Asymmetric halogen-alkyl alditol derivatives as nucleators and clarifiers for polyolefins, and polyolefin plastic compositions containing same

An asymmetric compound conforming to the structure of Formula (I)

• wherein R is selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, and fluorine;
• R1 and R2, are selected from lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, and halogens;
• R3 and R4 are selected from lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms and which together may form a carbocyclic ring containing up to 6 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogens, and hydrogen;
• with the proviso that only one of R1 and R2 is halogen;
• and p is 0 or 1.

A polyolefin plastic composition having improved transparency, which comprises at least one homopolymer of an aliphatic monoolefin or a copolymer containing an aliphatic monoolefin, said monoolefin containing from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms having an average molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 500,000 and one or more ethylenically unsaturated aliphatic comonomers, said copolymer having been made by polymerizing said monoolefin with said comonomer;

• and at least one asymmetric diacetal selected from the group conforming with the structure of Formula (I)
• wherein R is selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, and fluorine;
• R1 and R2, are selected from lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, and halogens;
• R3 and R4 are selected from lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms and which together may form a carbocyclic ring containing up to 6 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogens, and hydrogen;
• with the proviso that only one of R1 and R2 is halogen;
• and p is 0 or 1.

A solid gelled composition comprising at least one asymmetric gelling agent compound conforming to the structure of Formula (I)

• wherein R is selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, and fluorine;
• R1, and R2, are selected from lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, and halogens;
• R3 and R4 are selected from lower alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms and which together may form a carbocyclic ring containing up to 6 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogens, and hydrogen;
• with the proviso that only one of R1 and R2 is fluorine or chlorine;
• and p is 0 or 1;
• and a solvent for said gelling agent.