Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the isolation of polyhydroxybutyrate of the formula 1 by growing a culture of Bacillus mycoides RLJ B-017 in a growth medium and a carbon source selected from sucrose, molasses and pineapple waste.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and formulations involving the use of promoters that accelerate the polymerization of macrocyclic polyester oligomers (MPOs). For example, in certain embodiments, the invention provides blends of macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO), catalyst, and promoter that are substantially stable at ambient temperature for a period of time. The blend material may be stored without premature polymerization of MPO or deactivation of catalyst. The invention also provides processes employing one-part, ready-to-polymerize blends that contain MPO, catalyst, and promoter, as well as processes in which the catalyst and promoter are used in separate streams and are contacted when it is desired to accelerate polymerization of MPO. Methods of the invention offer advantages in the manufacture of thermoplastic parts and composites, due at least in part to the unique properties of MPO.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition for a toner comprising a titanium compound in an amount of from 0.005 to 4% by weight, and an inorganic phosphorus compound in an amount of from 0.001 to 5% by weight; a toner comprising the polyester resin composition as defined above; and a process for preparing the polyester resin composition for a toner as defined above, comprising the step of polycondensing the raw material monomers for the polyester in the presence of a titanium compound and an inorganic phosphorus compound. The polyester resin composition for a toner is suitably used as a resin binder for a toner for developing a latent image formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method or the like, a process for preparing the same, and a toner comprising the polyester resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel (meth)acrylic esters of polyalkoxylated trimethylolpropane of the formula where AO is for each AO independently at each instance EO, PO or BO where EO is O—CH2-CH2- PO is independently at each instance O—CH2-CH(CH3)- or O—CH(CH3)-CH2- BO is independently at each instance O—CH2-CH(CH2-CH3)- or O—CH(CH2-CH3)-CH2- p1+p2+p3 is 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75, R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or CH3, a simplified process for preparing these esters and the use of reaction mixtures thus obtainable.

Abstract: An organopolysiloxane-modified polysaccharide prepared by esterification reacting (A) an organopolysiloxane having residual carboxylic anhydride groups and (B) a polysaccharide having hydroxyl groups, wherein the organopolysiloxane is bonded to the polysaccharide through half ester groups, and a process for the preparation of organopolysiloxane-modified polysaccharide, in which component (A) and component (B) are subjected to an esterification reaction in the presence of (C) a non-protonic polar solvent. The organopolysiloxane-modified polysaccharide comprising polysaccharide and organopolysiloxane bonded thereto through half ester groups is novel. The process for the preparation of organopolysiloxane-modified polysaccharide permits introduction of organopolysiloxane into polysaccharide at a high introduction ratio.

Abstract: An antistatic composition containing various types of polymers such as a polyamide, an aliphatic polyester, an elastomer thereof and a polyurethane elastomer, and a metal salt in specific amounts, and preferably, an antistatic composition in which an additive component such as an organic compound which has an —{O(AO)n}— group (A represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 1 to 7) and all molecular chain terminals of which are CH3 and/or CH2 groups is compounded as needed.

Abstract: Process for preparing essentially uncrosslinked hyperbranched, water-soluble or water-dispersible polyesters from dicarboxylic acids and polyether polyols having at least 3 OH groups. Water-soluble hyperbranched polyesters which are obtainable by such a process and their use for producing printing inks, adhesives, coatings, paints and varnishes.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) is disclosed. According to the process, a liquid feed mixture comprising bis-3-hydroxypropyl terephthalate and/or low molecular weight polyesters of 1,3-propanediol and terephthalic acid, the liquid feed mixture having a mole ratio of propylene groups to terephthalate groups of 1.1 to 2.2 is fed to a flasher. A first stream of gaseous by-products is continuously vaporized and removed from the flasher, and a liquid flasher reaction product having a mole ratio of propylene groups to terephthalate groups of less than about 1.5 is continuously withdrawn from the flasher. The liquid flasher reaction product is continuously fed to a prepolymerizer where it is continuously polymerized to form a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) prepolymer and a second stream of gaseous by-products.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the isolation of polyhydroxybutyrate of the formula 1 by growing a culture of Bacillus mycoides RLJ B-017 in a growth medium and a carbon source selected from sucrose, molasses and pineapple waste.

