Abstract: A process for preparing hydroxybiphenyls. A bromobiphenyl is contacted with a base in aqueous liquid phase at a temperature less than or equal to 230.degree. C. in the presence of a copper-based catalyst. The hydroxyl ion concentration of base ranges from 0.1 to about 1.6 molar equivalents per liter. At temperatures less than 215.degree. C., a cocatalyst is preferably added.

Abstract: A 4-halomethyl-3,5-dihalo-2,6-dialkylphenol is hydrolyzed by contact with water to form a 4-hydroxy-methyl-3,5-dihalo-2,6-dialkylphenol under conditions to minimize formation of the corresponding bis-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dialkyl-2,6-dihalobenzyl) ether.

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.

Abstract: A reagent, comprising the product of the reaction of an alkali metal 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 process for the preparation of phloroglucinol is disclosed. The process comprises reacting hexachlorobenzene with sodium propylate or sodium isopropylate, in a molar ratio of from about 1:3 to about 1:20, in an aprotic solvent, at a temperature from about 50 to about 250.degree. C., to form trichlorophloroglucinol tripropylether, or trichlorophloroglucinol triisopropylether. The latter compounds are dechlorinated to form phloroglucinol tripropylether or phloroglucinol triisopropylether, with the use of metallic sodium, and subsequently hydrolyzed to form phloroglucinol.