Abstract: Alternative equilibrium modifiers for use with aldoxime extractants, such as hydroxyl aryl aldoxime extractants, employed in the process for extraction of metal values, particularly copper values, in the extraction from aqueous solutions, in which the extractant and modifiers are employed in an organic solvent phase, the solvent being a water insoluble, water immiscible hydrocarbon solvent, such as a kerosene.

Abstract: An improved process for oximation of carbonyl compounds, such as ketones and aldehydes by oximation with hydroxylamine including oximation processes carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of a phase transfer catalyst comprised of a mixture of an alkyl phenol, such as nonylphenol or dodecylphenol and an organic carboxylic acid, such as 2-ethylhexanoic acid, in the presence of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compound. The resulting oximes are useful as metal extractants.

Abstract: In a process for preparing betadiketones which comprises an alkaline condensation of an ester and an acetophenone in the presence of an alkaline catalyst in an inert organic solvent, the improvement comprising at least one of the following conditions:(i) adding the acetophenone to the reaction mixture in a time period sufficiently short whereby degradation products in the reaction mixture are minimized;(ii) at the completion of the reaction, adding additional solvent to rapidly decrease the temperature of the reaction product mixture.(iii) mixing the organic solvent phase with the aqueous acid phase in the acidification step for a time period sufficiently long whereby the concentration of alkali metal remaining in the organic solvent phase is substantially zero; and(iv) decreasing the time between the completion of the acetophenone addition step and the initiation of the acidification step.

Abstract: An improved process for oximation of carbonyl compounds, such as ketones and aldehydes by oximation with hydroxylamine including oximation processes carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of an alkyl phenol phase transfer catalyst, such as nonylphenol or dodecylphenol and the presence of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compound. The resulting oximes are useful as metal extractants.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing esters of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid employing sulfuric acid in an amount effective to both catalyze the reaction and to remove or immobilize the water of reaction whereby an ester is provided in increased yield and purity. Esters of long chain acids are useful for the preparation of diketones which find utility as metal extractants.

Abstract: An improved process for oximation of carbonyl compounds, such as ketones and aldehydes by oximation with hydroxylamine including oximation processes carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of an acid phase transfer catalyst, such as 2-ethylhexanoic acid, and/or the presence of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal catalyst. The resulting oximes are useful as metal extractants.

Abstract: The present invention discusses the production of useful steroids through starting with a steroid which has an acid side chain attached to the steroid ring structure. The present invention also describes and claims several novel compounds obtained through the described process.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for converting the amides of certain steroids to the corresponding carbamates of the steroid.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for converting the carbamate of a steroidal amino compound to the corresponding hydrohalide.

Abstract: The present invention describes the conversion of steroids having a 20-amino functionality to progesterone and other useful steroids.

Abstract: The present invention describes the transhalogenation of amido compounds to obtain the corresponding N-haloamide through the use of an N-haloimide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and recovery of C.sub.21 steroid acetals. The present invention also discusses the recovery of a 20 steroid carboxaldehyde from a mixture containing a 3,20 dione steroid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the conversion of 20-methylpregna-3,5,20(21)-triene-3,21-diol-diacetate to 3-oxo-20-methylpregna-4,20(21)-diene-21-yl-acetate through the use of a halogenated solvent and a halogenated acid. The benefits of the present invention include a substantial increase in the production of progesterone via ozonolysis technology.