Abstract: High surface are carbon fibers are produced by heating carbon fibres in the presence of a quality of alkali metal hydroxide in excess of 50% by weight based on weight of carbon at temperatures of above 500.degree. C. in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for the production of active carbon by treating a carbonaceous feed with a mixture of KOH and NaOH in a molar ration of NaOH:KOH of 80:20 to 20:80 and heating to at least 500.degree. C. in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: Nitration of organic compounds and organic nitrogen compounds produced.Organic nitrogen compounds are formed in the vapor phase by organic radical formation by reaction of an organic compound with hydroxyl radicals derived from the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and nitrogen dioxide and the nitration of the organic radicals, suitably with nitrogen dioxide. The process may be conducted as a single stage process using an excess of nitrogen dioxide over that required for hydroxyl radical formation. The production of hydroxyl radicals is maximized by the use of a catalytic solid surface such as a solid acid or an acidic oxide or mixed oxide. The product may be a mixture of some or all of the nitrite, nitrate and nitro-derivative which may be used as such, e.g. as a fuel additive, as a source of the individual compounds or as a feedstock for a further synthesis.