Abstract: There is described a process for purifying ethylene glycol recovered from scrap polyester by contacting the recovered ethylene glycol with, in either order, a first adsorbent that has a high affinity for polar contaminants and a second adsorbent that has a high affinity for non-polar contaminants.

Abstract: 1,3-propanediol is prepared in a process in which ethylene oxide is reacted with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an essentially non-water-miscible solvent in the presence of an effective amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt catalyst and an effective amount of a catalyst promoter under reaction conditions effective to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than about 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal. The 3-hydroxypropanal is extracted in water from the product mixture in more concentrated form, with the majority of the cobalt catalyst remaining in the solvent phase for recycle to the hydroformylation reaction. At least a portion of any residual catalyst in the water phase following extraction is removed by re-extraction with non-water-miscible solvent and recycled to hydroformylation. The 3-hydroxypropanal is then hydrogenated in aqueous solution to the desired 1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: Impurities are separated from aqueous solutions of 1,6-hexanediol or 1,6-hexanediol precursors, such as adipic and 6-hydroxycaproic acid, by a process which comprises adding at least one carboxylic acid to a solution (a) of 1,6-hexanediol and subjecting this solution (a) or a solution (b) containing carboxylic acid(s) as precursor(s) of 1,6-hexanediol to a heat treatment at temperatures above room temperature in the absence of hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for preparing a recyclate polyol obtained from glycolysis of polyurethanes and/or polyurea-polyurethanes comprises reacting scrap polyurethane and/or polyurea-polyurethane with a short-chain compound containing at least 2 OH groups in the presence of a catalyst and admixing a cyclic carbonate. The process results in a recyclate polyol having a low primary aromatic amine content which may be used to produce cellular or non-cellular polyurethanes, polyurea-polyurethanes, or polyisocyanurates.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a chemical method for producing meso-erythritol. The method comprises catalytic hydrogenation of tartaric acid. The tetritol mixture resulting from the hydrogenation can be separated into its components. Alternatively selected components can be isomerized prior to such a separation.

Abstract: This invention concerns processes for the reductive hydrolysis of nitriles to alcohols utilizing as a catalyst a transition metal complex of the formula MHZ(CO)L.sub.n (PR.sub.3).sub.2 wherein: M is a transition metal selected from the group consisting of: Fe, Ru and Os; Z is an anionic ligand; L is a neutral ligand; n is 0 or 1; and PR.sub.3 is a phosphine ligand.

Abstract: Process for carrying out gas/liquid reactions at from (-50.degree.) to 300.degree. C. and from 0.1 to 100 bar by carrying out the reaction in the absence of a continuous gas phase, and, as a special case, a process for the batchwise reaction of acetylene in the liquid phase at from 0.degree. to 300.degree. C. and from 2 to 30 bar, in which acetylene is introduced a) in the absence of a continuous gas phase and b) under isobaric conditions to a degree of saturation of from 5 to 100%.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of producing a pentitol from a hexaldonic acid. The hexaldonic acid is decarboxylated for example in the presence of sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide. After hydrogenation and optionally isomerisation the desired pentitol, which is obtained in high yield, can be purified. The present invention starts from gluconic acid in free or salt form or as a lactone, xylitol is the final product.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-diols of 4 to 12 carbon atoms from aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dicarboxylic acids of 4 to 12 carbon atoms, an oligo ester is first of all formed from diol and dicarboxylic acid and is subsequently subjected to catalytic hydrogenation in the liquid phase. The hydrogenation is carried out continuously at from 180.degree. to 250.degree. C. and at an H.sub.2 pressure of from 100 to 400 bar over a catalyst in piece form comprising compressed powders of Cu, Zn and Al oxides which do or do not contain at least one oxide of metals of the iron group of the Periodic Table of the Elements (Mendeleev) or of manganese. The quantity of H.sub.2 is from 20 to 100 times the stoichiometrically required quantity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new, technically simple but efficient process, with a good yield, for the preparation of 2-ethyl-1,3-hexane diol from n-butyraldehyde by aldol condensation in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide or alkali earth metal hydroxide catalyst. To promote the reaction and to improve its controllability, a neutral phase-transfer catalyst is additionally used in the process according to the invention. 2-Ethyl-1,3-hexane diol is used in insecticides and, for example, in the preparation of polyesters.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a substantially homogeneous lipid chemoattractant released from stressed mammalian tissue which is a neutral lipid which is acid labile and stable to base and is stable in boiling water. This lipid recruits macrophages but not neutrophils to stressed tissue. The invention also encompasses a method for detecting injured tissue by detecting the presence of the above described lipid chemoattractant in body fluids such as urine, serum and saliva. The invention also includes a method for reducing recruitment of macrophages to injured tissue by reducing the amount of the above lipid chemoattractant or by blocking the interaction of this lipid chemoattractant with its macrophage binding site. The addition of this lipid chemoattractant to injured skin tissue promotes healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of hydroxyl-group-containing compounds suitable for the polyisocyanate polyaddition process from polyurea and/or polyurethane polyurea wastes by treating polyurea and/or polyurethane polyurea wastes with diols and/or polyols at temperatures from 160.degree. to 260.degree. C., the water present in the reaction vessel preferably being removed by distillation during the heating-up phase, characterized in that 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds are added to the reaction mixture before or during the reaction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a polyhydric alcohol which comprises reacting an aliphatic aldehyde with formaldehyde in the presence of a base compound consisting essentially of a hydrogencarbonate and a carbonate which have been formed by the oxidation or hydrolysis of a formic acid salt, in particular, the process according to the above process wherein a formic acid salt which has been by-produced by the reaction of an aliphatic aldehyde with formaldehyde is oxidized or hydrolyzed in the presence of a noble metal catalyst or a nickel catalyst in a reductive state to form a base compound consisting essentially of a hydrogencarbonate and a carbonate and this base compound is circulated through the reaction of the aldehyde and formaldehyde and is reused as the base compound. The above process enables easy and highly efficient production of high quality polyhydric alcohols substantially without by-producing a formic acid salt with a low value-added.

