Abstract: A process for production of lower alkanoic acids. A reaction mixture comprising a substituted malonic acid, an acid catalyst, and a limited amount of water is heated to a temperature sufficient to hydrolyze and decarboxylate the ester. The reaction mixture is maintained at the temperature by periodic addition of limited amounts of water, and the reaction is continued for a period of time sufficient to remove substantially all of the alcohol and carbon dioxide generated by the hydrolysis reaction, thereby converting substantially all of the ester to alkanoic acid. The process is particularly useful for the production of valproic acid.

Abstract: A liquid feed containing methanol, carbon monoxide, an alkyl iodide and a solvent is contacted with a supported rhodium catalyst to produce acetic acid at a temperature of 140.degree.-250.degree. C. and a pressure of 15-60 kg/cm.sup.2 G with a partial pressure of carbon monoxide of 7-30 kg/cm.sup.2 while maintaining (a) the water concentration of the product solution in the range of 0.5-10% by weight and (b) the carbonylation degree C.sub.r, defined in the specification, of the solution within the reactor at 0.15 or more. The solvent may be a carboxylic acid or a carboxylic acid ester.

Abstract: Disclosed is an N-benzyl-N-phenoxyethylamine selected from the group consisting of the N-benzyl-N-phenoxyethylamine represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## and an agriculturally acceptable acid addition salt represented by the following formula (II): ##STR2## wherein m represents a number of 1 or 2 with a proviso that when m is 1 and a chlorine atom in the ring A is present at para(4)-position of the ring A, two chlorine atoms in the ring B are present at 2,3-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4- or 3,5-positions of the ring B, and HX represents an acid.

Abstract: A composition of matter including an onium salt and a method of forming images. The onium salt has a chromophore which absorbs ultraviolet radiation, an S, Se, As, N or P atom which is free of substituents exhibiting a higher energy occupied molecular orbital than the chromophore; an insulating group which links the chromophore to the S, Se, As, N or P atom of the salt and substantially prevents .pi. resonance from the chromophore through the S, Se, As, N or P atom; and an anion. The onium salt is capable of forming a Bronsted acid upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of a proton source. In the method of forming images, the onium salt is exposed to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of a proton source, to convert said onium salt to a Bronsted acid.

Abstract: The solubility and stability of rhodium catalysts in rhodium-catalysed carbonylation of alkyl esters or alkyl ethers under substantially anhydrous conditions to produce carboxylic acid anhydrides is improved by the use of co-promoters selected from the group:1,3-dialkyl-4-methylimidazolium iodide;1,3-dialkyl-4-ethylimidazolium iodide;1,3-dialkyl-4-n-propylimidazolium iodide;1,3-dialkyl-4-isopropylimidazolium iodide;1,3-dialkyl-4-n-butylimidazolium iodide1,3-dialkyl-4-sec-butylimidazolium iodide1,3-dialkyl-4-tert-butylimidazolium iodide;1,3-dialkyl-2,4,5-trimethylimidazolium iodide and mixtures thereof wherethe alkyl groups are independently C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkyl.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the conversion of a feedstream comprising gaseous and/or liquid feed materials to a desired products by means of catalytic distillation employing a catalyst-packing material comprising a rigid, cellular monolith or a rigid, cellular monolith coated with a catalytically-active material.Preferred rigid, cellular monoliths are ceramic honeycomb monoliths.

Abstract: Improved deicing compositions are provided which comprise calcium magnesium and potassium acetate containing up to about 50% potassium acetate which have improved melting properties as compared to calcium magnesium acetate deicing compositions.

Abstract: Acylamides or amine acylate salts of arylalkanolamines are prepared by reacting an arylisonitrosoalkanone with hydrogen and a carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid anhydride or carboxylic acid ester or mixture thereof in the presence of a transition metal catalyst; optionally the product is converted to the corresponding arylalkanolamine hydrochloride salt by reaction of the acylamide or amine acylate salt of the arylalkanolamine with hydrogen chloride in a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl alcohol.

