Abstract: Provided is a composition which contains a mono- or bis-benzotriazole compound, an N-oxide thereof, or a mixture of at least two of the preceding compounds. Representative bis-benzotriazole compounds include 3,3′-bis-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-5,5′-di-tert-octyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diols. Representative mono-benzotriazole compounds include 3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-5,5′-di-tert-octyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diols. These mono- and bis-benzotriazole compounds are useful as stabilizers of degradable polymers against the degradative action of ultraviolet light. Also provided is a method of making these benzotriazole compounds by oxidative dimerization of the corresponding monomeric benzotriazole or by reductive cyclization of the corresponding azo- compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing urethanes by reacting a solution of a nitrogen-containing organic compound and a hydroxyl-containing organic compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst. The selectivity of this process is increased by the use of methanol instead of various other alkanols, e.g. ethanol. Preferably the catalyst is a halide-free ruthenium catalyst, e.g. a ruthenium carbonyl complex.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing urethanes by reacting a solution of a nitrogen-containing organic compound and a hydroxyl-containing organic compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst comprising a bis phosphine ligand.

Abstract: Novel Group IB and IIB metal phosphine complexes are disclosed. These complexes are reacted with rhodium complex precursors to form useful enantioselective hydrogenation catalysts. Also disclosed is a method of preparing useful compounds having optical activity such as natural products and compounds useful as flavors and fragrances.

Abstract: A multi-step process for the preparation of alpha,beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes such as citral by first reacting an allylic alcohol with a butadienyl ether, or a corresponding acrolein derivative or its acetal, including novel intermediates in this process.

Abstract: A multi-step process for the preparation of alpha,beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes such as citral by first reacting an allylic alcohol with a butadienyl ether, or a corresponding acrolein derivative or its acetal, including novel intermediates in this process.

Abstract: A method for the homogeneous catalytic enantioselective hydrogenation of alkyl and alkenyl substituted acrylic acids wherein these acids are selectively hydrogenated at the double bond alpha,beta to the acid function, said hydrogenations are catalyzed by rhodium complexes of chiral tertiary phosphines. This method provides a route to chiral dihydrogeranic acid and other intermediates useful in the synthesis of chiral vitamin E, citronellal, and menthol. Novel chiral tertiary phosphines are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-step process for the preparation of alpha,beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes such as citral by first reacting an allylic alcohol with a butadienyl ether, or a corresponding acrolein derivative or its acetal, including novel intermediates in this process.