RESEARCH molecular weight of 350CX, t h e highest 58,000, and 3 5 % of the material h a d a molecular weight betvcreen 10 and 25,000. Also, a distribution curve indicated sulfonates with* molecular weights as high as 1QQ,OQO. Although Mason and his coworker msed different tests than McCarthy's group at the University of Washington, they obtained similar distribution ourves. Since the average molecular weight o£ ligniii has been determined to b e about 1000, Mason attributes the comparatively high molecular weights of t h e lignin sulfonates to polymerization of lignin when forming lignin sulfonate. Results of viscosity, conductivity, a n d dyestuff measurements show that lignin sulfonates are flexible polyelectrolytes, according to Mason. I n aqueous solution t h e molecules a r e coiled a t sufficiently high lignin sulfonate concentration a n d in t h e presence of a suitable electrolyte. Also, indications are t h a t the lowest molecular weight fractions associate in solution, and t h e molecules of the highest molecular weight fraction are more branched than those of other sulfonate fractions. Mason says that the adhesive a n d dispersing properties of lignin sulfonates c a n probably be explained if they are considered flexible poly electrolytes. T h e adsorption of amy polymer on solid surfaces is greatly favored if the polymer is flexible because t h e number of anchorage points per molecule is increased. This is a functional property of adhesives a n d dispersants—their ability to b e adsorbed on solid surfaces.
sulfinic acids and t h e products that can be m a d e from them. Working a t the University of Maine, Irwin B. Douglass and Donald R. Poole prepared the organosulfur trichlorides by dissolving an organic disulfide or mercaptan in methylene chloride, cooling to —30° C , a n d passing an anhydrous chlorine until a white, solid organosulfur trichloride precipitated. Then, upon addition to the reaction mixture of equimolecular amounts of water, methanol, or acetic acid, warming to about —15° C , and allowing time for evolution of HC1 to cease, a clear solution resulted from which the sulfinyl chloride was fractionally distilled. With water, methanol, and acetic acid, t h e reaction proceeds: RSC1 3 + H 2 0 - » RSOC1 + 2 HC1 RSCI3 + C H 3 O H - » RSOC1 + CH 3 C1 + HC1 RSC1 3 +
CH3COOH -> RSOC1 + CH3COCI + HC1
• Yields Almost Q u a n t i t a t i v e . Until results of this work, reported at the Division of Organic Chemistry, only one lower alkanesulfinyl chloride h a d been studied. This was ethanesulfinyl chloride. Now, using methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, isopropyl-, a n d n-butylsulfur trichlorides, the corresponding sulfinyl chlorides have been prepared in excellent yield. Phenylsulfur trichloride was found by Douglass and Poole to react with water and butyl alcohol to form a product showing the expected characteristics of benzenesulfinyl chloride. In themselves, the organosulfur triNew Route to Sulftnic Acids chlorides are unstable at room temperatures and have so far been investigated Organosulfur t r i c h l o r i d e s only as a stepping stone toward other eliminate tedious steps in products. The lower alkane sulfinyl chlorides prepared from them are preparation of sulfinyl faindy yellow, fuming liquids, readily chlorides purified by distillation a t reduced pressures. They do, however, show eviA previously dence of change on standing several little known class months, say the researchers. In addiof compounds— tion to their usefulness in preparation the organosulfur of the sulfinic acids (previously comt r i c h l o r i d e s , monly prepared b y reaction of Grignard ____ ESCI3—are n o w reagents with S O s or reduction of sulcutting a path to fonyl chlorides), the sulfinyl chlorides a better understanding of t h e chemis- should also prove interesting because they contain sulfur in an intermediate try of the sulfinyl chlorides. T h e new compounds, economically oxidation state, suggesting many reacprepared from either organic disulfides tions involving disproportionation. or mercaptans, obviate the heretofore Because the n e w preparative method tedious steps involved in preparation of starts with cheap materials and is so the sulfinyl chlorides w h i c h can b e simple in t h e steps involved, says Dougreadily hydrolyzed to tfcie correspond- lass, it should m a k e t h e sulfinyl chloring snlfinie acids. Thixs t h e organo- ic JS readily available a n d should stimusulfur trichlorides offer a simple a n d late much interest in their chemical economical route to the preparation of reactions.
Low Temperature Tars
"In says K. W. Wainwright of U . S. Bureau, of Mines. This revival, he indicates, can b e traced to successful application of fluidized-bed techniques. Today, fluidized carbonization offers a new market for coal, mainly in connection w i t h a n integrated electric power-tar industry—in. which carbonized char is used for toiler fuel. But in t h e future, low-temperature carbonization may also provide char for other purposes: • Smokeless fuel for domestic consumption. • Production of synthesis gas. • F o r blending with high volatile coals to produce metallurgical coke. "Regardless of how t h e char might be used, t h e most important economic factor is successful utilization of byproduct tar," Wainwright told the Division of Gas and Fuel Chemistry. • Three-Point Program. Now the Bureau of Mines has a research program u n d e r way at i t s new Low Temperature T a r Laboratory a t Morgantown, W . Va. The objectives, Wainwright says, are threefold: • To investigate yields as well as chemical a n d physical properties of tars produced from low-temperature carbonization processes. • T o investigate means of economically upgrading these tars into chemical, rather than fuel products. • Provide industry and the public with data essential for increasing coal utilization in a new chemical industry based on these tars.
Exhausting Lead In city-type driving automobile l e a d exhaust is only a fraction o f that present in t h e gasoline consumed
"Under on its surfaces," says D . A. Hirschler of Ethyl's research laboratories. "And a t low speeds the OCT.
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