GB579179A - Esters of pentaerythritol acetals and ketols - Google Patents

Abstract

Cyclic ethers of pentaerythritol having the formula <FORM:0579179/IV/1> wherein R1 and R2 are hydrogen or alkyl groups are esterified with carboxylic acids to give the diesters. The cyclic ethers are prepared by treating pentaerythritol with an aliphatic aldehyde or ketone so that two of the hydroxy groups form an acetal or ketal linkage. Preferably, the cyclic ethers are made under the action of an acid catalyst and the ester under the action of a basic catalyst such as an alkali salt of the acid. When the acid employed contains up to 4 carbon atoms and the acetal is derived from a saturated aldehyde containing up to 5 carbon atoms or the alkyl groups of the ketal contain up to 4 carbon atoms, the product is a plasticiser for cellulose esters and ethers; the higher products such as those in which the alkyl groups of the acids and/or those of the ketal or acetal groupings contain 7 or 8 or more carbon atoms are ingredients for lubricants for cellulose acetate yarns. In examples: (1) pentaerythritol is condensed with formaldehyde in presence of sulphuric acid and the formal is esterified with acetic anhydride and sodium acetate; (3) pentaerythritol is condensed with butyraldehyde and the butyral esterified with acetic anhydride; (5) pentaerythritol is condensed with acetaldehyde and the acetal is esterified with acetic anhydride. Samples have been furnished under Sect. 2 (5) of a dibenzoyl ester of the cyclic ether and of cellulose acetate film plasticised therewith.