements is shown, together with a composition in which maleamic acid or derivatives of maleamic acid are combined with sulfur or an organic sulfur compound capable of generating a thiyl radical.

Abstract: A process for vulcanizing a rubber base comprising at least one halogen-containing amorphous polymer at a low temperature ranging from 5.degree. to 85.degree. C., which comprises carrying out the vulcanization in the presence of 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of an organic hydroperoxide and/or ketone peroxide per 100 parts by weight of the rubber base.In the above process, at least one member selected from the group consisting of (I) the oxides of metals, such as zinc, lead, chromium, cobalt, nickel, magnesium, manganese, copper and iron, or the metallic salts of said metals with aliphatic or cycloaliphatic carboxylic acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms; (II) methacrylic esters; (III) maleimides; and (IV) oximes, may be used as a vulcanization activator or a vulcanization accelerator in an amount of 0.01 to 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the rubber base.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a novel polymer composition comprised of a polyacrylonitrile polymer and a block copolymer with acrylonitrile and non-crystalline polymer sequences wherein the polymer composition is formed by the removal of a solvent from a solution of a polyacrylonitrile polymer and a block copolymer with acrylonitrile and non-crystalline polymer sequences.

Abstract: Microspheres of acrolein homopolymers and co-polymer with hydrophillic comonomers such as methacrylic acid and/or hydroxyethylmethacrylate are prepared by cobalt gamma irradiation of dilute aqueous solutions of the monomers in presence of suspending agents, especially alkyl sulfates such as sodium dodecyl sulfate. Amine or hydroxyl modification is achieved by forming adducts with diamines or alkanol amines. Carboxyl modification is effected by oxidation with peroxides. Pharmaceuticals or other aldehyde reactive materials can be coupled to the microspheres. The microspheres directly form antibody adducts without agglomeration.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for cross-linking polymers by contacting said polymers with a cross-linking agent at an elevated temperature. The improvement comprises using as the cross-linking agent a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having 1-22 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups having 2-22 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl groups having 6-20 carbon atoms, phenyl groups having 6-20 carbon atoms, aralkyl groups having 7-20 carbon atoms, alkyloxy groups having 1-22 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy groups having 2-22 carbon atoms, and cyclohexyloxy groups having 6-20 carbon atoms, all of which groups may be substituted or unsubstituted; R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl groups having 1-22 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups having 2-22 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl groups having 6-20 carbon atoms, phenyl groups having 6-20 carbon atoms, aralkyl groups having 7-20 carbon atoms, and ##STR2## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of electrically conductive polymers which have conductivities greater than 10.sup.-2 S/cm and possess improved stability to oxygen, comprising treating an organic unsaturated polymer of the series of the polyphenylenes, heterophenylenes and polyacetylenes, in the absence of moisture and of oxygen, first with an organic nitroso compound and then with a conventional dopant, the latter being, in particular H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, AsF.sub.5, SbF.sub.5, UF.sub.6, SbCl.sub.5, AlCl.sub.3, BF.sub.3, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 H, VOCl.sub.3, HClO.sub.4, NO.sup.+ SbF.sub.6.sup.-, NO.sub.2.sup.+ SbF.sub.6.sup.-, NO.sup.+ AsF.sub.6, NO.sup.+ PF.sub.6.sup.-, I.sub.2, Br.sub.2, ICl, PF.sub.5, CrO.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, NO.sub.2.sup.+ PF.sub.6.sup.-, NO.sup.+ BF.sub.4.sup.-, NO.sup.+ ClO.sub.4.sup.-, (CF.sub.3).sub.2 SO.sub.4, NbF.sub.5, TaF.sub.5, WF.sub.6, FeCl.sub.3, CdCl.sub.

Abstract: An improvement in the diazotization of polymeric amines is disclosed that minimizes crosslinking problems. Solutions of nitrite ion and polymeric amine are concurrently continuously fed at controlled rates to a turbulently agitated limited volume mixing zone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a novel polymer composition comprised of a polyacrylonitrile polymer and a block copolymer with acrylonitrile and non-crystalline polymer sequences wherein the polymer composition is formed by the removal of a solvent from a solution of a polyacrylonitrile polymer and a block copolymer with acrylonitrile and non-crystalline polymer sequences.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for the degradation of polymers in the presence of a free radical initiator. In particular this disclosure relates to a process for the degradation of polymers employing a free radical initiator selected from a class of hydroximic acid derivatives.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composition comprises a poly (vinylacetal) polymer, a TCNQ salt uniformity dispersed throughout the polymer, and optionally a plasticizer.