Abstract: Acetic acid produced by the low water carbonylation of methanol and containing iodide, unsaturates and carbonyl impurities is purified by treatment with ozone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the recovery of acetyl values from an ethylidene diacetate stream obtained from an acetic anhydride production system. The process comprises hydrolyzing ethylidene diacetate in a liquid phase, hydrolysis zone containing a non-volatile, acidic catalyst and maintained under boiling conditions to obtain a mixture of acetaldehyde, acetic acid and water and then oxidizing the mixture in a liquid phase, oxidation zone containing a cobalt oxidation catalyst to obtain a mixture of acetic acid and water. The process optionally includes a means for reducing substantially the concentration of iodine in the EDA used in the process.

Abstract: Phosphonium salts of the formula ##STR1## wherein A signifies aryl and Y.sup.- signifies C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkanoate or hydroxytrifluoroborate, as well as their manufacture from 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,4,6,10-tetraen-3-ol with a triarylphosphine and with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkanoic acid or a boron trifluoride etherate and, if desired after conversion into the phosphonium salt of a strong acid, further reaction to give lycopene.

Abstract: Superior quality magnesium calcium acetate (hydrate) granules of industrial grade are produced from a concentrated aqueous solution of magnesium acetate containing limited amounts of calcium acetate. The hot solution, or process liquor, is carefully pH-adjusted prior to further processing, and may be slightly acidified with excess acetic acid to offset downstream hydrolysis during the granulation/drying stage.Process liquor hydrolysis is avoided by maintaining liquor temperature and residence time within prescribed limits.Process liquor may be optionally clarified of mineral insolubles deriving from raw material, and of excess, unwanted calcium acetate solids prior to further processing. From such clarified liquor a purer, technical grade magnesium acetate (hydrate) granular product is derived.Hot process liquor may be passed through a short residence time heating zone prior to granulation/drying in order to provide additional sensible heat going to the granulation/drying operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing an anion from an aqueous liquid, such as a fermentation broth. The aqueous broth is contacted with a water-immiscible ion exchange liquid to extract the anion from the broth. The anion exchange liquid is then back extracted with an aqueous phase, to remove the anion, preferably for other uses.

Abstract: An alcohol such as methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction medium containing a rhodium catalyst stabilized with an iodide salt, especially lithium iodide, along with alkyl iodide such as methyl iodide and alkyl acetate such as methyl acetate in specified proportions. With a finite concentration of water in the reaction medium the product is the carboxylic acid instead of, for example, the anhydride. The present reaction system not only provides an acid product of unusually low water content at unexpectedly favorable reaction rates but also, whether the water content is low or, as in the case of prior-art acetic acid technology, relatively high, is characterized by unexpectedly high catalyst stability; i.e., it is resistant to catalyst precipitation out of the reaction medium.

Abstract: Ethylidene diacetate is prepared by treating at least one member of the group consisting of methyl acetate and dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide in the presence of a source of halide under substantially anhydrous conditions.

Abstract: Alkylidene diesters such as ethylidene diacetate are produced by reacting an ether and/or an ester under substantially anhydrous conditions with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in contact with a catalyst system comprising a rhodium compound and a halogen component at a temperature in the range from 125.degree. to 300.degree. C. and at a carbon monoxide partial pressure in the range from about 1.0 to 1100 kg/cm.sup.2. When ethylidene diacetate is the product, it can then be decomposed to produce vinyl acetate and acetic acid by well-known techniques. Since one mole of acetic acid is also produced in the synthesis of the diacetate, the invention makes possible an overall process for the production of vinyl acetate which produces acetic acid rather than consumes it.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid of formula RCO.sub.2 H, for example acetic acid, is prepared from a formate ester of formula HCO.sub.2 R, for example methyl formate, by heating the ester at elevated temperature with an iridium catalyst, a halide promoter and a strong acid. The strong acid is one having a pKa of not greater than 0 in aqueous media for example a sulphonic acid. Addition of the strong acid to the reaction mixture causes an increase in the rate of conversion of formate ester to carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing a carboxylic acid of high purity comprises preparing an undersaturated solution of a salt of the carboxylic acid; subjecting the undersaturated salt solution to water-splitting electrodialysis to form base and a supersaturated solution of the carboxylic acid; and, then crystallizing the carboxylic acid from the supersaturated solution. In the preferred embodiment, the undersaturated solution is a fermentation broth containing sodium succinate and the carboxylic acid obtained is succinic acid.