Abstract: New flexible polyurethane foams are described, suitable for use in the interior linings of cars, with a reduced fogging effect, whose content by weight of the cyclic adipate of diethylene glycol, 8,13-dioxo-1,4,7-trioxacyclotridecane, is less than 0.25% and preferably less than 0.17%. Also described are polyester polyols, suitable for preparing these polyurethane foams, whose content by weight of the cyclic adipate of diethylene glycol, 8,13-dioxo-1,4,7-trioxacyclotridecane, is less than 0.4% and preferably less than 0.25%.

Abstract: 1,3-propanediol is prepared in a process comprising the steps of:contacting ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an essentially non-water-miscible solvent in the presence of an effective amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt catalyst and an effective amount of a lipophilic phenol at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure within the range of about 500 to about 5000 psig, under reaction conditions effective to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than about 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of mannitol in which:in a first step, a fructose syrup containing less than 15% glucose is subjected to an enzymatic isomerization using at least one enzyme capable of interconverting fructose and mannose, the enzymatic isomerization resulting in the production of a mixture of fructose and mannose containing at least 15% mannose,in a second step, the mixture of fructose and mannose is subjected to a chromatographic separation treatment so as to obtain at least two fractions one of which (fraction X1) is highly enriched with mannose and the other of which (fraction X2) is highly enriched with fructose,in a third step, fraction X2 is at least partially recycled to the top of the enzymatic isomerization step,in a fourth step, fraction X1, highly enriched with mannose, is hydrogenated so as to obtain a mannitol-rich syrup.

Abstract: 1,3-propanediol is prepared in a process comprising the steps of:(a) contacting ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an essentially non-water-miscible solvent in the presence of an effective amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt catalyst and an effective amount of a lipophilic arsine at a temperature within the range of about 50 to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure within the range of about 500 to about 5000 psig, under reaction conditions effective to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than about 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;(b) adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: 1,3-Propanediol is prepared in a process comprising the steps of:contacting, in an essentially non-water-miscible organic solvent, ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalytic amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt compound and an effective amount of a lipophilic quaternary phosphonium salt promoter at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure within the range of about 500 to about 5000 psig, to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid a major portion of the 3-hydroxypropanal at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: 1,3-propanediol is prepared in a process comprising the steps of:contacting ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an essentially non-water-miscible solvent in the presence of an effective amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt catalyst and an effective amount of a lipophilic quaternary ammonium salt at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and a, pressure within the range of about 500 to about 5000 psig, under reaction conditions effective to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide novel solid state displacement elements that have an extent of displacement. The solid state displacement element has an intercalation compound in which a polar compound (B) is mixed with an inorganic layered compound (A), and produces a strain when a voltage is applied.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of cyclohexanedimethanol by hydrogenation of a dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate which comprises the steps of:(a) providing a hydrogenation zone containing a charge of a granular reduced manganese promoted copper catalyst;(b) forming a vaporous feed stream of a hydrogenatable material comprising a dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate and from about 0.1 wt % up to about 15 wt % of an acidic material at a feed temperature which is in the range of from about 150.degree. C. to about 350.degree. C. and which is above the dew point of the feed stream and at a feed pressure which is in the range of from about 150 psia (about 10.34 bar) up to about 2000 psia (about 137.

