Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of an optically active carboxylic acid or ester derivative thereof from a ketene and an optically active .alpha.-hydroxyester or an .alpha.-hydroxy amide.

Abstract: A continuous process for efficiently co-producing secondary alcohols of long-chain olefins and lower carboxylic acid esters, comprising (I) performing an acid/olefin reaction in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst such as Amberlyst 15, and (II) performing an ester-exchange reaction in the presence of, e.g., titanium alcoholate. A desirable feature of the process is the ability to produce co-products of choice.

Abstract: Differentiation of the two enantiotopic groups in prochiral glycerol derivatives gives chiral molecules directly, which in turn are easily converted either into the S-series or into the R-series by selective manipulation of the functional groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aromatic derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## in which: n represents an integer between 2 and 10;R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and represent a cycloalkyl containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms or an alkyl containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms which is unsubstituted or substituted by a phenyl or benzyl group; orR.sub.1 and R.sub.2, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a heterocycle selected from pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidino, azepin-1-yl, hexamethyleneimino, 4-methylpiperidino, 4-benzylpiperidino, 4-phenylpiperidino, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl, morpholino and imidazol-1-yl groups;R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen, a halogen, a methyl or a phenyl;R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen, a halogen or a methyl; or R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, taken together with the benzene ring to which they are bonded, form a naphth-1-yl or naphth-2-yl group;Y represents a direct bond, a methyleneoxy group, a methylenethio group or a vinylene group; andR.sub.

Abstract: Method for the highly selective transesterification of alkyl 3-alkoxypropionates, as well as several novel alkoxypropionate compounds, are provided. Transesterification catalyzed by titanium alkoxides or tin compounds does not catalyze the Michael reaction, and therefore, provide highly selective transesterification reactions of these reactive materials.

Abstract: Carbocyclic compounds of the formula I ##STR1## wherein Q is a benzene or cyclohexane ring or a naphthalene system, X is in each case --CH.sub.2 --(CH.sub.2).sub.p -- where it is also possible for one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by --O--, --S--, --CO--, --O--CO--, --CO--O-- or --CH.dbd.CH--,p is 0, 1 or 2,A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 independently of one another are each a 1,4-phenylene group which is unsubstituted or monosubstituted or polysubstituted by halogen atoms and/or CH.sub.3 groups and/or CN groups and in which it would also be possible for one or more CH groups to be replaced by N atoms, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group wherein it would also be possible for one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by --O-- and/or --S--, a piperidine-1,4-diyl group or a 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene group,Z is --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --O--, --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CHCN--CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --CHCN--, --CH.dbd.CH--, --CH.dbd.N--, --N.dbd.CH--, --NO.

Abstract: A novel polyprenyl compound is identified with the formula and useful for a pharmaceutical drag. ##STR1## wherein X represents a group of the formula: ##STR2## (wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which may be the same or different, represent each a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, or a lower alkenyl group); a group of the formula: ##STR3## (wherein A including the nitrogen atom shown represents a ring containing nitrogen and oxygen atoms); or a group of the formula: ##STR4## (wherein R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and R.sup.4 represents a lower alkyl group); Y represents a group of the formula: ##STR5## or a group of the formula: ##STR6## (wherein R.sup.5 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group), and n represents an integer of from 2 to 5.

Abstract: Dispirotetradecanes of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently of each other alkyl containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms wherein one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may also be replaced by --O--, --CO--, --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --O--COO-- and/or --CH.dbd.CH-- (trans), one of the radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 also being H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO.sub.2, NCS,A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are each independently of each other trans-1,4-cyclohexylene wherein one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by --O-- and/or --S--, or 1,4-phenylene wherein one or more CH groups may also be replaced by N, with it also being possible optionally for A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 to be substituted laterally or axially by F, Cl, CN, CH.sub.3,Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are each independently of each other --C--O--, --O--CO--, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 -- or a single bond,m and n are each 0, 1 or 2,(m+n) 0, 1 or 2,X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.3 and X.sup.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the preparation of alkyl 3-alkoxypropionates by the reaction of a dialkoxymethane with a diketene in the presence of methanedisulfonic acid, methanetrisulfonic acid or mixture thereof.

Abstract: Bifunctional compounds of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may furthermore be hydrogen, R.sup.2 is furthermore alkoxy and R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or alkoxy, and a double bond may be present between carbon atoms 2 and 3, are prepared by converting a tetraalkoxyalkane or a dialkoxyalkanoate of the formulae ##STR2## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 have the above meanings, in the presence of a catalyst, such as a zeolite, in particular one of the pentasil type, and/or a phosphate and/or phosphoric acid on a carrier.