Abstract: An alcohol such as methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction medium containing a rhodium catalyst stabilized with an iodide salt, especially lithium iodide, along with alkyl iodide such as methyl iodide and alkyl acetate such as methyl acetate in specified proportions. With a finite concentration of water in the reaction medium the product is the carboxylic acid instead of, for example, the anhydride. The present reaction system not only provides an acid product of unusually low water content at unexpectedly favorable reaction rates but also, whether the water content is low or, as in the case of prior-art acetic acid technology, relatively high, is characterized by unexpectedly high catalyst stability; i.e., it is resistant to catalyst precipitation out of the reaction medium.

Abstract: An alcohol such as methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction medium containing a rhodium catalyst stabilized with an iodide salt, especially lithium iodide, along with alkyl iodide such as methyl iodide and alkyl acetate such as methyl acetate in specified proportions. With a finite concentration of water in the reaction medium the product is the carboxylic acid instead of, for example, the anhydride. The present reaction system not only provides an acid product of unusually low water content at unexpectedly favorable reaction rates but also, whether the water content is low or, as in the case of prior-art acetic acid technology, relatively high, is characterized by unexpectedly high catalyst stability; i.e., it is resistant to catalyst precipitation out of the reaction medium.

Abstract: Tetrakis(dialkylamino)aromatics Ia to Ic ##STR1## where the radicals A may be identical or different and are n-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl and the radicals R may be identical or different and are hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, and their charge transfer complexes with electron acceptors, and the preparation of Ia to Ic from the corresponding N-unsubstituted amines by alkylation with A'--CHO (where A'.dbd.H or N-C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl) and reduction with NaBH.sub.3 CN.The charge transfer complexes of Ia and Ic are used to prepare electrically conductive polymers.

Abstract: Acetic acid is advantageously prepared from a starting material having a formic acid moiety and a methyl ester moiety by heating said starting material in the presence of (1) carbon monoxide, (2) at least one of (2-a) a metal accelerator selected from beryllium, a metal belonging to the group IIIA, IVB, VB, VIB or IIA of the Periodic Table, a lanthanide metal and an actinide metal and (2-b) an onium compound or a precursor for the onium compound, (3) a rhodium catalyst and (4) an iodine compound.

Abstract: A process for producing vinyl acetate which comprises reacting acetic anhydride with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising(a) a metal belonging to Group VIII of the Periodic Table or a compound of the metal, and(b) (i) an acidic substance, or (ii) a halideis disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the recovery of the iodine and alkyl value of an alkyl iodide by a process comprising (I) carbonylating an alkyl iodide by a process presence of a carbonylation catalyst, carbon monoxide and a hydrogen donor to obtain a mixture of hydrogen iodide and an acyl compound and (II) oxidizing the hydrogen iodide of step (I) to elemental iodine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering rhodium catalyst values from "tars" formed during the preparation of acetic anhydride by the rhodium catalyzed carbonylation of a mixture of methyl iodide and methyl acetate and/or dimethyl ether. The disclosed process provides a means for the recovery of rhodium values which normally are not extracted from the tars by treating a methyl iodide solution of such tars with certain oxidants.

