The isomerisation of dimethyl sulphite to methyl methanesulphonate is catalysed by the methanesulphonate ion. The reaction appears to proceed in two stages. First, dimethyl sulphite alkylates the methanesulphonate ion to form methyl methanesulphonate and methyl sulphite ion. The isomerisation is then completed by the alkylation of the methyl sulphite ion a t the sulphur atom by methyl methanesulphonate.Other anions, which can accept a methyl group to give a strong alkylating agent, also catalyse the reaction.

Environmental regulations are forcing the reformulation of many decorative and protective coatings systems. In particular, air-drying solventborne alkyd paints need to meet increasingly stringent emission limits and often must be reformulated with suitable exempt solvents or reactive diluents to achieve volatile organic compound (VOC) reduction. In the research summarized in this article, a new reactive diluent, tetra(2,7-octadienyl) titanate, was synthesized and evaluated in alkyd formulations for VOC reduction and property enhancement. A soy-based long-oil alkyd resin; a soy-based high-solids, long-oil alkyd resin; and a linseed-based, high-solids long-oil alkyd resin were evaluated in combination with the new reactive diluent at weight percentages ranging from 10% to 50%. Characterization included measuring viscosity, film dry times, and film performance of the reactive diluent formulations in comparison to neat alkyd resins used as control. The tetra(2,7-octadienyl) titanate formulations consistently exhibited reduced viscosities and dry times as a function of concentration. The resulting films were harder and more thoroughly cured than the control systems.

No abstract

bought a batch which were already in oestrus, and were giving positive results when we got them from the dealer. The female fish is the most useful, but until oestrus takes place they cannot be differentiated from the males; they are a great nuisance to look after, and one can never be sure that they are not having an oestrus of their own. These facts caused us to abandon this test also, although other workers have written enthusiastically about it.-I am, etc.,

Purpose Mental health literacy programmes can help reduce stigma towards people who experience mental health challenges. Co-facilitated mental health literacy programmes, delivered by a person with lived experience of mental health challenges in partnership with a person with clinical experience in mental health services, may further reduce stigma. This qualitative study aims to explore participants’ satisfaction with a co-facilitated mental health literacy programme and facilitator characteristics influencing satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The authors used deidentified post-workshop evaluation data from 762 community mental health literacy programme participants (86% response rate). Thematic analysis of qualitative data used a general inductive approach. Findings Findings indicate high satisfaction with the co-facilitation model used to deliver a mental health literacy programme. Three key themes related to co-facilitation satisfaction: how participants perceived the co-facilitation model overall; the impact of having two facilitators that offered different knowledge and perspectives about mental health challenges; and the impact of personal stories shared. The personal stories shared by facilitators were perceived as bringing the workshop content to life and providing insights into people’s experiences and well-being journey. Key themes influencing co-facilitation satisfaction related to facilitator knowledge, skills, values and attitudes. Practical implications Findings indicate the positive impact of incorporating people’s lived experience into the design and delivery of mental health literacy programmes. Findings highlight key facilitator characteristics and support needs when recruiting facilitators to deliver programmes. This includes good facilitation skills alongside personal experiences. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first large study examining satisfaction with a co-facilitated mental health literacy programme for the general public.