Abstract: It has surprisingly now been discovered that alkoxy-magnesium halides of the general formula ROMgX wherein R is an alkyl having from about 1 to 18 carbon atoms and X is a halide can be synthesized in an inert hydrocarbon in just one step process by reacting magnesium which has been preliminarily activated with small quantities (approximately 5 mol %) of magnesium alkyl with a substantially equimolar mixture of an alkyl halide and an alkanol. That is, the present invention provides a one step reaction process for preparing alkoxy-magnesium halides. This one step reaction process involves reacting magnesium metal which has been previously activated with a magnesium-alkyl compound, with an equimolar mixture of an alkyl halide and an alkanol. Yields in excess of 90% can be obtained by employing the inventive one step reaction process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel polyol obtained by using a specified polyhydric alcohol, polyoxyalkylene polyol, aliphatic amine and/or alkamlamine as a raw material and adding an organic polycarboxylic acid or its anhydride and an alkylene oxide; a polyurethane resin prepared from said novel polyol and an organic polyisocyanate; a rigid polyurethane foam prepared by using a hydrochlorofluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon foaming agent which has very low public hazards; and a composite utilizing thereof.The production of rigid polyurethane foam by using the polyol of the invention can be carried out in good operation efficiency and low public hazards. Additionally, properties of the foam thus obtained is equivalent to those of rigid polyurethane foams obtained by using conventional chlorofluorocarbons. Consequently, the rigid polyurethane foam of the invention is very useful for insulation materials and structural insulation materials.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure: Products of the reduction of 4-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives of the formula IIa ##STR1## where one of A and B is methylene and the other is cyclopropylidene, or of C.sub.1 --C.sub.4 --alkyl esters (IIb) or lactones (IIc) of these acids IIa, are prepared by hydrogenating the compounds IIa or IIb or IIc catalytically using hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, giving novel compounds which can be used to prepare polymers.

Abstract: Free-flowing formations of spherules of loose knit microcrystals of the polymorphs of sorbitol and mannitol are useful in fast-frozen food products as cryoprotectants due to their improved rate of solubility and dispersion. The free-flowing formations are also helpful in formulating confectionary and pharmaceutical products by improving processing efficiencies and texture and are useful in selected industrial applications as a result of their improved rate of solution and free-flowing characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making 3-hydroxypropanal by intimately contacting(a) ethylene oxide,(b) ditertiary phosphine-modified cobalt carbonyl catalyst, said phosphine being a hydrocarbylene-bis(monophosphabicyclononane) in which each phosphorus atom is joined to hydrocarbylene and is a member of a bridge linkage without being a bridgehead atom and which hydrocarbylene-bis(monophosphabicyclononane) has 18 to 50 carbon atoms, 8 carbon atoms thereof together with a phosphorus atom being members of each of the two bicyclic skeletal structures,(c) a catalyst promoter comprising an acid and a metal salt promoter selected from a salt of a metal of Group IIA, Group IIB, Group IIIB and the Rare Earth Series of the Periodic Table of the Elements (CAS version),(d) carbon monoxide, and(e) hydrogen, the molar ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen being from about 4:1 to about 1:6,in liquid-phase solution in an inert reaction solvent, at a temperature of from about 30.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropanal by intimately contacting(a) ethylene oxide,(b) tertiary phosphine-complexed cobalt carbonyl catalyst(c) ruthenium catalyst,(c) carbon monoxide, and(d) hydrogen, the molar ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen being from about 4:1 to about 1:6,in liquid-phase solution in an inert reaction solvent, at a temperature of from about 30.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. and a pressure of from about 50 psi to about 10,000 psi.

