Abstract: A process for making 1-alkyl-5-mercaptotetrazoles of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, comprising the steps of:(a) reacting (i) the corresponding 4-alkylthiosemicarbazide of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R is defined above with (ii) a base of the formula:MBwherein M is a metal cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal cations and B is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxide or an alkoxide and with (iii) an alkyl nitrite of the formula:Ti R.sub.1 ONOwherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms to form a reaction mixture comprising the metal salt of 1-alkyl-5-mercaptotetrazole; and(b) contacting said reaction mixture with sufficient acid to convert at least a major portion of said metal salt of said 1-alkyl-5-mercaptotetrazole into free 1-alkyl-5-mercaptotetrazole.

Abstract: Processes for the recovery of phenol values as cyclohexanol from the purification residue obtained in the amine purification of phenol. The recovery of phenol values may be effected by hydrogenation in the presence of a nickel catalyst and distilling the hydrogenation product to obtain cyclohexanol. Alternatively, the purification residue may be distilled and the distillate hydrogenated to produce a hydrogenation product from which cyclohexanol may be recovered by a second distillation.