Abstract: The compounds of formulaa. ##STR1## wherein symbol X represents a --CHO group or a group of formula ##STR2## in which symbols R', taken separately, represent each a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical, or taken together represent a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkylene radical; symbol R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical; and R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are different and represent each a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical;or of formulab. ##STR3## wherein the tert-butyl radical is located in position 5 or 6 of the aromatic ring and, either Y represents hydrogen and X and R.sup.2 have the meaning indicated above, or X and R.sup.2 represent each a hydrogen atom and Y represents a --CH.sub.2 CHO group or a group of formula ##STR4## in which R' is defined as in a.; or of formulac. ##STR5## wherein X and R.sup.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I: ##STR1## are disclosed. The compounds are photoinitiators which can be functionalized by means of ethylenic groups or can be bonded to H-active substances, in order, for example, to modify surfaces by means of photopolymerizable substances. The compounds are especially useful in the manufacture of contact lenses.

Abstract: Since sulfonamide derivatives of the present invention show strong inhibitory activity against cysteine protease such as calpain papain, cathepsin B, cathepsin H, cathepsin L, they can be used as remedies for muscular dystrophy, cataract, myocardial infarction, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophia, osteoporosis, hypercalcemia or the like.

Abstract: The oral delivery of many classes of drugs is facilitated by converting drugs having suitable functional groups to 1-O-alkyl-, 1-O-acyl-, 1-S-acyl, and 1-S-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate derivatives. The method confers the ability to be absorbed through the digestive tract to drugs that are not orally bioavailable in the non-derivatized state, and enhances the effectiveness of drugs that are poorly absorbed or rapidly eliminated. The method provides orally bioavailable lipid prodrugs of zaxol and taxol-related compounds. Potency of the lipid prodrugs is comparable to that of the corresponding nonderivatized drugs. In a preferred embodiment, taxol or substituted taxol is covalently bound to a phospholipid.

Abstract: A purification process for cyclic formals, in which water is efficiently removed from a mixture of a cyclic formal and water which is difficult to be separated from the mixture, thereby obtaining a cyclic formal of high purity which contains only an extremely small amount of water.The purification process for cyclic formals is characterized by the steps of supplying a mixture of a cyclic formal and water into a distillation tower, effecting distillation while supplying n-pentane into the distillation tower and taking out a purified cyclic formal as a bottom liquid.

Abstract: Process of treatment of mammals, including humans to treat diseases or conditions of the type which are normally treated with retinoid-like compounds is disclosed, with pharmaceutical compositions containing an active compound which is a selective agonist of the RXR retinoid receptor sites in preference to the RAR retinoid receptor sites. A compound is defined to be a selective agonist of the RXR receptor site if the compound is at least approximately ten times more effective as an agonist in the RXR receptor sites than in the RAR receptor sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing ketene acetals by dehydrohalogenation of 2-haloaldehyde acetals. If the 2-haloaldehyde acetal is open chain, the dehydrohalogenation is carried out in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide and a phase transfer catalyst and/or a secondary or tertiary alcohol or a secondary or tertiary diol. If the 2-haloaldehyde acetals is cyclic, the dehydrohalogenation is carried out in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide and a phase transfer catalyst and with or without a secondary or tertiary alcohol or a secondary or tertiary diol, or carried out in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide and a secondary or tertiary diol. The ketene acetals which can be prepared by the process of the invention serve as intermediates in organic synthesis and are suitable as monomers or comonomers in free radical polymerization for the production of biodegradable plastics.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of formula ##STR1## wherein F represents: ##STR2## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The compounds are useful in treating hyperproliferative skin disease, allergic reactions and inflamation.

