Abstract: A process for purifying at least one product from coal tar is described. The process involves separating a coal tar fraction having a boiling point in the range of about 180° C. to about 230° C. into an acidic portion and a non-acidic portion by contacting the fraction with a caustic compound. The acidic portion is separated into a cresol portion and a xylenol portion, and the non-acidic portion is separated into a naphthalene portion and a naphthalene co-boiler portion. The acidic portion and the non-acidic portions are separated by contacting with an adsorbent comprising small, discrete crystallites, the adsorbent having less than 10 wt % amorphous binder component. The various portions can be separated in a similar manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy process for purifying phenol by separating carbonyl compounds through selective hydrogenation of the compounds to the corresponding alcohols then distillation. The phenol purification process of the present invention comprises bringing phenol into contact with a copper-based catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to convert carbonyl compounds contained in the phenol to the corresponding alcohol compounds, and separating the alcohol compounds and phenol by distillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering a water-soluble complex mixture of organic compounds from an aqueous stream through extraction and/or through contact of the aqueous stream with a sorbent or sorbents selected from the group consisting of polymeric microreticular sorbent resins, zeolite-based adsorbents, clay-based adsorbents, activated carbon-based sorbents, and mixtures thereof; and including methods to recover the removed organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a tris-hydroxyaryl compound having a metal ion impurity content of less than 10 ppm and to a process for the purification of tris-hydroxyaryl compound having a metal ion impurity, comprising at least the following steps: a) conditioning a sulphonic acid group-containing active ion exchanger with a solvent which is suitable for the handling of the tris-hydroxyaryl compounds, b) producing a solution of the tris-hydroxyaryl compounds to be purified in a solvent which is suitable for the handling of the tris-hydroxyaryl compounds, c) contacting the tris-hydroxyaryl compound-containing solution from b) with the conditioned ion exchanger from a), d) separating the tris-hydroxyaryl compound-containing solution from c) from the conditioned ion exchanger, e) removing at least part of the solvent from the solution of the tris-hydroxyaryl compound separated in d) under low temperature stress.

Abstract: A process for the removal of by-products from a phenolic mixture, which process may include the following steps: subjecting a phenolic mixture to extractive distillation to produce an initial phenolic mixture, contacting the initial phenolic mixture containing phenol and one or more by products with a catalyst to produce a first purified phenol product mixture, and distilling the first purified phenol product mixture to produce a second purified phenol product mixture; wherein the extractive distillation is carried out in two columns, a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column.

Abstract: The present disclosure enables phenol recovery, purification and recycle in a simple, economic manner from waste streams from, for example, a phenol/acetone production process, e.g., a phenol/acetone plant or an upstream cumene hydroperoxide cleavage process step, and BPA production step, for use in the reaction with acetone to produce BPA. The disclosure therefore reduces the overall consumption of phenol in the production of BPA.

Abstract: The invention relates to aggregate zeolitic adsorbents based on faujasite X type zeolite powder having a low silica content and small crystals, exchanged with barium or based on faujasite X type zeolite having a low silica content and small crystals, exchanged with barium and potassium. The invention also relates to the method for preparing said aggregate zeolitic adsorbents, and also their uses for separating sugars, polyhydric alcohols, isomers of substituted toluene, cresols, or for recovering very high purity paraxylene.

Abstract: The present disclosure enables phenol recovery, purification and recycle in a simple, economic manner from waste streams from, for example, a phenol/acetone production process, e.g., a phenol/acetone plant or an upstream cumene hydroperoxide cleavage process step, and BPA production step, for use in the reaction with acetone to produce BPA. The disclosure therefore reduces the overall consumption of phenol in the production of BPA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method for treating a crude phenol stream comprising methylbenzofuran and hydroxyacetone by passing the crude phenol stream through at least two reactors connected in series the reactors containing an acidic ion exchange resin, whereby the temperature in successive reactors decreases in flow direction of the phenol stream so that the temperature in the first reactor in flow direction of the phenol stream is between 100° C. and 200° C. and the temperature in the last reactor in flow direction of the phenol stream is between 50° C. and 90° C. without a thermal separation step between any of two successive reactors and to the use of this method in a process for making phenol.

Abstract: A method of purifying a phenol stream that contains a concentration of a contaminating compound is provided. The phenol stream is treated or purified by contacting the stream, under suitable process conditions, with a treatment catalyst that has a low silica content but comprises alumina and a Group VIA metal.

Abstract: A method and installation for separating and purifying a crude mixture containing hydroquinone, resorcinol and possibly tars and/or catechol, comprising the following steps: —a possible distillation stage (I) in order to obtain a catechol head, —the foot (I) or crude mixture undergoes distillation (II) in order to obtain a fraction that is rich in resorcinol, —the foot of (II) undergoes distillation (III) in order to obtain a fraction that is rich in hydroquinone, whereupon said rich fractions are refined (IV or V). Preferably, one or several stages in which tar is removed (I,I?) precede stage (I) or (II).