Abstract: Etherified 3-hydroxyvalerates of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and are each alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 to 7 carbon atoms, aralkyl of 7 to 10 carbon atoms or aryl of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, are prepared by a process in which a 3-pentenoate of the formula II ##STR2## where R.sub.1 has the above meanings, is reacted with a compound of the formula IIIR.sub.3 -OH IIIwhere R.sub.3 has the same meanings as R.sub.2, at from 30.degree. to 95.degree. C. in the presence of a basic catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the preparation of alkyl 3-alkoxypropionates containing at least seven carbon atoms by the reaction of dialkoxymethane containing five or more carbon atoms with a ketene in the presence of a catalytic amount of the reaction product of an alkylcarboxylic acid anhydride and concentrated or fuming sulfuric acid.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 denote alkyl, OH, CF.sub.3 or cyanoethyl, A preferably denotes --COOH, R.sub.3 denotes inter alia alkoxycarbonylalkoxy, fairly high-molecular (>C.sub.12) alkoxy, alkylcarbonylalkoxy or nitrobenzyloxy, are valuable herbicides and growth regulators.

Abstract: Liquid crystal phases containing at least one optically active compound of the formula IR.sup.1 --X.sup.1 --CHR.sup.o (CH.sub.2).sub.p X.sup.2 --R.sup.2 Iwherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 independently of one another are each --CO--O-- or --O--CO--, one of X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 may also be --O--, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are each a group --(A.sup.1 --Z).sub.m --(A.sup.2).sub.n -Y, whereinA.sup.1 and A.sup.2 in each case independently of one another are a 1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, pyrazine-2,5-diyl, pyridine-2,5-diyl, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl or 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)-octylene group, it also being possible for this to be monosubstituted or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, CN and/or alkyl groups with up to 12 C atoms, and it being possible for 1 or 2 non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups in the alkyl groups to be replaced by O atoms,Z is --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O--, --CH.dbd.N--, --N.dbd.CH--, --N.dbd.N--, --N(O).

Abstract: Six-membered ring compounds of the formula I ##STR1## wherein A is a benzene or cyclohexane ring,X.sup.1 to X.sup.6 independently of one another in each case are H, --OR, --COOR, --SR, --SOR, --SO.sub.2 R or, if A is a cyclohexane ring, also --O--COR, andR is in each case an alkyl group which has up to 15 C atoms and in which one or two CH.sub.2 groups can be replaced by O atoms, at least three of the substituents X.sup.1 to X.sup.6 being other than H,can be used as constituents of discotic liquid-crystal phases for liquid-crystal display elements.

Abstract: Labile quaternary ammonium salts of the following formula (I) and (II) are provided: ##STR1## wherein N represents a tertiary aliphatic amine; wherein N represents an unsaturated amine; wherein R represents a member selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 open chain or cyclo alkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkoxyalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 acyloxyalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 haloalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 carboxyalkyl group, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkenylphenyl group, an aryl group, and a substituted aryl group, whose substituents are selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom, an O-lower alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) group, an O-acyl group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, and a carboethoxy group; wherein R.sub.1 which may be the same or different, represents any member defined by R above with the proviso that R.sub.

Abstract: Cyclohexane derivatives of formula IR.sup.1 --Cy--CH.sub.2 --Q--(Cy).sub.m --O--(CO).sub.n --CH.sub.2 --R.sup.2 IwhereR.sup.1 denotes alkyl with 1 to 12 C atoms in which also one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by --O--, --CO--, --O--CO--, --CO--O-- or --CH.dbd.CH--,R.sup.2 denotes H, alkyl with 1 to 12 C atoms in which also one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by --O--, --CO--, --O--CO-- or --CO--O--,Cy denotes trans-1,4-cyclohexyleneQ denotes --CH.sub.2 -- or --O--,m denotes 1 or 2, andn denotes 0 or 1,are suitable as components of liquid-crystalline phases.

Abstract: Bicyclooctane derivatives of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --R.sup.2 IwhereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are each an alkyl group which has 1-12 C atoms and in which it is also possible for one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by O atoms and/or CO groups and/or --O13 CO groups and/or --CO--O groups and/or --CH.dbd.CH-- groups, one of the radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 being also --A.sup.3 --R.sup.3,A.sup.1 is a 1,4-cyclohexylene group which is unsubstituted or substituted in the 1-position and/or 2-position and/or 3-position and/or 4-position by alkyl which has in each case 1-5 C atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted or fluorinated, and in which it is also possible for one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by one or two different groupings from the group --O--, --CO--, --CH.dbd.CH--, --S--, --SO-- or --SO.sub.2 --, or is substituted by F, Cl, Br, CN and/or CHO,A.sup.2 is a 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2] octylene group,--A.sup.3 --R.sup.3 is --Cy--R.sup.