Abstract: The reaction of 2,2-difluorobenzo-1,3-dioxole with (a) an alkali metal or an alkali metal compound and then (b) a compound R.sup.1 -Z.sup.1 in which Z.sup.1 is a leaving group, or with an aldehyde produces compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is --OH, --SH, --CHO, --CN, --COOH, --B(OH).sub.2, --COX, with X being Cl or Br, or is --COOR.sup.2, --SiR.sub.3.sup.2 or --B(OR.sup.2).sub.2, with R.sup.2 being a C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alcohol moiety without the hydroxy group, wherein R.sup.1 is further --C.sub.n H.sub.2n COOR.sup.2, with n being an integer from 1 to 4, or linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 hydroxyalkyl which is unsubstituted or is substituted by --F, --CN, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy, phenyl, fluorophenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy-phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylthio-phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl-phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 fluoroalkyl-phenyl, nitrophenyl or by cyanophenyl, or wherein R.sup.1 is a benzyl alcohol which is unsubstituted or is substituted by F, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: Described are 2,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.3.1]non-6-ene-3-methanol and substituted derivatives thereof defined according to the generic structure: ##STR1## wherein each of the dashed lines represents a carbon-oxygen covalent bond or no bond; N is 0 or 1; R.sub.1 represents hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkylenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, magnesium halo or lithium; and R.sub.2 represents methyl or hydrogen as well as uses thereof (wherein R.sub.1 is not magnesium halo or lithium) for augmenting or enhancing the aroma of consumable materials selected from the group consisting of perfume compositions, perfumed articles, colognes, deodorizing articles, deodorizing compositions and malodor maskants.

Abstract: Compounds of the Formula (5) and processes for their preparation and use, particularly in the manufacture of unsymmetrical triphenodioxazine dyes: ##STR1## wherein: Y is H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, Cl or Br;R is a group of Formula (3) ##STR2## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently alkyl, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 4, 5 or 6 membered alicyclic or heterocyclic ring;R.sup.3 is H;Z is Cl, Br or A--NH; andA is H or the residue of a primary amine.

Abstract: New intermediates and processes for the preparation of vitamins A and E, which are the acetals of 5,6-dihalo-3-methyl-3-hydroxyhexanal or of 6-halo-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-hexenal or 3-methyl-3-hydroxy-5-hexenal, as well as processes for making the intermediates. After dehydrohalogenation and dehydration these intermediates are condensed directly with .beta.-ionone or with 2-methyl-2-heptene-6-one to synthesize vitamins A and E respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted arylamines and heteroarylamines, their preparation process and the pharmaceutical composition containing them. Said substituted amine is in accordance with the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are optionally substituted alkyl radicals or form with N an optionally substituted piperazine or piperidine cycle, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 represent a hydrogen atom or an organic radical, Y represents CR.sup.6 or N and R.sup.5 is an optionally substituted benzothiophenyl, benzofuranyl or naphthyl radical.These amines can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of nervous depression or for stimulating vigilance.

Abstract: Certain aryl substituted naphthalene, benzoxepine, benzazepine and henzocycloheptene derivatives are disclosed. The compounds are useful in treating hyperproliferative skin disease, allergic reactions and inflammation.

Abstract: The derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl;X is either an oxygen atom, in which case R.sub.2 =H or halogen, or a methylene group or a --CH.dbd.CH-- group, in which case R.sub.2 =H;n is 1 or 2 when X is an oxygen atom or a methylene group and 0 or 1 when X is a --CH.dbd.CH-- group; each of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is independently H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl;R.sub.5 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl;R.sub.6 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3 CF.sub.2, C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl;R.sub.4 and R.sub.6 may further form together a --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 -- or --(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --chain;R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 may further form together a --(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --or --(CH.sub.2).sub.5 --chain; andR.sub.7 is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 acyl or benzyl,useful as drugs, prepared by cyclizing N ethoxy carbonyl anilines with substituted 1, 3 dioxolane-2-ones.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, taxol is treated with mesyl chloride to prepare a taxol derivative with a contracted A-ring, which has comparable activity to taxol in a tubulin depolymerization assay, and which shows cytotoxicity against KB cells in a cell culture assay. In an alternate preferred embodiment, taxol is treated with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate (Meerwein's reagent) to produce a taxol derivative with an opened oxetane ring. In another alternate preferred embodiment, reaction of taxol with acetyl chloride yields a taxol derivative in which the oxetane ring is opened and the A-ring is contracted. All of the aforementioned products show in vivo activity in KB cell culture assays. Further, the preferred compounds have different in vivo activities, which makes them ideal to form a range of standards for use in biological testing of other compounds.