Abstract: A method is provided herein for the extraction of phenol from a waste water stream. The method is used in conjunction with a process for producing acetone and phenol from cumene. The method for extracting phenol from waste water includes contacting in a countercurrent mode a phenol-containing waste water stream with a hydrocarbon stream derived from a bottoms stream from the acetone finishing column to produce a dephenolated waste water stream and a phenol-containing hydrocarbon stream. The phenol-containing hydrocarbon stream is preferably washed with an aqueous caustic solution to provide a hydrocarbon stream, which is then conveyed to the alpha-methylstyrene recovery system. Preferably the hydrocarbon stream derived from the bottoms stream of the acetone finishing column is water washed prior to contacting the phenol-containing waste water stream.

Abstract: A process for converting carbonyl-type impurities contained in a phenolic solvent to high-boiling derivatives is provided by contacting the phenolic solvent with a hydrotalcite-type material (HTM). The phenol can be separated from the high-boiling derivatives using conventional separation techniques, such as distillation, so the invention also provides a process for separating carbonyl-type impurities, such as hydroxyacetone (HA), from a phenolic solvent. The process can be applied in the conventional industrial process for converting cumene to phenol to remove carbonyl-type impurities from the phenol product. A process and a facility for producing purified phenol by converting cumene to phenol are provided. In the conversion of cumene to phenol, the phenol often contains carbonyl-type impurities. The phenol and carbonyl-type impurities are reacted in the presence of an HTM to produce phenol and high-boiling derivatives.

Abstract: A process for treating phenol with a strong acid ion exchange resin to reduce the level of methylbenzofuran is provided. The process is capable of being carried out at elevated temperatures for extended periods, such that cooling of the phenol from distillation temperatures prior to the resin treatment is not required. The process can reduce or eliminate the substantial costs associated with conventional processes that require cooling and re-heating the phenol.

Abstract: A method for removing of metal ions from cresol or from mixtures of aromatic compounds containing cresol is disclosed, wherein the water content in the cresol mixture is adjusted to at least about 0.5 per cent by weight by the addition of water and the water-and-cresol mixture is subsequently passed over an acid ion exchanger. As a result of this process a metal ion content of less than 20 ppb per metal ion is achieved.

Abstract: Purification of cumene hydroperoxide cleavage products from hydroxyacetone and carbonyl compounds is accomplished via extraction of hydroxyacetone and carbonyl compounds from cleavage products with a circulating water-salt solution in an extractor during an extraction stage and subsequent conversion of hydroxyacetone and other carbonyl compounds into deep condensation products in a HAC reactor operating as a plug-flow reactor or mixing reactor or as their combination. The conversion/condensation process is conducted in the water-salt solution by treating the hydroxyacetone and carbonyl compounds with alkaline agents. Various homogenous and/or heterogeneous alkaline catalysts may be used. Optionally multiple sequential extraction stages may be connected to the HAC reactor for improved performance.

Abstract: A process for purifying phenol, phenol-type compounds, and substituted phenol and phenol-type compounds of contamination by components more acidic than the phenol component comprising treating a phenol containing process stream by contacting the stream with an amphoteric porous inorganic oxide.

Abstract: Caustic requirements are substantially reduced in the treatment of epoxidate from olefin/ethylbenzene hydroperoxide epoxidation by treating the epoxidate products with an aqueous stream comprised of alkali metal carbonate, separating a phenol-containing 1-phenyl ethanol fraction from the treated expodiate, separating phenol from the 1-phenyl ethanol fraction by treatment with basic anion exchange resin, regenerating the resin with aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, and converting alkali metal hydroxide from the resin regeneration to alkali metal carbonate for use in the epoxidate treatment.

Abstract: Acid contaminants leached from acidic ion-exchange resins and carried in process streams with phenol are separated from the phenol by passing the process stream in contact with an anionic exchange resin, whereby the acid contaminants react with and bond to the anionic exchange resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation of a phenol from a mixture obtained by the carboxylation of the phenol and containing phenol, phenolate and the carboxylation products thereof, which process comprises separation carried out by selectively absorbing the phenol into the wall of a membrane, solubilizing the phenol in the membrane matrix, diffusing the phenol through the membrane and desorbing the phenol from the other wall.

Abstract: A substituted benzene isomer mixture containing a meta-substituted benzene or 1,3,5-substituted benzene is contacted with an adsorbent of a faujasite type zeolite containing a Ag cation and/or a Cu cation, whereby the meta-substituted benzene or 1,3,5-substituted benzene is separated and recovered as a raffinate component.

Abstract: Process for purification of technical grade pentachlorophenol by immersing the pentachlorophenol in an aqueous alkaline solution or suspension, separating an insoluble portion from the resultant mixture, dissolving the insoluble portion in an aqueous alkaline solution, treating the solution with active charcoal, removing the active charcoal, adding copper sulfate to the solution, removing the deposit which forms from the solution, and recovering pentachlorophenol from the solution. Alternatively, the steps of treatment with active charcoal and addition of copper sulfate can be reversed.