Abstract: Compounds of the formulaR.sub.2 COO--(CH.sub.2).sub.5 --COOR.sub.1wherein:R.sub.1 is a one to four carbon alkyl group or a two to three carbon alkenyl group, andR.sub.2 is hydrogen, a one to three carbon alkyl group, a two or three carbon alkenyl group, methoxy or ethoxy, and fragrance compositions containing them.

Abstract: Process for the co-production of carboxylic acids of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOH and R.sup.2 --COOH and carboxylic acid esters of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOCH.sub.2 R.sup.2 and R.sup.2 --COOCH.sub.2 R.sup.1 from carboxylic acid esters of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOR.sup.2 and/or ethers of the general formula R.sup.3 OR.sup.4 (R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 representing (substituted) alkyl or (substituted) aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl, R.sup.1 also representing H), carbon monoxide and hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of a ruthenium compound, a further Group VIII metal compound, and a compound R.sup.5 Hal or R.sup.5 COHal where R.sup.5 has one of the meanings given for R.sup.2 and Hal is iodine or bromine, the reaction mixture being substantially free from other transistion metal or Group II metal iodides or bromides, and containing a trivalent nitrogen compound containing a group ##STR1## (X=O or S), such as an amide, a carbamate, a urea or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Process for the co-production of carboxylic acids of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOH and R.sup.2 --COOH and carboxylic acid esters of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOCH.sub.2 R.sup.2 and R.sup.2 --COOCH.sub.2 R.sup.1 from carboxylic acid esters of the general formula R.sup.1 --COOR.sup.2 and/or ethers of the general formula R.sup.3 OR.sup.4 (R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 representing (substituted) alkyl or (substituted) aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl, R.sup.1 also representing H), carbon monoxide and hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of a ruthenium compound, a further Group VIII metal compound, a phosphine oxide and a compound R.sup.5 Hal or R.sup.5 COHal where R.sup.5 has one of the meanings given for R.sup.2 and Hal is iodine or bromine, the reaction mixture being substantially free from other transition metal or Group II metal iodides or bromides, and containing a tertiary phosphine oxide.

Abstract: Fatty acid derivatives represented by the general formula ##STR1## and salts thereof. The compounds of this invention have excellent fibrinolytic action and a highly improved solubility.

Abstract: A process for the production of (1) an ether or (2) a second amine comprises reacting an activated olefin with respectively an alcohol or first amine in the presence of a catalyst which is either (a) an amidine or (b) a Lewis base and epoxide. The same catalyst may also be used to carry out the reverse reaction in which an activated olefin and an alcohol or first amine are produced from the appropriate ether or second amine.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of alpha-haloalkylesters, wherein an acylhalide having the general formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group and Hal represents chlorine or bromine is contacted with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalytic system comprising at least one Group VIII element.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 denote alkyl, CF.sub.3, benzyl cyclohexyl, cyanoethyl, phenyl or OH and A denotes, inter alia, the groups --CO--, CHOH or CH--NH.sub.2 and --COR.sub.3 denotes a carboxyl, carboxylic ester or carboxamido group, are active herbicides.

Abstract: A novel class of alkoxy-acyl carnitines, wherein the alkoxy-acyl radical has from 4 to 6 carbon atoms (tipically: methoxypropionyl, ethoxypropionyl and propoxyacetyl) is prepared by reacting a solution of a carnitine salt in an organic solvent with an alkoxy-acyl halogenide, thus obtaining the corresponding salt of alkoxy-acyl carnitine. By eluting an aqueous solution of this salt through a column of an ion exchange resin activated in Cl.sup.- or Br.sup.- form, the chloride or bromide of alkoxy-acyl carnitine is obtained. The alkoxy-acyl carnitines are therapeutically effective in the treatment of cardiac disorders, hyperlipidaemias and hyperlipoproteinaemias.

Abstract: This invention concerns the improved preparation of alkanol and glycol esters, such as ethylene glycol diesters, by reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst system comprising ruthenium and a quaternary aryl or alkaryl phosphonium salt and a liquid phase medium containing a carboxylic acid co-reactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to peroxygen bleaching activator compounds and bleaching compositions. The peroxygen bleach activator compounds, used in combination with peroxygen bleach compounds which yield hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution, provide effective and efficient bleaching of textiles over a wide range of temperatures. In a highly preferred embodiment the bleaching compositions of the invention are detergent compositions.

