Abstract: A method for preparing C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 olefins and vinylaromatic compounds, viz. styrene, vinyltoluenes or vinylxylenes which comprises alkylation of toluene or methyl derivatives thereof with a C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 olefin into the methyl group. The resulting alkylaromatic compounds are subjected to conversion to the desired products in the presence of ethylene on a catalyst consisting of chromium oxide, tungsten oxide and an oxide of an alkali or alkali-earth metal supported by a carrier.The method according to the present invention makes it possible to increase the yield of vinylaromatic compounds, obtain individual isomers of vinyltoluene or vinylxylene and efficiently utilize the part of the alkyl radical of the alkylaromatic compound lost in the prior art method.

Abstract: An improved process for production of phenylalkylsulfonate compounds whereby the proportion of the 2-alkylphenylsulfonate isomer is reduced relative to the higher numbered isomers thereof (3-alkyl; 4-alkyl; etc.). After alkylation of aromatic compounds to produce a mixture of alkylbenzenes, the 2-alkylbenzene isomer is selectively cracked to lower boiling products, leaving the higher numbered isomers substantially unreacted. Subsequent sulfonation results in alkylphenylsulfonate derivatives having improved detergency properties.

Abstract: 1,1,3,4,4,6-Hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (HMT), which is an intermediate for the production of acetyl HMT valuable in the art of perfumery because of its musk-like odor properties, is produced with industrial advantages by reacting p-cymene with 2,3-dimethylbutene using a catalytic amount of an anhydrous aluminum halide in the presence of at least one member selected from secondary alkyl halides, tertiary alkyl halides, propargyl halides and allyl halides; and 7-acetyl HMT is obtained by acetylation of the above-obtained HMT.

Abstract: In producing synthetic hydrocarbon oils by polymerization of olefins using aluminum halide as the catalyst, organic halides are produced. These are corrosive to metal equipment and are poisonous to certain hydrogenation catalysts. This invention is concerned with reacting such organic halides with an aromatic hydrocarbon in a system also containing the polyolefins thus forming an alkylation product with both reactants prior to removal of the aluminum chloride catalyst.

Abstract: A synthetic oil useful as an insulating fluid in electrical apparatus is prepared by reacting an aromatic compound with the oligomers of four to 12 carbon alpha-olefins containing predominantly at least about 30 carbon atoms up to about 60 carbon atoms. A synthetic insulating oil for electrical power transformers is prepared by reacting benzene in a 1:1 molar ratio with a tetramerpentamer mixture obtained by the oligomerization of 1-decene.

Abstract: Mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. benzene and analogs, are converted by hydroalkylation to the corresponding cycloalkyl aromatics by contacting the mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen with a catalyst comprising a rare earth-exchanged Y-type zeolite support carrying a promoter comprising at least one of ruthenium, iridium, rhodium and palladium, the catalyst being calcined in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a temperature of 250.degree. to 600.degree. C. prior to the hydroalkylation reaction.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of alkylbenzenes by partial chlorination of linear C.sub.9 -C.sub.15 paraffins, catalytic alkylation of benzene with the resulting mixture and fractionation by distillation of the alkylation products.At least a part of the unreacted paraffins recovered by fractionation and to be recycled to the chlorination stage is submitted, continuously or intermittently, to a purification treatment with molecular sieves.The content in undesired by-products of the alkylbenzenes can thus be maintained at negligibly low values.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus containing a novel synthetic oil as an insulating fluid which is prepared by reacting an aromatic compound with the oligomers of four to 12 carbon alpha-olefins containing predominantly at least about 30 carbon atoms up to about 60 carbon atoms. For example, an electrical power transformer is provided containing a synthetic insulating oil prepared by reacting benzene in a 1:1 molar ratio with a tetramer-pentamer mixture obtained by the oligomerization of 1-decene.

Abstract: Alkylation of an aromatic is provided in a reactor having a central alkylation zone, and a surrounding transalkylation zone. The reaction mixture flows cocurrently through the alkylation zone and then into the surrounding transalkylation zone, with the mixture flowing in approximate plug flow through the transalkylation zone to the outlet thereof. Polyalkyl aromatics recovered from the effluent are recycled to the inlet end of the transalkylation zone.

Abstract: Benzene is alkylated with ethylene in the presence of a crystalline zeolite catalyst to produce ethylbenzene and polyethylbenzenes. At least a portion of the diethylbenzene fraction is recycled to the alkylation zone while the remainder thereof plus the higher polyethylbenzenes are subjected to transalkylation with benzene in a separate transalkylation zone to produce additional ethylbenzene.