Abstract: A process for preparing 3-(hydroxyphenyl)propionaldehydes of the formula I ##STR1## and, where appropriate, for preparing 3-(hydroxyphenyl)propanols of the formula II ##STR2## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 -alkylcycloalkyl, C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 -cycloalkylalkyl or C.sub.5 -C.sub.20 -alkylcycloalkylalkyl,R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each aryl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 -aralkyl, heterocycloalkyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 -heterocycloalkylalkyl, entailsa) reacting phenols of the formula III ##STR3## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the abovementioned meanings, with 3-hydroxypropionaldehydes of the formula IV ##STR4## where R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 have the abovementioned meanings, in the presence of a basic catalyst at from 90.degree. to 230.degree. C. and under from 0.01 to 50 bar and, where appropriate,b) treating the resulting 3-(hydroxyphenyl)propionaldehydes of the formula I ##STR5## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of 6-trans-leukotriene B.sub.4 (LTB.sub.4) of formula ##STR1## in which a butadienediol is prepared; the hydroxyl groups are esterified to produce a diester and this diester is subjected to a stereospecific reductive elimination using low valency titanium [Ti(0)] to produce a 6-trans triether of formula: ##STR2## the groups --OA in positions 5 and 12 of which are then converted to --OH groups and the group --CH.sub.2 OA in position of which is then converted to a --COOH group, to produce 6-trans-LTB.sub.4.The invention also relates to intermediates obtained in the said manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the extraction and purification of the diterpene alcohol Plaunotol from the leaves of the medicinal plant, Croton sublyratus Kurz. The process involves extracting firstly with a lower aliphatic alcohol followed by extracting from the alcohol solution with a chlorinated hydrocarbon. Then impurities are hydrolysed and the required Plaunotol separated by extraction with a hydrocarbon. This process is simple and gave much better yields than prior processes.

Abstract: A substantially pure, chemically distinct halomagnesium alkoxide compound is formed by reaction of a dihydrocarbylmagnesium compound with a compound which will replace an hydrocarbyl functionality thereon with an hydrocarbyloxy functionality and thereafter reacting the resulting product with a compound which replaces the other hydrocarbyl functionality with a halogen functionality, such as chlorine. The .sup.13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of the product exhibits no more than one strong, narrow absorption peak for each chemically inequivalent carbon atom in the hydrocarbyloxy ligand of the compound.

Abstract: Osmium-catalyzed methods of addition to an olefin are discussed. In the method of asymmetric dihydroxylation of the present invention, an olefin, a chiral ligand, an organic solvent, an aqueous solution, a base, a ferricyanide salt and an osmium-containing compound are combined. The chiral ligand is an alkaloid or alkaloid derivative linked to an organic substituent of at least 300 daltons molecular weight through a planar aromatic spacer group. The organic substituent can be another alkaloid or alkaloid derivative. With the described chiral ligands, asymmetric dihydroxylation of olefins with high yields and enantiomeric excesses are achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making 3-hydroxypropanal and 1,3-propanediol which by intimately contacting(a) ethylene oxide,(b) tertiary phosphine-complexed cobalt carbonyl catalyst, wherein said phosphine, prior to being complexed with said cobalt carbonyl catalyst, is partially oxidized to provide an oxygen to phosphorus ratio no greater than about 0.5,(c) carbon monoxide, and(d) hydrogen, the molar ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen being from about 4:1 to about 1:6,in liquid-phase solution in an inert reaction solvent, at a temperature of from about 30.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. and a pressure of from about 50 psi to about 10,000 psi. The use of the partially oxidized tertiary phosphine ligand enhances the activity of the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,2-bis-hydroxymethyl-butanediol-(1,4) of formula I ##STR1## wherein 4-hydroxybutyraldehyde of formula II ##STR2## and/or 2-hydroxytetrahydrofuran of formula III ##STR3## is/are condensed with formaldehyde in the presence of a basic catalyst and the resulting reaction mixture is then catalytically hydrogenated, and 2,2-bis-hydroxymethyl-butanediol-(1,4) is isolated from the hydrogenation product.

Abstract: Process for the production of 2-aryl-1,3-propanediols and novel intermediate compounds produced thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the manufacture of 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal wherein 2-ethylhexanal, formaldehyde and a tertiary amine are continuously fed to a reaction zone and crude product comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase containing 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal and 2-ethylhexanal is continuously removed from the reaction zone Also disclosed are processes for (1) the azeotropic distillation of the organic phase of the crude product whereby unreacted 2-ethylhexanal is recovered and (2) the catalytic hydrogenation of the refined, organic phase of the crude product to produce 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pentanedioic acid derivatives. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and the use of such compounds and compositions as hypolipidemic drugs.

Abstract: Osmium-catalyzed methods of addition to an olefin are discussed. In the method of asymmetric dihydroxylation of the present invention, an olefin, a chiral ligand, an organic solvent, water, an oxidant, an osmium-containing compound and an organic soluble anion are combined. The presence of the organic soluble anion allows the asymmetric dihydroxylation reaction to occur rapidly and the amount of olefin that is diydroxylated is high with concomitantly less chiral ligand and osmium-containing catalyst than previously achieved.

