Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of the compound barium phosphate. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvents, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A catalytic process for polymerizing epoxides using active hydrogen initiators forming polyols having low unsaturation levels and high primary hydroxyl levels. The catalysts useful in this process are prepared from catalyst precursors exemplified by hydrotalcite. This process is more reactive with less acidic active hydrogen initiators. The polyols can be used in urethanes without removal of the catalyst.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of one or more lanthanum compounds comprising silicate, metasilicate and mixtures thereof. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvents, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of calcium sulfate as a catalyst in the preparation of alkoxylation products, i.e., condensation reaction products of alkylene oxides and organic compounds having at least one active hydrogen, that have beneficial, narrow molecular weight ranges.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of narrow-range alkanol alkoylates by the addition reaction of higher alkanols with alkylene oxides, particularly ethylene oxide. U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,816 describes a process in which alkylene oxides are added to alkanols by reaction in the presence of a catalyst prepared by contacting a sulfur-containing acid such as sulfuric acid with one or more aluminum compounds selected from the group consisting of aluminum alcoholates and aluminum phenolates. Under the present invention, that process is improved by carrying out the process in the further presence of water, provided that certain critical restrictions are placed upon the proportions of the water and of the sulfuric acid and aluminum catalyst components. The process improvement of the invention offers substantial improvement in alkoxylation reaction rate and/or selectivity of the reaction to the desired alkanol alkoxylate products, rather than to by-products such as polyalkylene glycols.

Abstract: Polyoxylalkylene ether with an average molecular weight of 400 to 10,000 with at least one terminal hydroxyl group and at least one lateral --SO.sub.3 X group (X=hydrogen, alkali metal or ammonium ion) is disclosed. The polyoxyalkylene ether is obtainable byThe statistical or blockwise addition reaction of (a) .alpha.-alkylene oxides with 2 to 14 carbon atoms or mixtures hereof and (b) allyl and/or methallyl glycidyl ethers to monohydric to quadrihydric aliphatic alcohols with up to 8 carbon atoms, the ratio of component (a) to component (b) being selected so that at least one allyl ether group is linked to the average molecule,reacting the polymer by a known reaction with, based on the allyl ether groups, at least equimolar amounts of a compound of the formula HSO.sub.3 Y (Y=alkali or ammonium ion) andif necessary, exchanging the cation Y against a hydrogen ion also by a known procedure.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of capped polyoxyalkylene block polyethers with exceptionally low hydroxyl numbers and correspondingly high capping efficiency. This improvement is accomplished through the use of cesium hydroxide catalysis during oxyethylation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polyethers obtained by the reaction of a substituted 1,2-epoxy-alkane bearing at least one alkyl substituent containing at least 8 carbon atoms with at least one polyol corresponding to the formulaR(OH).sub.x (1)whereinR is an organic radical andx is an integer having a value of 2 or more,2 or more moles of epoxyalkane being added onto the polyol (1).The present invention is also directed to a process for the preparation of high molecular weight polymers wherein the process is conducted in the presence of the previously described polyethers as a mold release agent.

Abstract: Narrow, balanced alkoxylation product mixture distributions having at least one alkoxylation product constituting more than 20 weight percent of the mixture can be provided by modified, calcium-containing catalysts. Catalysts for alkoxylation processes can be produced from lime and can, with modification, be used to make the narrow, balanced alkoxylation product mixture distribution.

Abstract: Process for preparing polyglycerolated nonionic surfactants from (poly)hydroxylated organic compounds, by condensing glycerol monochlorohydrin with the said (poly)hydroxylated compound in the presence of a strong base, at a temperature below 150.degree. C. and in the presence of an aromatic solvent, removing the water formed by distillation as it forms.This process makes it possible to condense a relatively large quantity of glycerol monochlorohydrin in a single step, while limiting the formation of polyglycerols, and to obtain a good quality surfactant which is usable in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: Hydroxyl terminated polyepichlorohydrin having a polydispersity of less than 1.2 and a molecular weight of at least 2000, and method of preparation using stannic chloride and strong carboxylic acid co-catalysts.

Abstract: In an improved process for the preparation of polyether compositions, amine-initiated, alkaline catalyzed polyethers are neutralized with a substantial excess of formic acid that neutralizes the catalyst and stabilizes the resultant composition. This is particularly advantageous where tertiary nitrogen is found in the amine initiator or in the polyether that results.

