Abstract: The invention is directed to manganese-containing polyoxometallates of the formula (1)(Q).sub.q (Mn.sub.p A.sub.a X.sub.x Y.sub.y M.sub.m O.sub.d Z.sub.z (H.sub.2 O).sub.b)cH.sub.2 O (1)where Q is one or more cations selected from the group consisting of H, Li, K, Na, Rb, Cs, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Al, PR.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 and NR.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 =H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 -cycloalkyl or aryl;Mn is manganese;A is a heterometal and is one or more transition metals from transition groups II to VIII apart from Zn, in particular Ru, V, Ti, Zr, Cr, Fe, Co, Cu, Sn, Ni, Re or Os;X is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ga, B, P, Si, Ge, As, F, Cl, Br and I;Y is Sb, S, Te, Se and Bi;M is one or more transition metals selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Nb, Ta and V;Z is one or more anions selected from the group consisting of OH.sup.-, F.sup.-, Cl.sup.-, Br.sup.-, I.sup.-, N.sub.3.sup.-, NO.sub.3.sup.

Abstract: Catalysts for the selective epoxidization of olefins with atmospheric oxygen, processes for their preparation and processes for the preparation of epoxides by oxidation of olefins with air or oxygen.Compounds of the formula (1) as catalysts for the selective epoxidization of alkenesM.sub.x O.sub.y (L).sub.z (1)in whichthe indices x, y and z have the following meaning:x is a whole number from 1 to 3, y is a whole number from 1 to 2x+1, y being selected so that the sum of x+z gives a metal oxidation number of +5 (vanadium) or +6 (molybdenum, ruthenium); z is a whole number in the range from 2 to 2x;M is molybdenum, ruthenium or vanadium andL is an N, 0 or S donor ligand.

Abstract: Bleach composition comprising one or more bleaching agents and one or more polyoxometallates of the formula(Q).sub.q (A.sub.a X.sub.x M.sub.m O.sub.y Z.sub.z (H.sub.2 O).sub.b.cH.sub.2 Oas bleaching catalyst, the symbols Q, A, X, M, Z, q, a, x, m, y, z, b and c being as defined in the description.

Abstract: A process for preparing chiral epoxides using chiral manganese triazanonane complexes as oxidation catalysts. These catalysts have the general formula?Mn.sub.u (L).sub.v (OR).sub.w (.mu.O).sub.x (.mu.OAc).sub.y !X.sub.

Abstract: The chiral manganese-triazonone complex of the general formula (I) is disclosed:?Mn.sub.u (L).sub.V (OR).sub.W (.mu.-O).sub.X (.mu.OAc).sub.y !X.sub.z(I)The complex is useful industrially to prepare chiral compounds.

Abstract: A process is described for the selective mono-ortho-hydroxyalkylation of 4-substituted pyridine derivatives. In this case a nucleophilic hydroxyalkylation is carried out on the protonated pyridine derivative under the action of peroxodisulfate.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing trifluoromethyl ketones of the formula I ##STR1## where R has the given meanings, wherein an alcohol of the formula II ##STR2## is reacted with a compound of the formula IVYO.sub.n H (IV)where n has the given meaning.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for preparing glyoxylic acid by electrochemical reduction of oxalic acid in aqueous solution in divided or undivided electrolytic cells, wherein the cathode comprises carbon or at least 50% by weight of at least one of the metals Cu, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Al, Sn and Cr and the aqueous electrolysis solution in the undivided cells or in the cathode compartment of the divided cells in addition contains at least one salt of metals having a hydrogen overpotential of at least 0.25 V, based on a current density of 2500 A/m.sup.2. The process according to the invention has the advantage that inexpensive materials available on an industrial scale, in particular stainless chromium-nickel steels or graphite can be employed as the cathode material.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for preparing glyoxylic acid by electrochemical reduction of oxalic acid in aqueous solution in divided or undivided electrolytic cells, wherein the cathode comprises from 50 to 99.999% by weight of lead and the aqueous electrolysis solution in the undivided cells or in the cathode compartment of the divided cells in addition contains at least one salt of metals having a hydrogen overpotential of at least 0.25 V, based on a current density of 2500 A/m.sup.2, and a mineral acid or organic acid.The process according to the invention has the advantage that a highly pure, expensive lead cathode can be dispensed with and industrially available lead-containing materials can be used, for example alloys which, in addition to lead, comprise at least one of the metals V, Sb, Ca, Sn, Ag, Ni, As, Cd and Cu. Periodic rinsing with nitric acid can be dispensed with.

Abstract: Process for oxidizing hydroxymethylpyridine derivatives to pyridinecarboxylic acid derivatives at nickel oxide hydroxide anodesA process is described for oxidizing o-hydroxymethylpyridine derivatives into their pyridinecarboxylic acid derivatives at nickel oxide hydroxide anodes.