Abstract: This invention is a process for the preparation of an epoxide which comprises contacting a 2-haloalkyl or 2,3-dihaloalkyl carbonate, bis(2-haloalkyl- or 2,3-dihaloalkyl)carbonate, or 2-haloalkyl or 2,3-dihaloalkyl ester dissolved in a water-miscible alcohol with a sufficient amount of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide to provide at least one equivalent of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide per equivalent of ester or carbonate, at a temperature of between about 0.degree. C. and 70.degree. C. under conditions such that an epoxide is prepared.

Abstract: A process for the production of alkylene carbonates, such as propylene carbonate, is disclosed. The process involves reacting the desired olefin with a thallic oxide or a weak acid thallic salt with carbon dioxide in an aqueous, organic solvent containing, halogen-free system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chlorocitric acids of the formula ##STR1## and stereoisomers, optical antipodes and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to methods of preparation thereof, including intermediates involved therein, and to their use as anorectic agents for the treatment of obesity in mammals.

Abstract: Vicinal epoxides and an alkylene dihalide are prepared by contacting a mixture comprising ethylene carbonate and a .beta.-haloalkyl carbonate with an initiator at a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 260.degree. C.

Abstract: Processes for preparing (S) or (R) epihalohydrin and an (S) substituted glycerol intermediate are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing oxirane compounds by the deacyloxylation of a vicinal hydroxyester in the presence of a basic material which comprises carrying out the reaction in a dilute phase transport reactor into which is fed a stream of heated catalyst co-current with a feed gas stream. The catalyst is heated in a fluidized bed heater. The catalyst and product gases are separated in a cyclone separator, the catalyst being returned to the heater and the effluent product gas being further processed to recover product.

Abstract: Vicinal epoxides are prepared by decomposition of .beta.-haloalkyl carbonates or bis(.beta.-haloalkyl) carbonates in the presence of a complex of an alkali metal halide and a monomeric or polymeric chelating agent comprising an element of group V of the Periodic Table at a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Alkyl substituted ethylene carbonates are converted to substituted ethylene oxide by heating the carbonates in the presence of a catalytic amount of a compound containing at least one carbon-tin bond. The alkyl substituted ethylene carbonates have the general formula ##STR1## where R is alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl.

Abstract: Alkyl substituted ethylene carbonates are converted to substituted ethylene oxides by heating the respective carbonates in the presence of a catalyst which is selected from the group of alkali metal halides consisting of lithium fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The alkyl substituted ethylene carbonates have the general formula ##STR1## where R is alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl.

Abstract: Vicinal epoxides and alkylene dihalides are produced by decomposing a .beta.-haloalkyl carbonate of the general formula ##STR1## in the presence of a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salt.