Abstract: This invention discloses a class of soluble poly(arylene-oxadiazole) polymers and copolymers comprising at least 20 repeat units, which may be the same or different, represented by the formula: wherein Arom can be a fluorene group, an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, an aromatic C2+ heterocyclic ring, or two aromatic rings linked by a single bond, ethenyl bond, or ethynyl bond. A process for preparing the polymers and copolymers by reacting dicarboxylic acids and hydrazine salt is provided. The polymers are useful in electroluminescent devices, photovoltaic cells, and diodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing polyesters A containing several mid-chain free acid functions by ring-opening polymerisation in the presence of a chain initiator: the benzyl diester of the tartaric acid, the phenyl radical of which is optionally substituted. A: aliphatic based on cyclic esters such as lactides and glycolides.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing antibacterial polyester master batches and fibers containing nano-silver particles, the method includes the acts of: mixing a reducing agent, glycol and a silver precursor together to compose a first mixture; esterifying terephthalic acid and glycol to compose a second mixture containing block polymers; mixing the first and second mixtures to make the block polymers further polymerize to achieve a polyester liquid containing nano-silver particles; optionally, cooling the polyester liquid to solidify; and selectively, granulating the solidified polyester to obtain a polyester master batches or melting spinning the polyester to obtain polyester fibers. By reducing the silver ions during polymerizing reaction, the reduced silver particles are separated by polymerized polyester molecules so that the silver particles are evenly distributed inside the polyester master batches without coagulation.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate characterized by having in the molecule a unit represented by Chemical Formula (1): wherein n may assume any one integral value within the range of from 1 to 8. Also disclosed are a process for producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate by the use of a microorganism having the ability to produce the polyhydroxyalkanoate and accumulate it in the bacterial body; a charge control agent, a toner binder and a toner which contain this polyhydroxyalkanoate; and an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus which make use of the toner.

Abstract: A benzobisazole polymer having repeating units of the formula: wherein Q is and wherein Z is —O—, —S— or —NH—. A new method for preparing 1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid from 1,5-diaminonaphthalene under relatively mild conditions in good yields is also described.

Abstract: A continuous process for the process for the enzyme-catalyzed preparation of cyclic ester oligomers from linear ester oligomers. The process may use a linear or recirculating reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process that comprises contacting, in the presence of an esterification or transesterification or polycondensation catalyst composition, a toner, and a phosphorus compound, a carbonyl compound and an alcohol under a condition suitable for esterification, transesterification, or polymerization.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of polyol fatty acid polyesters comprise heating a mixture of polyol, fatty acid ester, emulsifying agent and catalyst. In one embodiment, the fatty acid chains of the fatty acid ester have from about 6 to about 14 total carbon atoms and the emulsifying agent comprises a fatty acid soap having fatty acid chains of from about 16 to about 22 total carbon atoms.

Abstract: Enzymes which are capable of catalyzing esterifications and/or transesterifications such as selected lipases and esterases can, under specified conditions, convert certain lower linear oligomers of polyesters to their cyclic ester oligomers in quantities greater than would be predicted by thermodynamic calculation or prior art methods. The cyclic ester oligomers are useful for the production of higher molecular weight linear polyesters.

Abstract: A method for enzymatic condensation polymerization by combining a preselected quantity of an enzyme, a diol and/or a polyol, and a diacid in a reaction vessel; heating the reaction vessel containing the enzyme, the diol or polyol, and the diacid to a preselected temperature; and maintaining the reaction vessel containing the enzyme, the diol and/or polyol, and the diacid at the preselected temperature for a preselected time, thereby producing a condensation polymer.

Abstract: In a process of producing PBT, a mixture of BDO and TPA is esterified in the presence of a catalyst solution, and the esterification product is polycondensated. To avoid the formation of deposits in the PBT, the catalyst solution contains 0.05 to 10 wt-% alkyl titanate, 85 to 99 wt-% BDO, 50 to 50,000 ppm bifunctional carboxylic acid equivalents and/or monofunctional hydroxycarboxylic acid equivalents and not more than 0.5 wt-% water.