Abstract: Active-hydrogen compounds, for example, primary and secondary alcohols or diols, are alkoxylated, for example, ethoxylated, using solid anion-bound metal oxide catalysts, such as, zirconium oxysulfate catalyst. Hydrous zirconium oxide is treated with solutions of sulfate phosphate, nitrate or tetrafluoroborate and calcined in air at 300.degree. to 950.degree. C. to produce highly active heterogeneous alkoxylation catalysts. The amorphous catalysts afford narrow molecular weight products. The catalyst can be removed from the product by filtration and reused with no significant loss in activity. Reaction temperatures of 50.degree. to 140.degree. C. are employed for alkoxylation.

Abstract: Lubricant compositions having good dilution viscosity characteristics and high viscosity/pressure coefficients can be produced using a connected branch copolymer having a core segment, non-crosslinked branched polymer segments connected to the core segment and a group of linear polymer segments connected to the branched polymer segments and bearing terminal groups capable of effecting hydrogen bonding. These connected branch copolymers are used in aqueous lubricant compositions, which may include a co-solvent such as ethylene or diethylene glycol.

Abstract: Capped connected branch copolymers are provided comprising a core segment, branched polymer segments attached to the core segment, linear polymer segments attached to the terminals of the branched polymer segments, and cap segments, which comprise residues of an alkylene oxide containing at least 4 carbon atoms and which are attached to the free terminals of the linear polymer segments. These capped copolymers are less water-soluble than the uncapped connected branched copolymers from which they are derived, and are useful in carbonless copying systems as carriers for the color precursor microcapsules. The microcapsules can be applied to the carbonless copying sheet by dispersing the microcapsules in the capped copolymer, heating the copolymer above its transition temperature and spreading the melted copolymer over the sheet. After cooling, the copolymer forms a coherent layer on the sheet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modified polyhydroxy compound, which is characterized in that a polyhydroxy compound is heated for 30 minutes or more at a temperature ranging from 150.degree. to 250.degree. C. under stirring and in the presence of tin, tin compounds such as tin halogenide, tin hydroxide and tin oxide. The polyhydroxy compound modified by this method is effective in improving the foamability and mechanical strength of urethane foam, when it is used as a raw material in the manufacture of urethane foam.

Abstract: Polymeric polyols are prepared by reacting a polyhydroxy initiator compound with an epoxide in the presence of alkali metal hydroxide catalyst used in an amount of at least 10% by mole based on the molar amount of polyhydroxy initiator compounds. The polyols so obtained may be chain extended by reaction with further epoxide in the presence of at least 10% by mole of an alkali metal hydroxide catalyst based on the molar amount of the polymeric polyol.

Abstract: A perfluorosulphonic acid polymer suitable for use as a catalyst contains units of the formula:[(SO.sub.3).sub.w M(SO.sub.3 R).sub.z-w ] (I)whereinM is a multivalent metal cation,R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 fluorinated alkyl group,z is the valency of M, andw is an integer having a value between 1 and z-1.Also use of a polymer of formula (I) wherein M is aluminum as a catalyst in the production of glycol ethers by the reaction of an alkylene oxide and an alcohol.

Abstract: Narrow, balanced alkoxylation product mixture distributions having at least one alkoxylation product constituting more than 20 weight percent of the mixture can be provided by modified, calcium-containing catalysts. Catalysts for alkoxylation processes can be produced from lime and can, with modification, be used to make the narrow, balanced alkoxylation product mixture distribution.

Abstract: Polyether polyols are decolorized by heating to a temperature in excess of 95.degree. C. in the presence of water and air. The resulting polyols have minimal residual color, and can be used to prepare polyurethanes having low color.

Abstract: Relates to deodorizing a polyoxypropylene group terminated polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol composition by removing allyloxypropan-2-ol in sufficient amount to reduce the content to less than 200 ppm.

Abstract: Block polymers usable as defoamers have the following formula ##STR1## in which R represents a glycerol or polyglycerol function having a degree of polymerization x of from 1 to 6 and the indices y is equal to (x-z+2), z is equal to (x-y+2), a is equal to 1 to 15, b is equal to 50 to 200 c is equal to 1 to 15, d is equal to 20 to 150 and e is equal to 1 to 15, with the proviso that the sums (a+c+e) is equal to 2 to 20, (b+d) is equal to 50 to 250 and (c+e) is equal to 1 to 15, and y has a value of at least 1.The block polymers are prepared by reaction of glycerol or polyglycerol having a degree of polymerization x with ethylene oxide, then with propylene oxide and, finally, again with ethylene oxide, preferably in the presence of alkaline etherification catalysts.