Abstract: An improved process for the purification of cyclic ketene acetals such as 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane is provided. This process entails the purification of the cyclic ketene acetal by distillation in the presence of a solvent and an amine.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein A, B, and C are hydrogen, halogen, or azido; D is hydrogen, halogen, azido, or OH; A and B or C and D can be replaced with a double bond; R is an aldohexose, aldohexosamine, or N-acetyl aldohexosamine, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen or alkyl groups of from C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 ; W is oxygen or sulfur; X is oxygen, sulfur, or CH.sub.2 ; Y is a purine or pyrimidine base, and Z is carbon, sulfur, or oxygen. Y can be any purine or pyrimidine base, natural or synthetic, which combines with a sugar to form a biologically active nucleoside. In combination with an appropriate pharmaceutical carrier, the compositions have enhanced activity or increased intracellular absorbment over the parent nucleoside as a function of the 5'-O-diphosphosugar.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of cyclic ketene acetals such as 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane is provided. This process entails reacting at an elevated temperature a halogenated cyclic ketene acetal such as 2-chloromethyl-1,3-dioxepane with a hydroxide compound such as potassium hydroxide in a non-reactive alcohol such as 2-butanol.

Abstract: An optically active pentane compound of the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 represents a lower alkoxycarbonyl group having an alkoxy moiety of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms which is unsubstituted or substituted with a hydroxy or protected hydroxy group, A represents a halogen atom, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, or ethynyl group, or a group of the formula ##STR2## B represents a hydrogen atom, hydroxy, protected hydroxy or acyloxy group, D represents a hydrogen atom, or A and B together can form an acetal or epoxy group, A and D together can form an ethylidene group, and B and D together can form a carbon-carbon direct bond, and a chiral central carbon atoms marked with symbols *, # and .thrfore. in said formula (I) alternatively have one of an R-configuration and an S-configuration.

Abstract: New intermediates and processes for the preparation of vitamins A and E, which are the acetals of 5,6-dihalo-3-methyl-3-hydroxyhexanal or of 6-halo-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-hexenal or 3-methyl-3-hydroxy-5-hexenal, as well as processes for making the intermediates. After dehydrohalogenation and dehydration these intermediates are condensed directly with .beta.-ionone or with 2-methyl-2-heptene-6-one to synthesize vitamins A and E respectively.

Abstract: The silicon-containing phenoxy ethers are of the formula III: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 which may be the same or different are selected from H, --R.sup.3 --X, aliphatic hydrocarbyl having 1-6 carbon atoms or aryl, or substituted derivatives thereof, provided that not more than one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is H;R.sup.3 is a divalent C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbyl group which may optionally be substituted, or interrupted, by a hetero atom;R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 which may be the same or different are H, ##STR2## or an ortho para directing activating group for aromatic electrophilic substitution, other than an amine;and X is a reactive functional group capable of undergoing an acid-catalyzed electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction with a phenol, for example an aldehyde group. They can be polymerized to produce silicone-modified polymers of the phenol-aldehyde type without the use of free aldehyde.

Abstract: Chloro- and fluorosubstituted dioxolane containing oxazolines and oxazines, and their polymers are disclosed. The polymers are useful for surface modification of other polymers.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the preparation of 2-[4-(3-oxo- cyclohexyl)phenyl] propionic acid and of its derivatives. This preparation consists in transforming 4-(3,3-ethylenedioxo- cyclohexyl) acetophenone or its derivatives of the general formula: ##STR1##in which A.sup.1 represents a group ##STR2##and B represents a group ##STR3##and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, which can be identical or different, represent each a hydrogen or an alkyl group into the desired compound of the general formula: ##STR4##in which A.sup.4 represents a group ##STR5##This method offers the advantage of being easier to implement on an industrial scale and of having a better yield than the methods of preparation of the compounds of formula (I) according to prior art.

Abstract: A method of making 2,2-dimethyl-4-(2',3'-epoxy)propoxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane is disclosed, wherein isopropylidene glycerol and epichlorohydrin are reacted in a molar ratio of 0.7:1.0 to 1.0:0.7, respectively, in the presence of at least one Lewis acid or at least one strong inorganic acid at temperatures 283.degree. K. to 373.degree. K., and the initially formed isopropylidene glycerol chlorohydrin ether is reacted with a strongly alkaline base in a molar ratio of chlorohydrin ether to the alkaline base of 1.0:1.0 to 1.0:1.1, respectively, to givbe the 2,2-dimethyl-4-(2',3'-epoxy)propoxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane. This compound is suitable for use as an intermediate for the production of nonionic and/or ionic surfactants, as a reactive diluent and as an auxiliary solvent and auxiliary stabilizer.

