Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing alkenyl succinic anhydrides of formula (1), in which R represents a C4 to C250 alkylene radical that can be linear or branched. The method involves the reaction of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid or esters thereof and an alkene which contains 4-250 carbon atoms at from 150 to 250° C. in the presence of a synergistic mixture of a primary antioxidant, a secondary antioxidant, and a metal deactivator.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of synthesizing chemicals according to the ene reaction. The method addresses two problems that previously could not be addressed simultaneously, preventing charring of the reaction, and preventing gaseous degradation of the reagents. The method involves adding a boron bearing compound and an aromatic/antioxidant compound to the ene reaction. Combining these two compounds together inhibits charring and also causes an effect that neither compound can accomplish alone. The addition of these two compounds together also more effectively prevents either of the reagents from degrading than when either reagent is added alone. As a result the method reduces costs by reducing the amount of reagents needed for a synthesis and further reduces costs by eliminating the need to filter out char from the end products of the ene reaction. The method is particularly useful in the ene reaction synthesis of ASA from olefins and maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising organic anhydrides having a reduced tendency to discolor with time, even when held at elevated temperatures for extended times. The compositions are produced by mixing at least one acid halide and various derivatives of hydroxy carboxylic acids with an anhydride to form a homogenous solution. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising organic anhydrides having a reduced tendency to discolor with time, even when held at elevated temperatures for extended times. The compositions are produced by mixing at least one acid halide and various derivatives of hydroxy carboxylic acids with an anhydride to form a homogenous solution. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the compositions.

Abstract: A method for reducing the formation of dust produced by solid aromatic anhydrides, and aromatic anhydride compositions that have a reduced tendency to emit aromatic anhydride dust, are disclosed. The method comprises treating the aromatic anhydride with low levels of suitable organic compounds.

Abstract: A monochloro-substituted aliphatic alcohol containing 3-8 carbon atoms, a copper compound and a zinc compound are added to maleic anhydride to prevent discoloration of the maleic anhydride. Deterioration of the quality of the maleic anhydride can be inhibited when it is stored for a long period of time or heat-melted.

Abstract: Crude maleic anhydride produced by catalytic oxidation is distilled and then n-propyl gallate, cuprous chloride and zinc chloride are added thereto.Alternatively, crude maleic anhydride is distilled in the presence of tridecyl phosphite. Further, these procedures can be used in combination. Thermal stability and color stability of the maleic anhydride is improved.

Abstract: Alkenyl succinic anhydrides having a decreased amount of tar and color bodies are made by the reaction of an olefin with maleic anhydride in the presence of a tri-orthoalkylphenyl phosphite and optionally a hindered phenolic antioxidant such as 2,4,6-tri-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) mesitylene.

Abstract: Alkenyl succinic anhydrides having a decreased amount of tar and color bodies are made by the reaction of an olefin with maleic anhydride in the presence of an arylfluorophosphite (e.g. 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) fluorophosphite) and optionally a hindered phenolic antioxidant such as 2,4,6-tri(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) mesitylene.

Abstract: There is provided a trimellitic anhydride composition having a reduced tendency to form trimellitic anhydride dust which composition comprises trimellitic anhydride treated with at least one organic compound wherein the organic compound is both liquid and substantially non-volatile at normal ambient temperatures and pressures. There is also provided a method for suppressing dust emitted from trimellitic anhydride which method comprises treating the trimellitic anhydride with the aforementioned organic compounds.

Abstract: A process for the production of a substituted alpha, beta dicarboxylic acid compound substantially free of tar and other resinous reaction byproducts comprising the reaction at conditions favoring the ENE reaction of an ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon and an ethylenically unsaturated alpha, beta dicarboxylic acid compound in the presence of a boron compound.