Abstract: Continuous processes comprising: oxidizing a ketone with a solution comprising active oxygen in a reactor in the presence of a buffer substance and a stripping gas to form a gas stream comprising a dioxirane and a liquid stream; and continuously drawing the gas stream comprising the dioxirane and the liquid stream from the reactor; wherein a liquid phase residence time of 1 minute to 4 hours and a normalized condensate mass flow rate of at least 500 g/mol of active oxygen are maintained.

Abstract: A process for the washing and/or disinfection of eggs is provided. The process comprises contacting the eggs with a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant and an aqueous solution of a peracid. The surfactants and peracid solution may be combined, or may be employed in separate stages. Preferably, the solutions are sprayed onto the eggs, optionally in the presence of an antifoam. The preferred peracid is peracetic acid.

Abstract: A catalyst system and process for the oxidative cleavage of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide is provided. The catalyst system comprises a source of ruthenium, a source of molybdenum and a phase transfer agent. The process comprises contacting an alkene with the hydrogen peroxide in the presence of the above catalyst system. Sources of ruthenium and molybdenum comprise the metals, salts or complexes. Preferred sources are RuCl.sub.3 and MoO.sub.3. The phase transfer agent is preferably a quaternary ammonium salt. The process usually takes place in the presence of an organic solvent, preferably t-butanol.

Abstract: A process for the catalysed oxidation of ketones to esters or lactones with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a carboxylic acid or anhydride is provided. The process employs gamma alumina as a heterogeneous catalyst. In certain preferred embodiments the catalyst also contains a tungsten-containing heteropolyacid. Preferably, the heteropolyacid contains phosphorus. In a related process, the catalyst accelerates the formation of percarboxylic acid solutions.