Abstract: A process for the production of organic carboxylic acids by the catalytic reaction of organic formate esters in contact with carbon monoxide and a homogeneous catalyst system of rhodium metal atom, a phosphorus containing ligand in which there is present at least one oxo oxygen atom attached to a phosphorus atom or a carbon atom to form a Z group and the ##STR1## group in said Z group is located at least one carbon atom removed and preferably from 2-4 carbon atoms removed from the phosphorus atom of the molecules represented by the formulas ##STR2## and a halogen source, under mild reaction conditions, wherein R' is H, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl or alkyl, and wherein 1 or more of said R' groups can be substituted with a Z group but not more than 3 of said R' groups in the molecule are so substituted; a is an integer from 0-4; b is an integer from 0-3; and Z is P(O)R'R'; --C(O)OR" or C(O)R", wherein R" is R'.

Abstract: A process for converting formic acid esters or transesterification products thereof to carboxylic acids comprising contacting a formic acid ester of the formula (HCOO).sub.n --R where R is aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aralkyl and n is 1 or 2 with a catalytically effective amount of a soluble iridium salt and an iodide promoter at a temperature of from about 100.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C. in the presence of an organic solvent containing at least one carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Compositions which comprise a calcium magnesium acetate double salt are useful in deicing compositions. Deicing compositions comprising those compositions and processes for their preparation are described.

Abstract: A process for removing volatile acids from aqueous solutions which involves steam stripping a volatile acid from an aqueous solution and contacting the vaporized acid with a reactable cation to form a salt of the acid. A preferred embodiment of apparatus comprises an elongated distillation column having therein a plurality of zones or stages wherein the volatile acid in the aqueous feed stream is vaporized by steam and then the vaporized acid is carried by the steam into a salt formation zone or stage to react with a reactable cation to form a salt of the acid.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of ethylidene diacetate and/or ethyl acetate by hydrogenating acetic anhydride in the presence of a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst, methyl iodide and, optionally, lithium iodide. The process can also be utilized to hydrogenate mixtures of acetic anhydride and ethylidene diacetate to produce ethyl acetate.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid of formula RCO.sub.2 H where R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group is prepared by heating under substantially anhydrous conditions an ester of formic acid of formula HCO.sub.2 R where R is as defined above in the presence of carbon monoxide and an effective amount of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII metal, a halide and a compound containing a quaternary Group V atom. The quaternary Group V atom can be formed in situ by adding a compound containing a trivalent nitrogen, phosphorus or arsenic atom quaternizable under the reaction conditions and a quaternizing agent. Acetic acid is prepared by heating methyl formate in the presence of a catalyst system containing a rhodium compound, an iodide and a quaternary nitrogen-containing heterocyclic base.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing vinyl acetate from methanol, carbon monoxide and hydrogen which comprises the following five steps:(a) methanol is hydrocarbonylated in a hydrocarbonylation zone to produce ethanol, acetaldehyde, methyl acetate and dimethylacetal, and the products are separated in a separation zone;(b) methyl acetate is carbonylated in a carbonylation zone to produce acetic anhydride;(c) the acetaldehyde and dimethylacetal produced in the step (a) and the acetic anhydride produced in the step (b) are converted to ethylidene diacetate and methyl acetate; (d) the ethylidene diacetate produced in the step (c) is thermally decomposed to vinyl acetate and acetic acid, and the products are separated in a separation zone; and(e) the methyl acetate produced and separated in the step (a), (c) or (d) is supplied to the carbonylation step (b).

Abstract: Pure hydroxylammonium salts of fatty acids of 1 to 4 carbon atoms are prepared by reacting hydroxylammonium sulfate and alkali metal salts of fatty acids with 1 to 4 carbon atoms in solution at elevated temperatures and separating off the hydroxylammonium salts of fatty acids of 1 to 4 carbon atoms by(a) reacting hydroxylammonium sulfate and alkali metal salts of fatty acids of 1 to 4 carbon atoms in solution in water or alkanols of 1 to 3 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof at 20.degree.-70.degree. C.,(b) evaporating the solvent out of the reaction mixture to obtain a dry residue,(c) isolating the hydroxlammonium salts of fatty acids of 1 to 4 carbon atoms from the dry residue thus obtained by sublimation under reduced pressure.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of vinyldiphosphonic acid is disclosed. The process involves elimination of a volatile acid from a 1-(O-acyl)-ethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid. The starting materials may be prepared by reacting 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid with the corresponding acid or directly by reacting the acid with phosphorous acid and an acyl anhydride.