Abstract: Esters, e.g., alkyl adipates, are facilely prepared by carbonylation among an alcohol, carbon monoxide and a monoolefin, e.g., an alkyl pentenoate, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of cobalt and a tertiary nitrogen base, and optionally hydrogen, said reaction being carried out in an aromatic hydrocarbon reaction medium bearing from 1 to 3 nuclear substituents, and said substituents comprising cyano or a radical of the formula R--Y-- having up to 20 carbon atoms, wherein Y is a direct valence bond, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a carbonyl group or a carbonyloxy group (--CO--O--), with R being bonded to the oxygen of the group --CO--O--, and R is alkyl, aralkyl or or aryl, or a cyano substituted such R--Y-- radical, or a radical R--Y-- which includes one of the divalent bridges --O--, --CO-- or --CO--O-- along its skeletal carbon chain, with the proviso that at least one of said substituents is either cyano or a radical R--Y-- wherein Y is other than a direct valence bond.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for reacting RO--CH.sub.2 --OR formaldehyde acetals with carbon monoxide in the liquid phase on an acid organic ion exchange material as catalyst. The main products are ether-esters, RO--CH.sub.2 --COOR, of hydroxyacetic acid (glycolic acid).

Abstract: The invention relates to bodies containing bleach activators. The bodies comprise specific peroxygen bleach activators and select binder or enrobing materials. When formulated in such bodies the peroxygen bleach activators have excellent storage stability and maintain excellent dispersibility in wash water.

Abstract: This invention relates to peroxygen bleaching activator compounds and bleaching compositions. The peroxygen bleach activator compounds, used in combination with peroxygen bleach compounds which yield hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution, provide effective and efficient bleaching of textiles over a wide range of temperatures. In a highly preferred embodiment the bleaching compositions of the invention are detergent compositions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of methyl methoxyacetate by the oxycarbonylation of methanol which comprises reacting methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a hydrogen fluoride catalyst and an oxidizing agent containing a metal salt.

Abstract: A process for the co-production of an alkylidene dicarboxylate and a carboxylic acid, which comprises hydrogenating a carboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of carbon monoxide and a homogeneous iridium- and/or rhodium-containing catalyst, together with an organo phosphorus (III), arsenic (III), or antimony (III) compound and either molecular oxygen or a phosphorus (V), arsenic (V) or antimony (V) compound containing a X=O moiety, where X is a phosphorus, arsenic or antimony atom.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which Ar is 2-alkyl-, -alkoxy- or -halo-methyl-phenyl or .alpha.-naphthyl, each of which is further substituted,R.sub.1 is 2-furyl, 2-tetrahydrofuryl, alkenyl, cyclopropyl, .beta.-alkoxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, triazolylmethyl, imidazolylmethyl, pyrazolylmethyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, alkylthio, alkenylthio, alkynylthio, alkylsulfinyloxy, dialkylaminosulfinyloxy, phosphoric or thiophosphoric esters or amides, or alkylcarbonyloxy,R.sub.7 is hydrogen or optionally-substituted methyl or ethyl, andR.sub.8 is alkyl optionally substituted by alkoxy,are microbicidally, in particular fungicidally, active. Preferred compounds are those in which Ar is 2-methylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-chlorophenyl or .alpha.-naphthyl, each of which is further substituted by azido, and each of R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 is methyl.

Abstract: Organic esters, e.g., linear esters, including diesters, are prepared by carbonylating a monoolefin with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst comprising cobalt, a tertiary amine base and ruthenium.

Abstract: Improvement in the process of producing carboxylic acid esters or salts involving contacting a halogen alkyl compound with carbon monoxide and a basic substance in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst for carbonylation of the halogen alkyl and production of the corresponding ester or salt of the basic substance. The improvement involves performing the contacting in a reaction vessel, circulating a liquid mass of the halogen alkyl, basic substance and carbonylation catalyst through the vessel and maintaining a carbon monoxide atmosphere in the vessel, injecting the circulating liquid mass into the vessel with a nozzle to spray the liquid mass into the vessel and intimately mixing the liquid mass with carbon monoxide in the nozzle for injection of carbon monoxide into the vessel with the sprayed liquid mass.

Abstract: 2-Aryl-1, 3-cyclohexanedione enol ester compounds exhibit outstanding miticidal,mite ovicidal and herbicidal activity.

Abstract: Mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-esters derived from an acid of the general formula:R--OHin which R represents an acyl radical of the general formula: ##STR1## in which n represents 0 or 1, m represents 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each represent a straight- or branched-chain alkyl radical having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 represents hydrogen or a straight- or branched-chain alkyl radical having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, the sum of the carbon atoms in R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 being from 4 to 10 when R.sub.3 represents hydrogen and the sum of the carbon atoms in R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 being from 6 to 15 when R.sub.3 is different from hydrogen, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 when they are taken together represent a tetramethylene, pentamethylene or hexamethylene radical and R.sub.