Abstract: Active-hydrogen compounds, for example, primary and secondary alcohols or diols, are alkoxylated, for example, ethoxylated, using solid anion-bound metal oxide catalysts, such as, zirconium oxysulfate catalyst. Hydrous zicronium oxide is treated with solutions of sulfate phosphate, nitrate or tetrafluoroborate and calcined in air at 300.degree. to 950.degree. C. to produce highly active heterogeneous alkoxylation catalysts. The amorphous catalysts afford narrow molecular weight products. The catalyst can be removed from the product by filtration and reused with no significant loss in activity. Reaction temperatures of 50.degree. to 140.degree. C. are employed for alkoxylation.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of higher alkanols are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 vicinal alkylene oxides with an alkanol reactant comprising one or more C.sub.6 to C.sub.30 alkanols in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst which combines (i) one or more sulfur-containing acids with (ii) one or more aluminum compounds selected from the group consisting of aluminum alcoholates and aluminum phenolates, the relative molar ratio of component (i) to component (ii) being in the range from about 0.1:1 to 1:1. Alkanol alkoxylates, and particularly alkanol ethoxylates, prepared in this manner are characterized by a relatively narrow-range distribution of alkylene oxide adducts and by a relatively low content of residual alkanol. The products of this process are nonionic surfactants, particularly useful as components of detergent formulations.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of higher alkanols are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 vicinal alkylene oxides with an alkanol reactant comprising one or more C.sub.6 to C.sub.30 alkanols in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst which combines (i) one or more phosphorus-containing acids with (ii) one or more aluminum compounds selected from the group consisting of aluminum alcoholates and aluminum phenolates, the relative molar ratio of component (i) to component (ii) being in the range from about 0.1:1 to 2.5:1. Alkanol alkoxylates, and particularly alkanol ethoxylates, prepared in this manner are characterized by a relatively narrow-range distribution of alkylene oxide adducts and by a relatively low content of residual alkanol. The products of this process are nonionic surfactants, particularly useful as components of detergent formulations.

Abstract: Polyethers of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is the residue of a starting active hydrogen compound with removal of the active hydrogen atom, R.sub.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl or aryl, R.sub.2 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, R.sub.3 is H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or phenyl, x is 5-100, y is 1-5, and z is 2-8 are less active than those having primary or secondary alcoholic function at terminals.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having an active hydrogen are prepared by a process in which an active hydrogen reactant and an alkylene oxide reactant are reacted in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of one or more bimetallic oxo compounds of the formula (RO).sub.n M--O--M'--O--M(OR).sub.n, wherein each R is (independently) an optionally-substituted organic moiety, M' is a divalent metal selected from the elements of Groups Va, VIa, and VIIa of the Periodic Table, each M is (independently) a trivalent or tetravalent metal, and each n is 2 if the adjacent M is trivalent of 3 if the adjacent M is tetravalent. The products are useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants in detergent formulations. In certain preferred embodiments, the process yields a product having a very desirable distribution of alkylene oxide adducts.

Abstract: This invention relates to synthetic polyether thickeners and thickened aqueous systems containing them. The thickeners are unique because they can be used in aqueous systems at less than ten percent weight concentration which will flow in a Vickers 104(C) Vane pump at use temperatures. These properties make them particularly useful for thickening hydraulic fluids used in high pressure vane and gear pumps. The thickeners are prepared by reacting conventional polyether polyols with alpha-olefin epoxides having an average of 6 to 12 total carbon atoms to obtain products with specific epoxide-to-hydroxyl ratios.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having an active hydrogen are prepared by a process in which an active hydrogen reactant and an alkylene oxide reactant are reacted in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of one or more bimetallic oxo compounds of the formula (RO).sub.n M--O--M'--O--M(OR).sub.n, wherein each R is (independently) an optionally-substituted organic moiety, M' is a divalent metal selected from the elements of Groups VIII, Ib, IIb, IIIb, and IVb of the Periodic Table, each M is (independently) a trivalent or tetravalent metal, and each n is 2 if the adjacent M is trivalent of 3 if the adjacent M is tetravalent. The products are useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants in detergent formulations. In certain preferred embodiments, the process yields a product having a very desirable distribution of alkylene oxide adducts.