Abstract: There is disclosed block copolymers having acrylonitrile sequences and sequences of glutarimide units of a molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 2,000,000 where the acrylonitrile sequences and sequences including glutarimide units are of a molecular weight of at least about 400 with the number of sequences being at least about 2 and preferably 5 and higher.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an electrically conductive polyene, wherein a polyene which contains one or more chain members of the formula where R is hydrogen or methyl, and which contains a total of not less than seven aliphatic double bonds, is treated, in the absence of moisture and of oxygen, with a strong Lewis acid having a pk.sub.a of from -10 to +4, or with an alkali metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for effectively curing non-polar rubbers, and more particularly light-colored compositions of ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers, in an ultrahigh-frequency field by incorporating therein a specified amount of a low molecular weight organic nitrile compound.

Abstract: There is disclosed block copolymers having acrylonitrile sequences and sequences of glutarimide units of a molecular weight of form about 10,000 to about 2,000,000 where the acrylonitrile sequences and sequences including glutarimide units are of a molecular weight of at least about 400 with the number of sequences being at least about 2 and preferably 5 and higher.

Abstract: Polymer bound multidentate complexes are prepared by reacting pendant benzyl chloride and benzyl iodide groups on a variety of polymer supports, including crosslinked polystyrene, with 3,3'-iminodiproprionitrile and reducing the nitrile groups by treatment with, for example, a boron hydride-tetrahydrofuran complex to form the amine. The amine is a precursor for other ligand systems; for example, the primary amine groups formed condense with an aldehyde or ketone to yield five coordinate Schiff base ligands. The polydentate amine ligand systems are useful for synthesis of chelating agents for sequestering metal ions from solution for purification or concentration purposes. Metal complexes of these ligands with manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc can be prepared which are useful as heterogeneous oxidation catalysts.

Abstract: A novel process for the production of fluorine-containing multi-component copolymers having functional groups is disclosed, which process is characterized in that tetrafluoroethylene having the formula: CF.sub.2 .dbd.CF.sub.2 ; one or two or more .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluoroacrylate having the generic formula: CF.sub.2 .dbd.CFCOOC.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 wherein n represents an integer of 1 or greater; and one or two or more .alpha.-olefin having the generic formula: ##STR1## wherein j and m each independently represents an integer of 0 to 11 inclusive; are copolymerized with one another in the presence of a radical initiator. The resultant interpolymer is hydrolyzed and cross-linked using ionizing radiation.

Abstract: An improved reactive adhesive for bonding rubber to rubber or rubber to other substrates such as metal or plastic, comprises an effective mixture of (a) an ionomer resin comprising a copolymer of ethylene, vinyl or polyoxymethylene monomer with a pendant carboxylic acid-containing compound, and (b) a poly-C-nitroso compound. The ionomer resin may be one which has been metal-or quaternary ammonium-neutralized and may be dispersed in water or the like, along with the poly-C-nitroso compound. Preferably, the poly-C-nitroso compound comprises para-dinitrosobenzene. The ionomer may, for example, comprise a polyethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer which has been neutralized with sodium, zinc, or the like. Preferably, the poly-C-nitroso compound is present in a concentration of at least about 15 parts per 100 parts by weight of said ionomer and, most preferably, between about 35 and about 80 parts per 100 parts by weight of said ionomer resin.

Abstract: Lithium metal-terminated polymers of one or more alkadienes and of one or more monoalkenyl arenes are coupled by reaction with a mixture of two different coupling agents having different functionality.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fluorine-containing polymer having carboxyl groups, which comprises subjecting a fluorine-containing polymer having sulfonyl halide groups bonded to it to an oxidation reaction at a temperature of not more than 250.degree. C.; and a process for electrolysis, using as a diaphragm a member of the polymer obtained by the above process.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of copolymers in which in a first step an olefinically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid is reacted with a polyhydric alcohol to yield a hemi-ester having free hydroxyl groups, which in a second step is reacted with a monoepoxy compound to yield an olefinically unsaturated diester containing hydroxyl groups, wherein the diester is copolymerized in at least one further step with at least one unsaturated monomer having no free carboxyl groups, and the hardenable reaction product thus obtained is either isolated or hardened with a hardening agent, and coating and adhesive compositions containing a copolymer thus obtained.