Abstract: Esters of carboxylic acids of the formula RCH.sub.2 COOR"' and R'CH:C(R")COOR"' are reacted to form a carboxylic acid and an aliphatic alcohol R"'OH wherein R, R', and R" are individually selected from the group consisting of --H, alkyl moieties of from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and aralkyl moieties, cycloalkyl moieties and alkylaryl moieties of 3 to 18 carbon atoms and R"' is an alkyl moiety of 1 to 18 carbon atoms in the presence of an AMS-1B borosilicate crystalline molecular sieve catalyst under reaction conditions.

Abstract: 1,4-Diacyloxybut-2-enes and 3,4-diacyloxybut-1-enes are converted into one another in the gas phase or liquid phase at from 100.degree. to 350.degree. C. under atmospheric or superatmospheric pressure in the presence of a zeolite as a catalyst.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing compounds such as 4-acetoxybutyraldehyde which comprises contacting reactants such as allyl acetates with a cobalt carbonyl catalyst in the presence of various novel promoters. The promoters are selected from the group consisting of triphenyl germane, tetraphenyl germane, phenyl sulfide, succinonitrile and 2,2'-dipyridyl. The reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of a ketone solvent.

Abstract: One-step process for preparing anhydrous, organic acid alkali or alkaline earth metal salts by contacting and reacting an organic or polymeric acid fluoride, anhydride or ester and an organic alkali or alkaline earth metal silanolate.

Abstract: In the process of hydrocarboxylating an .alpha.-enamide with CO and an organic hydroxyl compound to produce a N-acyl-.alpha.-amino acid ester, the improvement comprising using as the organic hydroxyl compound reactant, an organic hydroxyl compound which has a chiral center that is essentially all L or D, thereby producing a reaction mixture having essentially no enantiomeric pairs and containing diastereomeric N-acyl-.alpha.-amino acid esters having two chiral centers.

Abstract: Finely divided ore blends containing chemically active magnesium oxide and calcium oxide are physically combined with a critical amount of water prior to reaction with acetic acid. Intermediate products range in physical consistency from putty-like masses to viscous liquors, depending upon the relative fraction of magnesium oxide in the ore feed. Intermediate products freeze to form hydrates of magnesium calcium acetate, the freeze times being dependent upon a number of chemical and physical parameters. Product drying requirements range from minimal drying to none at all, depending upon the magnesium fraction in the products. Products are non-friable and have excellent crush strength, and are suitable for storage, shipping and application in chemical deicing as well as other end use applications where crude low-cost materials are called for.A unique situation centers around the composition corresponding to the magnesium mol fraction of 0.8.

Abstract: A catalyst system having high activity and selectivity to carbonylation products comprises a rhodium-containing catalytically active component and a halogen-containing promoter component, the halogen being selected from the group consisting of bromine, iodine, bromide compounds, and iodide compounds.

Abstract: Several novel means are presented of chemically combining calcium/magnesium acetate with calcium chloride to form a series of calcium magnesium acetate-chloride triple-salts. The low-cost processes are carried out using minimal proportions of water, and no co-products or by-products are formed. Products are optionally pelletized for use as roadway deicing agents. By adjusting the relative amount of chloride input, products can be tailored to adequately perform a given deicing or freezing-point depression task with a minimum of environmental pollution by chloride.All product variations are non-deliquescent.In the preferred embodiment, lime is reacted with concentrated acetic acid to form calcium/magnesium acetate. To the acetate is added an aqueous calcium chloride solution. The concentration of water in the reaction batch is critical to the attainment of complete chemical combination to form a flowable solid product.

Abstract: A process for converting .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids to hydroxy free aliphatic carboxylic acids and aldehydes in the presence of a catalyst of the formula:M.sub.a M'.sub.b O.sub.xwhereinM is at least one of an element selected from Group IB, VIB, IVA; andM' is at least one of an element selected from Groups IA, IIA, IVA, VA, VIA, VIIIB, VB.