Abstract: Novel odorants, namely acetals and ketals of alkyl-substituted oxo-tetralins and oxo-indanes, are described.

Abstract: A method for the production of a 1,3-dioxolane represented by the general formula III: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 2 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, which method comprises reacting an aldehyde represented by the general formula I ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 has the same meaning as defined above, with an alkylene oxide represented by the general formul II: ##STR3## wherein R.sup.2 has the same meaning as defined above, in an alkylene glycol solvent corresponding to said alkylene oxide in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of bromides of alkali metals, iodides of alkali metals, bromides of alkaline earth metals, and iodides of alkaline earth metals.

Abstract: Process for preparing predominantly Z-substituted allylic alcohols of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a straight or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.25 alkyl group optionally bearing at least one substituent and/or at least one unsaturated linkage and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, which comprises reacting a vinyl epoxide of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is as defined above with an organolithium compound of the formula above. More particularly, there is disclosed a process for R.sup.1 --Li wherein R.sup.1 is as defined above; particularly, process for preparing .alpha.-santalol of the formula: ##STR3## which comprises reacting 3-methyl-3,4-epoxybutene-1 with lithiomethyl-2,3-dimethyltricyclo[2.2.1.0.sup.2,6 ]heptane.

Abstract: The present application discloses novel potassium salts of particular tellurium and selenium compounds which are useful for the stimulation of the production of cytokines.

Abstract: A novel complex of a class of tellurium and selenium compounds is disclosed, which is based on a complexing agent and the particular compound to be complexed.

Abstract: Dioxolanes, thio analogs thereof, and derivatives of these and methods of preparation are described. These materials are useful as additives in lubricants and fuels. Methods for reducing fuel consumption in internal combustion engines employing the lubricating compositions are described.

Abstract: Novel 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene derivatives and salts thereof represented by the general formula (1), ##STR1## [wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a phenyl group which may have halogen atoms and/or alkyl groups as the substituents on the phenyl ring; R.sup.3 is a halogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a phenyl-lower alkyl group, a cycloalkyl-lower alkyl group or the like; R.sup.5 is a hydroxyimino group, an alkylamino group or a group of the formula --NHR.sup.8 (wherein R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkanoyl group or the like); R.sup.6 is a hydrogen atom or a phenyl group; and R.sup.7 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group].

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of acids of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is 2-fluoro-4-(1,1'-biphenyl), 4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl, 6-methoxy-2-napthyl, 3-benzophenyl, 4-(2-thienylcarbonyl)-phenyl or 7-chlorocarbazole-3-yl which comprises contacting an organometallic compound of the formula R--M--R.sub.

Abstract: A method of conducting a Diels-Alder reaction is provided comprising reacting a Diels-Alder diene comprising a 1,3-conjugated diene with a dienophile comprising an alpha,beta-unsaturated acetal or ketal in the presence of a protonating acid to yield a [4+2] cycloadduct.

Abstract: An alkylene or dialkyl ketal of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 is halo, carboxy or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.12)alkyl, alkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, carbalkoxy or alkylthio.R.sup.1 is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.12)alkyl, (C.sub.6 -C.sub.20)aryl or (C.sub.7 -C.sub.21)alkylaryl or aralkyl; andR.sup.2 is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.12)alkyl or the two R.sup.2 taken together are (C.sub.2 -C.sub.12)alkylene.An alpha-enol ether of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are as defined above and R.sup.2 is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.12)alkyl.

Abstract: Certain tellurium compounds have been found to have the ability to stimulate the in vivo and in vitro production of cytokines and their receptors. These compounds may be utilized in the treatment of certain tumors, autoimmune diseases, immune diseases and infectious diseases.

Abstract: 2-Substituted-1,3-dioxacycloalkanes (also known as acetonides) (such as ##STR1## (4-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-benzodioxole)) are prepared by reacting a diol (such as 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene) and a diunsaturated ether (such as diisopropenyl ether). The reaction is exothermic and produces a ketone as the only by-product. The invention has utility in hydroxyl moiety "protection" and in pesticide synthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of trioxane, optionally together with cyclic formals, from an aqueous formaldehyde solution in the presence of acidic solid-bed catalysts, the reaction taking place without simultaneous evaporation.The process according to the invention can be carried out even at high formaldehyde concentrations without appreciable paraformaldehyde deposits.

