SummaryAt relatively low temperatures boron trifluoride and hydrogen fluoride gave high yields of polymers from soybean fatty acids and methyl esters.The use of 2% boron trifluoride as catalyst at 150° to 200° resulted in the polymerization of 50–60% of the methyl esters within one hour. The viscous polymeric fraction usually had a dark color, a high acid number, and a low ratio of dimer to higher polymer.The boron trifluoride‐ether complexes were equally effective catalysts and more convenient to handle. Use of the aliphatic ether complexes resulted in products having lighter colors.It was necessary to use large amounts of hydrogen fluoride to produce comparable yields at less than 100°, but 70% yields of polymers having light colors and low acid numbers were obtained.

Cousinsfor formulating the compounds used, and to . E. Rutledge for the combined sulfur determinations. This investigation was carried out under the sponsorship of the Office of Rubber Reserve, Reconstruction Finance Corporation, in connection with the government synthetic rubber program.

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The acetylation of zein fibers increased the water-resistance, improved the softness of the fiber by moderation of the severe formaldehyde post-cure, improved the boil-resistance, whitened the fiber by removal of pigments, and decreased the dye uptake. Acetylation was accomplished with acetic anhydride, with sodium acetate or sulfuric acid as catalyst. Acetyl contents of more than 5 percent were quickly obtained in continuous-processing equipment. The amount of acetyl groups introduced can be regulated by changing the composition, time of reaction, or the temperature of the acetylating mixture.