Abstract: Process for the co-production of carboxylic acids of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOH and R.sup.2 --COOH and carboxylic acid esters of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOCH.sub.2 R.sup.2 and R.sup.2 --COOCH.sub.2 R.sup.1 from carboxylic acid esters of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOR.sup.2 and/or ethers of the general formula R.sup.3 OR.sup.4 (R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 representing (substituted) alkyl or (substituted) aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl, R.sup.1 also representing H), carbon monoxide and hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of a ruthenium compound, a further Group VIII metal compound, a phosphine oxide and a compound R.sup.5 Hal or R.sup.5 COHal where R.sup.5 has one of the meanings given for R.sup.2 and Hal is iodine or bromine, the reaction mixture being substantially free from other transition metal or Group II metal iodides or bromides, and containing a tertiary phosphine oxide.

Abstract: Acetic acid is prepared by heating methyl formate in the presence of carbon monoxide by the use of a molybdenum-nickel-alkali metal, a chromium-nickel-alkali metal, or a tungsten-nickel-alkali metal co-catalyst in the presence of an iodide or bromide.

Abstract: Acetic acid is prepared by heating methyl formate in the presence of carbon monoxide by the use of a molybdenum-nickel or tungsten-nickel co-catalyst in the presence of a promoter comprising an organo-phosphorus compound or an organo-nitrogen compound wherein the phosphorus and nitrogen are trivalent, and in the presence of a halide.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid anhydrides are reacted with hydrogen to produce alkylidene diesters with high yield and with ratios of alkylidene diesters and co-product carboxylic acid near the theoretical by carrying out the reaction in the presence of a cobalt carbonyl.

Abstract: C.sub.2 to C.sub.10 monocarboxylic acids are co-produced with formic acid by reacting at an elevated temperature below 250.degree. C. a C.sub.1 to C.sub.9 alkyl formate with carbon monoxide and water in the presence as catalyst of a Group VIII noble metal component and an iodine or bromine-containing promoter, the partial pressure of carbon monoxide being in the range 1 to 300 bar, the concentration of noble metal component being in the range from 100 to 5000 ppm and the atomic ratio of noble metal to iodine or bromine being in the range from 1:50 to 1:1000 and thereafter recovering the co-produced C.sub.2 to C.sub.10 monocarboxylic acid and formic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl formate is methyl formate and the recovered acids are acetic acid and formic acid.

Abstract: Finely divided lime, at any degree of slaking, is introduced in a steady stream into an agitated reactor designed to produce pellets or aggregates. Concentrated acetic acid is simultaneously introduced in a steady stream at a rate equal to the chemical combining rate required to produce calcium magesium acetate. Water content of the reaction stream is critical; the mol ratio of water, including water of neutralization, to the calcium magnesium acetate product must fall in the range 3.3-7.0 in order to form the desired pellets and to avoid sticking, caking, and dust emanation from the reactor. Product pellets are drawn off in a stream from the reactor and dried for use as a non-polluting roadway and walkway deicer. Traction agent is optionally incorporated into the deicer pellets by introducing a steady stream of traction agent to the reactor simultaneous with raw materials introduction. Magnesium-to-calcium ratios greater than one are achieved by blending dolime with magnesium-rich ore.

Abstract: Finely divided ore blends containing chemically active magnesium oxide and calcium oxide are physically combined with a critical amount of water prior to reaction with acetic acid. Intermediate products range in physical consistency from putty-like masses to viscous liquors, depending upon the relative fraction of magnesium oxide in the ore feed. Intermediate products freeze to form hydrates of magnesium calcium acetate, the freeze times being dependent upon a number of chemical and physical parameters. Product drying requirements range from minimal drying to none at all, depending upon the magnesium fraction in the products. Products are non-friable and have excellent crush strength, and are suitable for storage, shipping and application in chemical deicing as well as other end use applications where crude low-cost materials are called for.A unique situation centers around the composition corresponding to the magnesium mol fraction of 0.8.