Abstract: Polysaccharide aldehydes having the formula Sacch--O--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH--CHO, ##STR1## such as starch, cellulose, and gum aldehydes, are useful for imparting wet, dry, or temporary wet strength to paper. They are prepared by a non-oxidative method which involves reacting the polysaccharide base, in the presence of alkali, with a derivatizing acetal reagent having the general structure ##STR2## and then hydrolyzing the acetal by adjusting the pH to less than 7, preferably 2-4. In the formulas, n is 1-3; R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently an alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group when n is 1, R.sup.11 or R.sup.12 is one of the groups when n is 2, or R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are not present when n is 3; R.sup.13 is an alkyl group, optionally containing an ether linkage, or an aralkyl group; R.sup.14 and R.sup.15 are individually a hydrogen or a methyl group; R.sup.16, R.sup.17, and R.sup.

Abstract: Derivatives of carbonyl-group containing behavior modifying compounds, in which said carbonyl group has been converted to a photolabile group which regenerates the carbonyl group on exposure to radiation, are of value in various methods for the control of animal, and in particular insect, species.

Abstract: Propargyl esters of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is OC.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 (n=1 or 2), OCF.sub.3, OCF.sub.2 CHF.sub.2 or F and R.sup.2 is H, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together form --O(CH.sub.2).sub.m O-- (m=1 or 2), a process for their preparation, and their use for controlling pests.

Abstract: A method for preparing important stereospecific intermediates in the synthesis of prostaglandin analogs is disclosed. Said intermediates are (+)R-2-methyl-hexane-1,2-diol and (-)S-2-methyl-hexane-1,2-diol and are prepared via an asymmetric halolactonization reaction utilizing L-proline and D-proline, respectively as the chiral agent.

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: Novel 3-hydroxy-4-alkyloxphenyl heterocyclic aromatic carboxylate compounds particularly well suited as sweeteners in foodstuff.

Abstract: The synthesis of substituted dioxolanes by direct oxidation of olefins over a molybdenum 8-hydroxyquinoline catalyst in the presence of water is described. An organic solvent such as chlorobenzene may also be employed. Water is essential to the reaction to make the dioxolanes, otherwise olefin oxides are produced. Hence, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane and 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane were prepared from propylene oxidation, and three isomers of 2,4,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxolane were prepared from 2-butene oxidation.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are, same or different, each a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl group optionally substituted with halogen, an alkoxyalkyl or alkylthioalkyl group of the formula: R.sub.7 --Z--(CH.sub.2).sub.q --, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkoxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkylthio group, a phenyl group, a pyridyl group, a furyl group or a thienyl group, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be combined together to form a saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered ring having 0 to 2 oxygen or sulfur atom(s) within the ring, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are, same or different, each a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R.sub.5 is a methyl group or a halogen atom, R.sub.6 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, a methoxy group, a halogen atom, a trifluoromethyl group or a nitro group, R.sub.

Abstract: Trioxane and other acetals are purified by contacting with an alkali metal superoxide, then isolated in a purified form. Optionally, a phase transfer catalyst can be utilized in the purification. Recovered acetals are sufficiently pure for polymerization to high molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the continuous manufacture of trioxan, optionally together with cyclic formals, from aqueous formaldehyde solutions in a circulation reactor with evaporator, the vapor/liquid mixture leaving the evaporator is fed in below the liquid level of the reaction mixture. The process of the invention allows to attain especially high space/time yields.

Abstract: Compounds of the formulaR--C(R.sup.2).dbd.C(R.sup.3)--C(R.sup.4).dbd.C(R.sup.5)--Rwherein R is --CHO, --CH(OR.sup.6).sub.2, 1,3-dioxolan-2-yl, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl or 1,3-dioxan-2-yl; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 independently are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; and R.sup.6 is C.sub.1-8 alkyl are highly useful as cosmetic active ingredients, e.g., as hair dyes and skin tanning agents. Compositions of these compounds with other active ingredients such as dihydroxyacetone are also quite effective.