Abstract: Hydroxy-aromatic compounds of formula (I) are provided: wherein at least one of the set consisting of R1, R3, and R5 is a group of formula (II); any remaining one or two of the set consisting of R1, R3, and R5 being H, OH, a C1-C12 alkyl group or an oligomeric or polymeric system; R2 and R4 are H, OH, a C1-C12 alkyl group or an oligomeric or polymeric system; wherein formula (II) is the following group: wherein EWG is an electron-withdrawing group.

Abstract: A mixture of water and a glycol, such as ethylene glycol, is employed as the solvent for the reaction between 1,6-dibromo-2-naphthol and an alkali metal sulfite in the preparation of 6-bromo-2-naphthol and its derivatives to effect a substantial reduction in reaction time. The glycol/water mol ratio is ordinarily in the range of 0.1-0.5/1, preferably 0.3/0.5/1.

Abstract: 4-Halo-1-naphthol is reacted with a secondary amine and formaldehyde to produce a reaction mixture containing a Mannich base which is hydrogenated to produce 2-methyl-1-naphthol. Advantageously, the procedure can be carried out in one pot.

Abstract: A process for making meta-alkylphenols by reacting ortho-halo alkylbenzenes, e.g., ortho-chloro tert-butylbenzene, with an alkali metal base, e.g., potassium tert-butoxide.

Abstract: A process for dehalogeno-dimerization reaction of an aromatic halide compound which comprises dimerizing aromatic halide compound having at least one halogen atom attached to a carbon atom in the aromatic nucleus, and optionally having a substituent other than the halogen atom, in the presence of a platinum group metal catalyst, carbon monoxide, and an alkali metal compound and/or an alkaline earth metal compound.

Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls present as contaminants in fluids such as petroleum distillates are effectively removed by reacting with sodium or potassium hydroxide in the presence of or through subsequent filtration through an adsorbent such as alumina and/or diatomaceous earth. A mixture of diatomaceous earth, calcium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide in the ratio of 10/1/1 is exposed to the fluid to be decontaminated by stirring a quantity of the mixture in a quantity of the fluid or by passing the fluid through a column packed with the mixture. Alternatively, the contaminated fluid is mixed with the alkali metal hydroxide and then passed through a column of adsorbent such as activated basic alumina. The fluid may be pretreated by storing in a tank over a bed of potassium hydroxide flakes. Ferric oxide may be added to the reaction mixture to enhance the retention of the octachlorodihydroxybiphenyl on the adsorbent material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing phenates substituted by halogen groups of the corresponding phenols which comprises reacting a halo-substituted benzene with a powdered base having a particle size of less than 4 mm in the presence of an aprotic polar solvent.

Abstract: Secondary and tertiary alkyl halides, benzyl halides, and activated phenyl halides may be hydrolyzed in a 2-step procedure in good yield and under relatively mild conditions. The halide first is heated with dimethyl sulfoxide so as to form an intermediate or complex which is subsequently hydrolyzed with great facility upon contact with water, even at room temperature. The process is particularly applicable to water-insoluble organic halides.

Abstract: A reagent comprising the product of the reaction of an alkali metal hydroxide with a polyglycol or a polyglycol monoalkyl ether and oxygen, effects complete decomposition of halogenated organic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), when mixed therewith in the presence of oxygen.

Abstract: A reagent comprising the product of the reaction of an alkali metal hydroxide with a polyglycol or a polyglycol monoalkyl ether and oxygen, effects complete decomposition of halogenated organic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), when mixed therewith in the presence of oxygen.