Abstract: Polyhydroxypolyether resins are prepared by reacting in water as a dispersion an epoxide compound which has more than one 1,2-epoxy group per molecule with a dihydric phenol. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a nonionic dispersant at a temperature of about 80.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. using, as a catalyst, an organic phosphine, a tertiary amine, or a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium compound. The polyhydroxypolyether resins are useful in coating compositions, molding compounds, encapsulating compositions, adhesives and the like.

Abstract: Cationic polymerization of epoxy monomers, or prepolymers can be achieved by use of certain moisture sensitive dicarbonyl chelates of main row elements of Group IIIA-VA. Curable Compositions are provided which can be used as sealants, coating compounds, glues, incapsulants, etc.

Abstract: Epoxy resin compositions having extended reactivity (gel time) are prepared by adding phosphate or phosphite compounds to epoxy resin-dicyandiamide-tertiary amine curing systems. Such compositions are useful in preparing glass fiber laminates and powder coatings.

Abstract: 2-Oxo-2-alkoxy-5-dialkylphosphono-1,2-oxaphos-pholanes of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 to R.sub.7 are hydrocarbon radicals can be prepared from .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated ketones and 2 or more moles of a dialkyl phosphite. Obviously .beta.-ketophosphonates are intermediates of this reaction as these compounds react with 1 or more moles of dialkyl phosphite in yielding the oxaphospholanes too. Both reactions are promoted by alkaline catalysts.The new oxaphospholane derivatives are considerably stable against thermal decomposition. They can be used as flame retardants in epoxy resins.

Abstract: In one aspect, thermosetting liquid resinous polyepoxides are upgraded or advanced in molecular weight by a process including (A) providing a catalyst-free mixture of a dihydric phenol, preferably bisphenol-A and a liquid resinous polyepoxide containing 1,2-epoxy groups, preferably a low molecular weight epoxy resin consisting essentially of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A, at a temperature above about a minimum reaction temperature for a catalytic liquid upgrade reaction between the dihydric phenol and the polyepoxide; and (B) subsequently introducing the catlyst, preferably an organic phosphine and most preferably triphenylphosphine, into the mixture of the dihydric phenol and polyepoxide at reaction temperature and maintaining the mixture containing the catalyst at reaction temperature for a time sufficient to produce the upgraded version of the thermosetting resinous polyepoxide.