Abstract: A catalyst for preparing a polyester for a toner, comprising an inorganic tin(II) compound; a polyester resin composition comprising a polyester and the catalyst; and a toner comprising the polyester resin composition. The catalyst for preparing a polyester is suitably used for a toner which is used for developing electrostatic latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method, and the like.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate that comprises a unit represented by the following chemical formula (1): wherein R1 is a substituent of an aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, C2H5, CH3CH2CH2, (CH3)2CH, (CH3)3C, a halogen atom, CN, NO2, COOR?, and SO2R?, wherein R? is selected from the group consisting of H, Na, K, CH3, and C2H5, and R? is selected from the group consisting of OH, a halogen atom, ONa, OK, OCH3, and OC2H5; and x represents an integer of 1 to 8 being the same or different each other in the polyhydroxyalkanoate. A method for producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a polyhydroxyalkanoate containing in a molecule thereof one or more units each selected from the following formulae (1) (2), (3) and (4): wherein R1 and R6 are each OH, halogen, ONa, OK, OCH3 or OC2H5; A1 and J6 are each a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon; m and n are each 0 to 7; r is 1 to 500; and R1? to R5? are each hydrogen or halogen.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate that comprises a unit represented by the following chemical formula (1): wherein x is an integer of 1 to 8 being the same or different in the polyhydroxyalkanoate. The microbial production process is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a process of producing polyethylene terephthalate by esterification of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol and polycondensation, the vapors formed are rectified, the liquid phase is recirculated to the process, and the lower-boiling components are condensed. To obtain an almost completely stripped condensate, condensate is circulated and stripped the same with air, and the exhaust air is subjected to a catalytic oxidation.

Abstract: This invention discloses a class of soluble poly(arylene-oxadiazole) polymers and copolymers comprising at least 20 repeat units, which may be the same or different, represented by the formula: wherein Arom can be a fluorene group, an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, an aromatic C2+ heterocyclic ring, or two aromatic rings linked by a single bond, ethenyl bond, or ethynyl bond. A process for preparing the polymers and copolymers by reacting dicarboxylic acids and hydrazine salt is provided. The polymers are useful in electroluminescent devices, photovoltaic cells, and diodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyether ester elastomer comprising a copolymer of (A) at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof; (B) at least one diol selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic diol and an alicyclic diol, each having 2 to 10 carbons; and (C) a polyoxytetramethylene glycol (PTMG) having a number average molecular weight of from 500 to 4000, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 2.0 or less, a content of high molecular weight PTMG molecules of 10% by weight or less, and a heteropolyacid content of from 10 to 900 ppb by weight, wherein the polyether ester elastomer contains PTMG units in an amount of from 10 to 90% by weight, based on the weight of the polyether ester elastomer.

Abstract: An aromatic polyimide ester having a small coefficient of linear expansion, small water absorbing property, and excellent heat resistance. The aromatic polyimide ester comprising: a repeating unit represented by a following formula (I), a repeating unit represented by a following formula (II), (n represents 0 or 1) a repeating unit represented by a following formula (III), and a repeating unit represented by a following formula (IV), (-A- represents —O— or —CO—, and is located in para-position or meta position to imido group, and X represents direct coupling, —O—, —S—, or —SO2—) and the repeating units are mutually bonded with each other through ester-bonds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing highly purified polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) with high yield, by removing cell components other than PHA from cells containing PHA. Moreover, the present invention provides a method for simply removing or reducing chlorine remained in the collected PHA particles, when a treatment with an oxidizing agent containing hypochlorite is performed in the production of PHA as described above. One of the above-described methods comprises a step of treating cells containing polyhydroxyalkanoate with an oxidizing agent containing at least hypochlorite, a step of separating the treated cells into a water-soluble fraction and a water-insoluble fraction, and a step of reducing chlorine remained in the water-insoluble fraction. The step of reducing chlorine may be a step of washing the water-insoluble fraction with a hot water, thiosulfate solution or polar solvent solution containing at least an organic polar solvent in which polyhydroxyalkanoate is insoluble.

Abstract: A method to electrolytically polymerize aromatic hydrocarbons and oxidize cyclopentane structures within the hydrocarbons into cyclopentanone structures is disclosed including a method to electrolyze fluorene in the presence of an ester to produce poly(9-fluorenone). A method to electrolytically oxidize polymers having cyclopentane structures to polymers having cyclopentanone structures is also disclosed including a method to electrolyze poly(fluorene) to produce poly(9-fluorenone). In addition, a method to chemically oxidize polymers containing cyclopentane structures into polymers containing cyclopentanone structures is disclosed, including a method to oxidize poly(fluorene), with a chemically prepared oxidizing agent, to produce poly(9-fluroenone).

Abstract: An antistatic molded resin article based on polyesteramide has a low resistivity even when a substantive amount of electrically conductive additive is not used. The molded article is prepared by copolymerizing (a) a cyclic amide and (b) linear ester selected from polyesterpolyol, polyesteretherpolyol or polycarbonatepolyol. The surface resistivity is less than 1013&OHgr;.

