Abstract: A process for producing a fluorine-containing acrylic acid ester represented by CH2?C(Rf)(COOR) characterized in that 1-bromo-1-perfluoroalkylethene represented by CH2?CBr—Rf, or 1,2-dibromo-1-perfluoroalkylethane represented by CH2CBr—CHBr—Rf is allowed to react with an alcohol represented by ROH in the presence of a palladium catalyst, carbon monoxide, and two or more kinds of bases. The fluorine-containing acrylic acid ester is a useful compound having wide applications in materials for pharmaceuticals and functional polymers.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluorine-containing acrylic acid ester represented by CH2?C(Rf)(COOR) characterized in that 1-bromo-1-perfluoroalkylethene represented by CH2?CBr—Rf, or 1,2-dibromo-1-perfluoroalkylethane represented by CH2CBr—CHBr—Rf is allowed to react with an alcohol represented by ROH in the presence of a palladium catalyst, carbon monoxide, and two or more kinds of bases. The fluorine-containing acrylic acid ester is a useful compound having wide applications in materials for pharmaceuticals and functional polymers.

Abstract: A lactone is prepared by catalytically hydrogenating a dicarboxylic acid having 3 to 10 carbon atoms or a functional derivative thereof in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal selected from the elements of group VIII of the periodic table or a combination of said metal with an element selected from the elements of groups IVa, VIb and VIIb of the peridic table, and further in the co-presence of an alkali metal salt or an alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A catalyst for hydrogenation, dehydrosilylation of ketones, or hydrosililation of dienes or acetylenes, comprising a complex represented the the formula:A.sup.+ [M.sub.2 H(C)).sub.10 ].sup.-wherein A.sup.+ represents an alkali metal cation, an ammonium cation, an iminium cation, or a phosphonium cation; and M represents a chromium atom, a molybdenum atom, or a tungsten atom; anda process for producing dehydrosilylation products of ketones or hydrosilylation products of dienes or acetylenes, which is characterized by using the complex as a catalyst.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing .alpha.,.omega.-bifunctional compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aralkyl group; X is --COOH, --COOR.sup.3, --COY or --NCO, wherein R.sup.3 is an alkyl group or an aralkyl group and Y is a halogen atom or N.sub.3 ; and n is an integer of at least 1 provided that when X is --COOH, n is an integer of at least 4.

Abstract: A process for preparing a perfluoroalkyl-substituted compound is disclosed. The process comprises reacting a halopolyfluoroalkane having 1 to 20 carbon atoms with a compound selected from the group consisting of (1) a substituted or unsubstituted ethylene, (2) a substituted or unsubstituted acetylene and (3) a substituted or unsubstituted allylsilane, in the presence of a metal-carbonyl complex of the metal of the Group VIII of the Periodic Table. Alternatively, the reaction between the halopolyfluoroalkane and the substituted or unsubstituted allylsilane is effected under radical generating condition.

Abstract: Novel hydantoin derivative which is represented by the formula: ##STR1## (wherein X and Y represent a halogen atom, R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group, R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group or an alkynyl group, and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group), and a herbicide containing said derivative as effective ingredient.This hydantoin derivative exhibit excellent weed-killing activity for harmful weeds and low phytotoxicity for crop plants.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing a fluorine-containing carboxylic acid ester useful as an intermediate for producing a fluorine-containing carboxylic acid is disclosed. The process comprises reacting a fluorine-containing alkyl halide with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a transition metal catalyst of the Group VIII of the Periodic Table and a base, and provides the desired carbonylated compound in high yield.

Abstract: A catalyst for isomerization consisting essentially of a salt or complex salt represented by the formula:[ML.sub.m ].sup.n+ [Y].sub.n.sup.- (I)where M is a metal of Group IB, IIA, IIB or VIII of the periodic table, L is a ligand, Y is a conjugated base of a Bronsted acid, m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 and n is 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: A process for preparing a 5-perfluoroalkyl-dihydrouracil derivative of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.f represents a perfluoroalkyl group, each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or heterocyclic group, and Y is an oxygen or sulfur atom, which comprises (a) reacting a compound of the general formula ##STR2## wherein X represents a halogen atom or hydroxyl group, with a urea derivative of the general formula ##STR3## provided that when X is a hydroxyl group and at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, said reaction is carried out in the presence of a condensing agent, or (b) cyclizing a compound of the general formula ##STR4## and a novel intermediate compound of the above formula (IV).

Abstract: A process of preparing 2-trifluoromethylpropanol by vapor phase contact reaction between 2-trifluoromethylpropanal trimer and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst of which the principal component is reduced nickel. The hydrogenation reaction can easily be completed at about 30.degree.-150.degree. C. and at the atmospheric pressure. The starting material is hydrogenated nearly theoretically and with very high selectivity factor for 2-trifluoromethylpropanol.

Abstract: A process for producing an aldehyde containing a perfluorocarbon group, which comprises hydroformylating an olefin containing a perfluorocarbon group represented by the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.f represents a monovalent perfluorocarbon group, in the presence of a rhodium catalyst.