Abstract: Alkyl esters, such as ethyl acetate, are prepared by contacting the corresponding next lower carbon number alkyl ester, such as methyl acetate, with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of an iodine or iodide-free catalyst composition comprising a ruthenium-containing compound, a cobalt containing compound and a quaternary phosphonium salt or base, and heating the mixture to an elevated temperature and pressure for sufficient time to produce the desired higher alkyl ester, and then recovering the same from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of telluroxides as mild and selective oxidizing agents serving to oxidize certain functions, notably >C.dbd.S groups, in the presence of other relatively easily oxidized functions which remain unaffected; telluroxides of interest as oxidizing agents include, for example, compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1, which may be the same or different, each represent an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclic group; or R and R.sup.1 together with the tellurium atom therebetween represent a heterocyclic ring, which may contain one or more further heteroatoms, and which may carry substituents and/or fused aromatic rings.

Abstract: Disclosed are C-9 enol acylate analogs of E.sub.1 and E.sub.2 prostaglandins which are variously useful as bronchodilators, gastric anti-secretory agents and cyto-protective agents.

Abstract: Purified hexafluoropropylene oxide is produced by scrubbing to remove impurities that inhibit polymerization of hexafluoropropylene oxide, thus permitting the preparation of polymers having a degree of polymerization of more than 200, including end-capped and chain-extended derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing a carboxylic acid and/or its ester, which comprises reacting an alcohol or ether with carbon monoxide in the presence of elemental nickel or a nickel compound, iodine or an iodine compound and an organic compound of a trivalent nitrogen-group element; wherein the iodine or iodine compound is selected from the following formulae (I) to (IV),RX.sub.n (I)wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or alkylene group, X represents an iodine or bromine atom, and n is an integer of 1 to 3, at least one of n.multidot.X's being an iodine atom,I.sub.2 or I.sub.3 - (II)RCOI (III)wherein R represents an alkyl group,MI.sub.2 (IV)wherein M represents an alkaline earth metal, and the amount of the iodine or iodine compound is such that the amount of the free iodine or iodine compound not chemically bonded to the nickel or nickel compound or the organic compound of a nitrogen-group element is at least 0.

Abstract: In the carbonylation of olefinic compounds in the presence of a cobalt carbonyl catalyst, the addition to the reaction system of a secondary phosphine oxide represented by the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and each is substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon residue having not more than about 20 carbon atoms, in an amount of 0.2 to 20 moles per gram atom of the cobalt makes it possible to separate the reaction product from the reaction mixture by direct distillation without any such special operation for the catalyst separation as required in the conventional processes. The distillation residue which contains the catalyst can be recycled for the reuse thereof in the carbonylation.

Abstract: Novel, transient prodrug forms of dopa and dopamine have (i) the structural formula (I): ##STR1## wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, R.sup.3 -CO- and ##STR2## wherein X is O, S or NR.sup.6 ; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or --COOR.sup.8 ; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or OR; R.sup.

Abstract: Alkyl alkoxyacetates from C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 secondary alcohols, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide at a temperature of 5.degree. C. to -20.degree. C. and a carbon monoxide pressure of 0.5 to 275 atm.

Abstract: Oxygenated organic compounds, e.g. esters, aldehydes, and amides, are prepared by reacting an olefinically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and a compound containing a replaceable hydrogen atom in the presence of a catalyst comprising cobalt carbonyl and a polyamine promoter ligand. These reactions are carried out under relatively mild conditions of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a carboxylic acid ester of .beta.-formyl-crotyl alcohol by rearrangement of the corresponding carboxylic acid ester of 2-formyl-2-hydroxy-but-3-ene or of an acetal or acylate thereof in the presence of copper or a copper compound, followed, where relevant, by hydrolytic cleavage of the acetal or acylate, more especially in the preparation of 4,4-dimethoxy-3-methyl-crotyl acetate, the yield is improved by carrying out the rearrangement in the presence of copper (I) chloride as the catalyst and ensuring that low-boiling by-products formed during the rearrangement are removed.The products are of great importance as starting materials for an industrial synthesis of vitamin A and its derivatives.

Abstract: Anti-inflammatory naphthyl compounds, their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. The anti-inflammatory activity has a wide spectrum coupled with low side effects such as gastrointestinal irritancy or oestrongenicity. The compounds possess a chiral center at C-2 and can exist as mixtures of optical isomers or as substantially pure optical isomers.