Abstract: Described are methacrylate or acrylate binders e.g. obtainable by the steps of (i) generating OH-precursors from at least one aromatic polyester, and (ii) reacting said OH-precursors of step (i) with methacrylic acid and/or acrylic acid to form a respective ester, whereby step (i) comprises reacting an aromatic polyester, or a mixture of aromatic polyesters with at least one polyol and/or at least one aminopolyol to generate hydroxy terminated oligomers. Optionally, a modified product can be obtained by performing a further reaction in step (i), namely by reacting said hydroxy terminated oligomer with at least one polycarboxylic acid and/or at least one polycarboxylic anhydride to generate said hydroxy terminated binder precursor oligomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a liquid crystalline polyester which is produced from an aromatic carboxylic acid, an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, an aromatic diol and/or an aromatic hydroxylamine, including a polymerization step (1) for producing a prepolymer of the liquid crystalline polyester and a solid-state polymerization step (2) for elevating the polymerization degree of the resultant prepolymer, the number of aromatic ring terminal groups of the prepolymer satisfying the following equation (i): [(the number of aromatic ring terminal groups)/[(the number of carboxylic terminal groups)+(the number of aromatic ring terminal groups)]]×100≧7(%) (i). According to the invention, all-aromatic type liquid crystalline polyesters can be produced within a short time and at low cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing polyesters A containing several mid-chain free acid functions by ring-opening polymerisation in the presence of a chain initiator: the benzyl diester of the tartaric acid, the phenyl radical of which is optionally substituted. A: aliphatic based on cyclic esters such as lactides and glycolides.

Abstract: A process of using of a particularly substituted phenol as a chain terminator of a polymeric resin is disclosed. The chain terminator is a member selected from among ortho-substituted phenol, metha-substituted phenol, and their corresponding coupled esters. The polymeric resin is selected among polycarbonate, polyester carbonate and polyester. The thus chain terminated resin is suitable for producing molded parts and extrudates. Also disclosed are the process for producing these polymers and processes for producing the molded parts and extrudates.

Abstract: Organisms are provided containing genes encoding one or more enzymes, Coenzyme-A-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase, acyl-CoA transferase, acyl-CoA synthetase, &bgr;-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase and/or PHA synthase. In some cases one or more of these genes are native to the host organism and the remainder are heterologous genes provided by genetic engineering. These organisms produce poly (3-hydroxyalkanoate) homopolymers or co-polymers comprising 3-hydroxalkanoate monomers other than 3-hydroxybutryrate wherein these 3-hydroxyalkanoate units are derived from the enzyme-catalyzed conversion of alcohols to 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA monomers, where at least one step in the conversion pathway involves a Co-enzyme A-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. The PHA polymers are readily recovered and industrially useful as polymers for articles such as films, latexes, coatings, adhesives, fibers, binders, resins, and medical devices.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof. When cured, thermosets comprising invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof have thermally and/or chemically labile gem-diester groups interspersed throughout the crosslinked network. Thus, thermosets based on invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof can be easily reworked thermally or chemically by treatment with dilute acidic or basic solutions. Further provided by the present invention are adhesive compositions comprising invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyhydroxyalkanoate using a microorganism capable of substantially reducing unintended monomer units and obtaining the polyhydroxyalkanoate in a high yield. A microorganism capable of synthesizing a novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having 3-hydroxy-substituted benzoylalkanoic acid as a monomer unit, using a substituted benzoylalkanoic acid as a material, is cultured in a medium containing a substituted benzoylalkanoic acid. Then, the polyhydroxyalkanoate produced in the cultured bacteria is extracted and recovered.

Abstract: A thermosetting water-based resin composition comprising an oil-soluble initiator of which a temperature for one-minute half-life is from 90° to 270 ° C. and a polycondensation resin comprising an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid having a radical-polymerizable unsaturated bond or an acid anhydride thereof as at least one constituent monomer, wherein the polycondensation resin has an acid value of from 3 to 100 mg KOH/g, and wherein said oil-soluble initiator is present in said polycondensation resin; a process for preparing the thermosetting water-based resin composition; a molding compound composition comprising the water-based resin composition; and a molding product prepared by molding the molding compound composition.