Abstract: Polyethylene glycols have been found to be selective solvents for the extraction of phenolic compounds from admixture with hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for the separation of at least one cresol isomer from a feed mixture containing the cresol and xylenol which process employs a crystalline aluminosilicate adsorbent to selectively adsorb the cresol from the feed mixture. The process employs a desorbent material to recover the cresol. The process may employ a simulated moving bed flow scheme.

Abstract: Chromatographic separation of mixtures containing low molecular weight alcohols, ethylene glycol, phenol and water are made in the liquid and gas phase using as a column packing a unique crystalline silica polymorph, synthesized hydrothermally from a reaction system containing silica, water, an alkylonium base and fluoride anions.

Abstract: A feed containing a mixture of at least two alkylphenol isomers is contacted with a zeolite adsorbent to allow an alkylphenol isomer in the mixture to be selectively adsorbed on the adsorbent, and then the adsorbent is contacted with an aliphatic ketone desorbent to desorb the adsorbed isomer.

Abstract: A method of eliminating color-causing impurities in mixtures of t-butyl alkylphenols by treatment with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)oxazolidine at 90.degree. C. and at atmospheric pressure is described. These phenols are used as peroxide inhibitors in polyoxyalkylene glycols for polyurethane foams. Discoloration of the polyol occurs if the phenol mixture is not treated with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)oxazolidine. The t-butyl alkylphenol mixture is derived from an alkylphenol made over an acid catalyst.

Abstract: An improved process is described for recovery of some of the bisphenol-A values present in the waste streams in an acid-catalyzed bisphenol-A synthesis process.

Abstract: A process for purifying 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl comprising contacting a solution of 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl alkali metal salt with activated carbon followed by removing the activated carbon from the solution and acidifying the solution with sufficient acid to convert essentially all of the 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl alkali metal salt to water insoluble 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl and 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl product containing less than 0.45 weight percent of 4-monohydroxydiphenyl impurity.

Abstract: The process comprises isolating phenol and partially formaldehyde wherein molar ratio thereof is from 1:1.4 to 1:3.5 at a pH of from 0.65 to 0.8 in the presence of a vegetable sorbent, such as saw-dust, at the boiling point. The resultant product of reaction of phenol and formaldehyde with components of the sorbent is separated from the liquid phase and used. Methanol is removed from the liquid phase, whereafter residual formaldehyde is isolated therefrom by adding a condensation component selected from phenol and urea and a vegetable sorbent. The process is conducted at 60.degree.-100.degree. C. at a pH of from 0.65 to 10. The resultant product of reaction of the phenolic component, formaldehyde and components of the sorbent is also used.The process enables the purification degree of waste liquors from toxic substances to be as high as 98-99%, and makes it possible to obtain a useful product.

Abstract: Highly effective chromatographic column packings are prepared by reacting hydroxyl groups on a silica surface with SiCl.sub.4 and then reacting the chlorosilylated surface with a polyglycol or polymeric glycol ester in a slurry reaction. Residual chlorosilane groups on the reacted surface are neutralized by reaction with methanol or other lower alkanol. The resulting modified silica has a bonded, essentially monomolecular organic surface film which provides thermal stability, uniform efficiency, and rapid analysis when the material is used as a column packing in gas-liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing phenols from dilute aqueous solutions thereof. The method consists of contacting the aqueous phenol solution with a mass of olefin polymer fibrils which absorb the phenol from the aqueous solution. Water treated by the method does not give a characteristic phenol color when tested with ferric chloride.

Abstract: An adsorbate is removed from an adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent with a near critical liquid which is a solvent for the adsorbate. The near critical liquid containing the dissolved adsorbate is then subjected to at least partial vaporization to form a vapor in which the adsorbate is substantially less soluble thereby making it possible to remove the adsorbate from the near critical liquid. The vapor is then condensed to restore it to the near critical liquid state wherein it is a solvent for the adsorbate so that it may be reused. The process is particularly suitable for adsorbent regeneration in the treating of waste-waters.

Abstract: A mixture of xylenols and cresols is contacted with a zeolite with aperture of 5.5 A or more containing at least one cations selected from lithium, potassium, cesium, rubidium, calcium, barium, strontium, cadmium, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, iron, nickel, cobalt, and ammonium to separate xylenols from cresols.

Abstract: An adsorbate is removed from an adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent with a supercritical fluid which is a solvent for the adsorbate. The supercritical fluid containing the dissolved adsorbate is then subjected to a physical treatment which renders the supercritical fluid a nonsolvent for the adsorbate and makes it possible to remove the adsorbate from the supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid is then subjected to another physical treatment to restore it to a state wherein it is a solvent for the adsorbate so that it may be reused. The process and apparatus are particularly suitable for adsorbent regeneration in the treating of waste water.