Abstract: Optically active compounds are prepared from optically inactive unsaturated hydrocarbons by reacting at least one unsaturated hydrocarbon in the presence of a catalyst prepared by combining a nickel compound, a Lewis acid and an optically active phosphine of the general formulaPR'R"R'"in which R', R" and R' " are hydrocarbon radicals, thereby forming optically active compounds having chiral centers formed by the carbon-to-carbon linkages. The optically active compounds can be polymerized to provide optically active polymers.

Abstract: The process of separating a mixture which is in liquid state or solid state or liquid and solid state and contains at least one compound containing an organic group, which comprisesA. contacting said mixture with a gas maintained under supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure such that the gas will take up at least a portion of said mixture in a quantity varying inversely with said temperature, and effecting said contacting in a manner so that this occurs, and so that there is a substantial gas component that is identifiable as gas phase,B. separating the gas in the form of said identifiable gas phase loaded with the compound taken up during said contacting from any of the mixture not taken up by the gas while still maintaining supercritical conditions as aforesaid,C. thereafter separating the compound from the gas.

Abstract: Process for the simultaneous hydrogenation and deodorisation of at least one product from the group consisting of fats and oils, wherein said product is treated with carbon dioxide at a temperature of from 100.degree. to 250.degree.C and a pressure of from 150 to 300 atmospheres in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, and hydrogen.The fats and oils hydrogenated and deodorised in this process are used in the manufacture of margarine.

Abstract: Cyclocooligomerization of at least one conjugated diene and an alkyl acrylate in the presence of a noncarbonyl containing, zero-valent nickel complex compound catalyst to form an olefinically unsaturated alicyclic ring compound having the non-hydrocarbon functional group pendent from the ring.

Abstract: Process for reacting an H-acidic organic compound, in which the acidic H-atom is bonded to the organic radical by an oxygen or a sulphur atom, e.g. an alcohol, with a metal having a standard potential which is more positive than -1.66 volts and which at most reacts with the H-acidic compound under current-free conditions, e.g. Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Sb, Cu, or Au. The H-acidic compound or a solution thereof is a polar solvent is made conducting by addition of a soluble salt of chlorine, bromine or iodine, and is electrolysed at a temperature of up to 150.degree.C, using said metal as the anode, for production of the alcoholate.

Abstract: Phenyl substituted unsaturated diols useful as complexing agents for nickel and starting materials for the production of polymers.