Abstract: Polyethers having molecular weights of about 1000 to about 75,000 modified with alpha-olefin oxides having about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms exhibit increased thickening efficiency in aqueous systems. About 1 to about 20 percent by weight based upon the weight of the polyether is required, the proportion of alpha-olefin oxide modifier varying inversely with the molecular weight of the polyether. Modified polyethers, processes for the preparation of thickened aqueous systems, and thickened aqueous compositions are disclosed. The modified polyether thickening agents of the invention are particularly useful for thickening water or water-glycol mixtures which are useful as hydraulic fluids.

Abstract: Novel ethylene oxide adducts are provided. They have properties suited for their use as base components of cosmetics and ointments. Thus, cosmetics and ointments containing those ethylene oxide adducts are also provided. There is further provided a method of producing such ethylene oxide adducts in high yields.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of low molecular weight polyalcohols by the catalytic hydrogenation of a mixture of different low molecular weight hydroxy aldehydes, hydroxy ketones and optionally also polyhydric alcohols such as is formed from the autocondensation of formaldehyde (such a mixture will hereinafter be referred to as "formose"). The invention also relates to the use of these polyalcohols for the production of polyurethane resins.

Abstract: The present invention describes the production of high molecular weight polyhydric alcohols and their derivatives. In particular the urethane reaction products of polyisocyanates and polyhydric alcohols are described.

Abstract: A method for promoting the activity and/or extending the life of a cation-exchangeable layered clay catalyst in reactions susceptible to catalysis by protons which method comprises the addition to the catalyst of water as the sole additive. The quantity of water employed is suitably up to 40%, preferably up to 10% based on weight of reactants. The layered clay catalyst can be for example montmorillonite, bentonite or vermiculite. Suitable proton catalyzed reactions include formation of esters, (e.g. by reaction of olefin and carboxylic acid), ethers, aldehydes, thioethers and alkylation and cracking reactions.

Abstract: Catalysts producing a sharply peaked alkoxylation distribution during the alkoxylation of organic materials comprise mixtures of BF.sub.3 and metal alkyls or metal alkoxides, SiF.sub.4 and metal alkyls or metal alkoxides, or mixtures of these catalysts.

Abstract: Catalysts and a method of using said catalysts for the alkoxylation of a variety of materials is disclosed. Catalysts so described produce alkoxylates having a very sharp alkoxylate distribution. The catalysts are supported and unsupported dialkoxy and dialkyl metal fluorides and halides and alkyl metal difluorides and dihalides.

Abstract: The filter cake formed by the filtering of a alkylene oxide polymer during the refining of the same contains a minor amount of alkylene oxide polymer which can be recovered therefrom by treating the filter cake with a lower aliphatic alcohol or an aqueous solution of lower aliphatic alcohol. Methanol is the preferred lower aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: This invention is a method of removing alkaline catalysts from polyether polyols and polyalkylene carbonate polyols which comprises(a) dissolving a polyether polyol or a polyalkylene carbonate polyol in a polar aprotic solvent;(b) contacting the polyether polyol or polyalkylene carbonate polyol solution with a sufficient amount of an adsorbent which adsorbs alkaline catalysts to adsorb the alkaline catalysts, at a temperature of between about -30.degree. C. and 110.degree. C. under conditions such that the adsorbent adsorbs the alkaline catalysts; and(c) physically separating the adsorbent from the polyol solution.

Abstract: Novel polyether polyols made by alkoxylating a mixture of initiators are described. The initiator mixture is made up of about 60 to 90 wt. % of a partially alkoxylated trifunctional initiator and 10 to 40 wt. % of a secondary partially alkoxylated initiator having an active hydrogen functionality of from 4 to 8. Preferably, the alkylene oxide component to be reacted with the initiator mixture is a blend of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Flexible polyurethane foams made from these polyether polyols have improved load bearing properties as compared with those made from prior art polyols.