Abstract: A diorgano sulfur oxide is included in a curable vinylidene fluoride elastomer formulation to provide desirable curing characteristics.

Abstract: Salicylate esters have been found to be suitable blocking agents for polyisocyanates, enabling preparation of hydroxy terminated polybutadiene based polyurethane bound propellant grains having extended pot life. Unblocking occurs readily at normal propellant cure temperatures, allowing normal cure rates.

Abstract: Novel photographic processing compositions including a polymeric oxime viscosity-increasing reagent for processing an exposed film unit to provide a photographic image. While this photographic image may be in black-and-white or in color and prepared by any of the heretofore known systems, of particular interest are color diffusion transfer systems for preparing a color image viewable without separation of any of the components or layers of the photographic product. The invention also includes a novel class of polymeric oximes which may be employed in such compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to cross-linkable film-forming compositions which contain a polymer with pendant isocyano groups and a nickel oligomerization catalyst and to the use of the compositions in ambient temperature-cure finishes.

Abstract: A process for vulcanizing a rubber base comprising at least one halogen-containing amorphous polymer at a low temperature ranging from 5.degree. to 85.degree. C., which comprises carrying out the vulcanization in the presence of 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of an organic hydroperoxide and/or ketone peroxide per 100 parts by weight of the rubber base.In the above process, at least one member selected from the group consisting of (I) the oxides of metals, such as zinc, lead, chromium, cobalt, nickel, magnesium, manganese, copper and iron, or the metallic salts of said metals with aliphatic or cycloaliphatic carboxylic acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms; (II) methacrylic esters; (III) maleimides; and (IV) oximes, may be used as a vulcanization activator or a vulcanization accelerator in an amount of 0.01 to 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the rubber base.

Abstract: Polymer bound multidentate complexes are prepared by reacting pendant benzyl chloride and benzyl iodide groups on a variety of polymer supports, including crosslinked polystyrene, with 3,3'-iminodiproprionitrile and reducing the nitrile groups by treatment with, for example, a boron hydride-tetrahydrofuran complex to form the amine. The amine is a precursor for other ligand systems; for example, the primary amine groups formed condense with an aldehyde or ketone to yield five coordinate Schiff base ligands. The polydentate amine ligand systems are useful for synthesis of chelating agents for sequestering metal ions from solution for purification or concentration purposes. Metal complexes of these ligands with manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc can be prepared which are useful as heterogeneous oxidation catalysts.

Abstract: A non-pulverulent solid polymeric structure is disclosed which has at least one pendant diaminotriazine ring. The structure is made by immersing a non-pulverulent solid structure which has at least one pendant nitrile group into a basic solution of cyanoguanidine at a temperature which does not dissolve the structure.

Abstract: Water-insoluble, tridimensional cross-linked random copolymers, which contain in copolymerized form:(a) 25% to 98% by weight of N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide or N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]methacrylamide or a mixture of these two compounds;(b) 2% to 50% by weight of one or more monomers having several polymerizable ethylenic double bonds and one or more hydroxy groups, and free from NH.sub.2 or COOH groups; and(c) 0% to 50% by weight of one or more monomers having a polymerizable ethylenic double bond and one or more amino or carboxy groups. These copolymers may be used, in the form of aqueous gels, as supports in techniques of separation such as gell permeation chromatography and in techniques of immobilization of natural substances.

Abstract: Poly(vinylamine salts of mineral acids are produced by reacting acetaldehyde and acetamide at a mole ratio of 1:2-4 with acid catalyst, cracking the ethylidene-bisacetamide which results into vinylacetamide, polymerizing the vinylacetamide with a free radical polymerization catalyst, and hydrolyzing the poly(vinylacetamide) to the desired amine salts by contacting the polyvinylacetamide with an aqueous solution of the corresponding mineral acid. This product may be converted to the free amine, which in turn may function as a precursor in the manufacture of certain polymeric dyes and colorants.