Abstract: A process for producing a 1,3-diol, e.g., 1,3-propanediol, and/or a 3-hydroxyaldehyde, e.g., 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde, is disclosed which comprises contacting a combination of an epoxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a rhodium-containing catalyst composition effective to promote the hydroformylation of the epoxide at conditions effective to form at least one of a 1,3-diol and a 3-hydroxyaldehyde. The rhodium-containing catalyst composition comprises an anionic rhodium-containing complex. A promoter component is preferably provided to enhance at least one of the rate and selectivity of the epoxide hydroformylation reaction Rhodium-containing compositions and a processes for producing rhodium-containing compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing directly compressible granular mannitol, wherein a raw material essentially constituted of powder mannitol is subjected to an extrusion treatment inside an installation comprising a heating zone and an extrusion die, the supply flow rate of the installation with raw material as well as the parameters of the extrusion treatment, namely the temperature existing inside the heating zone, the diameter of the extrusion die and the driving speed of the raw material inside the heating zone being selected so that at the exit of the die and before the exit of the mannitol from the latter, the mannitol is partly fused.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a process for polymerizing 1,3-butadiene selectively to form relatively low molecular weight hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene oligomers in the presence of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide which comprises the use of a solvent selected from the group consisting of alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether acetates and aliphatic glycol ether carboxylates to produce butadiene oligomers having a high degree of OH functionality and suppression of formation of solid or gel-type insoluble rubber by-products.

Abstract: The invention provides cyclopentane derivatives of the general formula ##STR1## in which n represents an integer from 0 to 5, each R represents a halogen atom, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl, alkanoyl, alkythio, alkysulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl, carbamoyl, alkylamindo, cycloalkyl or phenyl group, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R.sup.3 represents an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group; and a process for their preparation. Compounds of formulae I, II and IV are useful as intermediates in the preparation of certain fungicidally active cyclopentane derivatives. Also, certain compounds of formula IV are themselves fungicidally active.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of producing solid sorbitol which hardly cakes even in long storage, in which seed crystals are dispersed in melted sorbitol at a temperature that the melted sorbitol does not solidify but the seed crystals do not melt, and cooled to about 50.degree. to 85.degree. C., kept at said temperature for a given period and then cooled again.

Abstract: A process for producing a 1,3-diol, e.g., 1,3-propanediol, or a 3-hydroxyaldehyde is disclosed which comprises contacting a combination of an epoxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the present of a rhodium-containing catalyst effective to promote the hydroformylation of the epoxide at conditions effective to form at least one of a 1,3-diol and a 3-hydroxyaldehyde, the contacting occurring in the substantial absence of a promoting amount of alkali metal ions, and at least a portion of the rhodium-containing catalyst being formed substantially without incorporation of the epoxide. A process for producing such rhodium-containing compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Mannitol having the crystalline form of gamma sorbitol is made by co-crystallizing relatively high mannitol containing sorbitol melt in a twin screw mixer. Tablets, chocolate and chewing gum made with the co-crystallized product offer improvements similar to those realized with pure crystalline components.

Abstract: Mono- and di-esters of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol and benzoic acids are useful plasticizers for vinyl chloride polymers, and other polymers, particularly for imparting improved stain resistance to plasticized compositions. Novel processes for preparing the esters are disclosed.

Abstract: (3S, 5S)-(-)-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-heptanediol expressed by the following formula: ##STR1## and (3R, 5R)-(+)-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-heptanediol expressed by the following formula: ##STR2## are disclosed, which are useful as reagents for asymmetric synthesis such as chiral auxiliary and chiral synthon.

Abstract: A liquid modified ethylenic random copolymer selected from an epoxidization product of a liquid ethylenic random copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and a hydroxylation product of a liquid ethylenic random copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms. The modified copolymer is characterized in that (i) the liquid modified ethylenic random copolymer has an ethylene component content of 10 to 85 mole % and an alpha-olefin component content of 15 to 90 mole %, (ii) in the .sup.13 C-NMR spectrum of the liquid modified ethylenic random copolymer, signals of .alpha..beta. and .beta..gamma.

Abstract: Dihydroxy and polyhydroxy compounds are obtained from polymerized fatty acids by a liquid phase reaction at a temperature at about 500.degree. F. to about 650.degree. F., pressures up to about 1000 psi in the presence of a catalytic amount of a hydrogenation catalyst, along with removal of water by-product during the reaction.

Abstract: Novel vicinal dioxyalkylene organometalates comprising a cation having a hydrocarbyl-containing substituent are disclosed. The vicinal dioxyalkylene organometalates can be reacted with water to yield alkylene glycols.