Abstract: PHA containing a novel 3-hydroxy-thioalkanoic acid unit having a highly reactive thienyl group in a side chain thereof, and a method of producing the same are provided. Specifically, 5-(2-thienylsulfanyl) valeric acid represented by Chemical Formula [4] below and 6-(2-thienylsulfanyl) hexanoic acid represented by Chemical Formula [5] below are provided. Further, a method of producing PHA, comprising the step of collecting PHA from cells of a microorganism cultured in a medium containing the valeric acid or hexanoic acid, and a novel PHA represented by Chemical Formula [1] below are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are blue, diol anthraquinone blue colorant compounds having excellent thermal stability and which can be reacted into or copolymerized with polyester thus providing a blue-colored polyesters useful for manufacturing a variety of shaped articles such as photographic film base, particularly roentgenographic (X-ray) film. Also disclosed are blue anthraquinone colorant compounds which contain two ethylenically-unsaturated (vinyl), photopolymerizable radicals which may be derived from the aforesaid diol anthraquinone compounds. The anthraquinone colorant compounds containing two ethylenically-unsaturated may be reacted into or copolymerized (or cured) with ethylenically-unsaturated monomers to produce colored vinyl polymers.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from which pyrogen has been removed are provided for use in numerous biomedical applications. PHAs which have been chemically modified to enhance physical and/or chemical properties, for targeting or to modify biodegradability or clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), are described. Methods for depyrogenating PHA polymers prepared by bacterial fermentation processes are also provided, wherein pyrogens are removed from the polymers without adversely impacting the polymers' inherent chemical structures and physical properties. PHAs with advantageous processing characteristics, including low melting points and/or solubility in non-toxic solvents, are also described. PHAs are provided which are suitable for use in in vivo applications such as in tissue coatings, stents, sutures, tubing, bone and other prostheses, bone or tissue cements, tissue regeneration devices, wound dressings, drug delivery, and for diagnostic and prophylactic uses.

Abstract: Several novel PHA polymer compositions produced using biological systems include monomers such as 3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxypropionate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyvalerate, 4-hydroxybutyrate, 4-hydroxyvalerate and 5-hydroxyvalerate. These PHA compositions can readily be extended to incorporate additional monomers including, for example, 3-hydroxyhexanoate, 4-hydroxyhexanoate, 6-hydroxyhexanoate or other longer chain 3-hydroxyacids containing seven or more carbons. This can be accomplished by taking natural PHA producers and mutating through chemical or transposon mutagenesis to delete or inactivate genes encoding undesirable activities. Alternatively, the strains can be genetically engineered to express only those enzymes required for the production of the desired polymer composition. Methods for genetically engineering PHA producing microbes are widely known in the art (Huisman and Madison, 1998, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 63: 21-53).

Abstract: Organisms are provided which express enzymes such as glycerol dehydratase, diol dehydratase, acyl-CoA transferase, acyl-CoA synthetase &bgr;-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, PHA synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphatase, which are useful for the production of PHAs. In some cases one or more of these genes are native to the host organism and the remainder are provided from transgenes. These organisms produce poly (3-hydroxyalkanoate) homopolymers or co-polymers incorporating 3-hydroxypropionate or 3-hydroxyvalerate monomers wherein the 3-hydroxypropionate and 3-hydroxyvalreate units are derived from the enzyme catalysed conversion of diols. Suitable diols that can be used include 1,2-propanediol, 1,3 propanediol and glycerol. Biochemical pathways for obtaining the glycerol from normal cellular metabolites are also described.

Abstract: A method for enzymatic condensation polymerization by combining a preselected quantity of an enzyme, a diol and/or a polyol, and a diacid in a reaction vessel; heating the reaction vessel containing the enzyme, the diol or polyol, and the diacid to a preselected temperature; and maintaining the reaction vessel containing the enzyme, the diol and/or polyol, and the diacid at the preselected temperature for a preselected time, thereby producing a condensation polymer.

Abstract: A polyamide, the enzymatic reaction product of at least one polyamine and diester, and processes for preparing and using the same. In addition, processes for preparing and using the enzymatic reaction product as creping adhesives and wet strength resins to make cellulose products.

Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of effectively producing polyhydroxyalkanoate having an aromatic substituted residue in its monomer unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable disposable syringe and more particularly, to the biodegradable disposable syringe by using a novel polyester resin composition under a specific injection molding condition, thus being able to be disposed of without causing environmental contamination.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a titanium compound, a complexing agent, hypophosphorous acid or its metal salt, water and optionally a solvent. The complexing agent can be hydroxycarboxylic acid, alkanolamines, aminocarboxylic acids, or combinations of two or more thereof. The solvent can be water, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, isopropylene glycol, butylene glycol, 1-methyl propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, or combinations of two or more thereof. The titanium compound can be combined with a zirconium compound. Also disclosed is a process for using the composition for producing an ester or a polyester. The process comprises contacting a carbonyl compound, in the presence of the compositions, with an alcohol under a condition suitable for esterification, transesterification, polymerization, or combinations of two or more thereof.