Abstract: An anti viral, anti bacterial and/or anti fungal composition comprises the reaction product of a metal, a carboxylic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. A typical composition comprises zinc, hexakis(acetato)oxotetra (or "zinc oxyacetate"). The composition is useful to treat several types of viruses, bacteria, and/or fungi. The zinc compound is particularly effective against Herpes virus, including Herpes simplex types I and II.

Abstract: Metal oxyalkylates are made by reacting a metal, a carboxylic acid, and hydrogen peroxide in aqueous reaction mixture. The metal oxyalkylate is precipitated and removed from the reaction mixture in high yield and with high purity. The compound is effective in supplying the metal to plants, animals and humans.

Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly suitable for the production of alcohol from fermentable substances such as grain. In this method, mash cooking, fermentation, and boiling are carried out sequentially in a single vessel. Boiling produces a first vapor rich in alcohol which is partially condensed to form a liquid condensate and a second vapor which is further enriched in alcohol. The liquid condensate is returned to the vessel and an alcohol product is recovered from the second vapor, preferably without the addition of external heat. Alcohol recovery is effected by passing the second vapor to a second vessel. Vapor from the second vessel is partially condensed to form a third vapor which is still further enriched in alcohol and a liquid condensate which is returned to the second vessel where it is contacted by the second vapor introduced thereto.

Abstract: A method of preparing the methyl ester of .alpha.-eleostearic acid comprises the following steps:providing a reaction mixture comprising tung oil, methanol, water and a saponification agent;maintaining the temperature of said reaction mixture at a temperature of not more than about 60.degree. C. for a time sufficient to effect saponification of said tung oil;acidifying the saponification reaction mixture while cooling to prevent excess temperature rise to form an aqueous phase and a non-aqueous phase comprising .alpha.-eleostearic acid;separating said aqueous and non aqueous phases;admixing said separated non-aqueous phase and methanol to form an esterification reactor mixture;heating said esterification reaction mixture in the presence of an acidic esterification catalyst to form an aqueous phase and a non-aqueous phase comprising the methyl ester of .alpha.

Abstract: Metal oxycarboxylates are made by reacting a metal, a carboxylic acid, and hydrogen peroxide in aqueous reaction mixture. The metal oxycarboxylate is precipitated and removed from the reaction mixture in high yield and with high purity. The compound is effective in supplying the metal to plants, animals and humans.