Abstract: Novel modified polyether polyols made by first optionally alkoxylating, subsequent reaction with epoxy resins and final alkoxylation of mixtures of initiators is described. The initiator mixture is made up of about 60 to 90 wt. % of a partially alkoxylated trifunctional initiator and 10 to 40 wt. % of a secondary partially alkoxylated initiator having an active hydrogen functionality of from 4 to 8. Preferably, the alkylene oxide component is a blend of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and the resulting modified polyol molecules have 0.25 to 2.5 wt. % internally located epoxy resin. Flexible polyurethane foams made from these polyether polyols have improved load bearing properties as compared with those made from prior art polyols.

Abstract: A process for purifying crude polyether polyols which are prepared by anionic polymerization of alkylene oxides in the presence of basic catalysts. The polyols are mixed with water and ortho-phosphoric acid in certain quantity ratios, an adsorption agent is incorporated in the reaction mixture, the mixture is filtered and the water is removed from the polyether polyol by distillation.

Abstract: Hydroxyl compounds are oxyalkylated by contacting them with an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, in the presence of a perfluorocarbon polymer containing pendant sulfonic acid groups.

Abstract: Adducts, improved polymer-polyols and improved polyurethane foams are provided. The adducts are produced by reacting suitable polyol and epoxy co-reactant to essentially eliminate all epoxy groups. The polymer-polyol is produced by polymerizing suitable ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the adduct or in the adduct forming mixture; in the later case the adduct forming reaction and the polymerization reaction occur simultaneously to produce the polymer-polyol. Polyurethane foams are produced by the usual method but employing the novel adduct or polymer-polyol of the present invention.

Abstract: A process for removing alkali material from a polyether polyol. From 1-20 wt. % water and 0-30 wt. % inert organic solvent are added to an alkaline polyether polyol. The resultant emulsion is maintained at a temperature of at least 70.degree. C. for a period of at least 30 minutes with little or no stirring to effect separation of the emulsion into an organic and an aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is then separated from the organic phase and the organic phase is treated by known methods to remove residual alkali material.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of epoxides using as catalyst a double metal cyanide-type compound is described wherein said process is carried out in the presence of at least(a) one or more salts composed of at least bivalent metal ions and metal-free anions, having a solubility in water of at least 1 g/100 ml at 25.degree. C., and/or(b) one or more non-metal containing acids of which a 0.1 N solution in water at 25.degree. C. has a pH not exceeding 3.

Abstract: The process for preparing nonionic surfactants wherein a narrower molecular weight distribution is obtained by the use of a calcium and/or strontium catalyst which comprises reacting a reactive hydrogen compound selected from the group consisting of monohydric alcohols having from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms and a difunctional polypropylene oxide polymer having an average molecular weight in the range of 1000 to 5000 with an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms at a temperature at which the reaction proceeds in the presence of at least a catalytic amount of a basic salt of calcium and/or strontium selected from the group consisting of hydroxide, alkoxide and phenoxides and a catalytic amount of an oxyalkylation catalyst promoter.

Abstract: The process for preparing nonionic surfactants wherein a narrower molecular weight distribution is obtained by the use of a barium catalyst which comprises reacting a reactive hydrogen compound selected from the group consisting of monohydric alcohols having from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms and a difunctional polypropylene oxide polymer having an average molecular weight in the range of 1000 to 5000 with an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms at a temperature at which the reaction proceeds in the presence of at least a catalytic amount of a barium salt selected from the group consisting of barium hydroxide, barium alkoxides, barium phenoxides, hydrates thereof or mixtures thereof and a catalytic amount of an oxyalkylation catalyst promoter.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a polyether polyol by reaction between an organic compound containing 2 or more active hydrogen atoms in the molecule and an alkylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst comprising a tertiary amine NRR'.sub.2, in which R is a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group and each R' may be an alkyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group.

Abstract: This invention relates to liquefied normally solid forms of polyoxyalkylene block copolymers particularly suitable for use in pesticide concentrates comprising a normally solid polyoxyalkylene block copolymer nonionic surface-active agent and an alkylene glycol having 3 to 5 carbon atoms with or without water.

Abstract: This invention relates to liquefied normally solid forms of polyoxyalkylene copolymers particularly suitable for use in pesticide concentrates prepared by dissolving a normally solid polyoxyalkylene copolymer nonionic surface active agent and an alkylene glycol having 2 or 3 to 5 carbon atoms with or without water at a temperature of at least 70.degree. C.