Abstract: A process is provided for hydrogenation of unsaturated diesters produced by the reaction of conjugated diolefin and monocarboxylic acid in which the diester is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a noble metal and a monoamine. The presence of the monoamine suppresses hydrogenolysis of the diester to monoester. In a preferred embodiment 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene is hydrogenated in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a monoamine selected from methylamine, n-butylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, quinoline, and toluidine.

Abstract: A process for recovering monomeric glycols and glycerine from polyoxyalkylene glycols and polyglycerines which comprises heating the polymeric compounds together with a lower saturated mono-carboxylic acid, containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms such as acetic acid, in the presence of a strong acid, e.g. sulfuric acid, or a strong acid cation exchange resin. The product, which is the diester of the monomeric glycol or the triester of glycerine, is recovered and subsequently hydrolyzed to obtain the desired monoglycol or glycerine product. If it is desired to obtain the ester itself, the latter step of hydrolyzing can be omitted.

Abstract: Organic acids contained in aqueous solution are separated and/or recovered by a process comprising adding an alcohol to the aqueous solution to esterify the acids present, while preferably simultaneously contacting the alcoholic mixture with a water-immiscible solvent and separating layers into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, whereby extraction with the water-immiscible solvent shifts the equilibrium toward the formation of more esters. The esters of the acids may than be recovered as by distillation.

Abstract: Esters are prepared by reaction of acyl halides and alcohols or hydroxyalkyl esters and acid halides in the presence of a tertiary amine and polar aprotonic solvents. Bis(2-methacrylatoethyl) phthalate is prepared by the reaction of phthaloyl chloride with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in pyridine and acetone. Bis-phenol-A-bis(2-methacrylatoethyl)ether is prepared from 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-propane and methacryl chloride in acetone.

Abstract: A method of treating herpes simplex infections in warm-blooded animals by administering to said animals a carboxylic ester of phosphonoacetic acid of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 alkyl, aralkyl, ##STR2## ADAMANTYL, OR GLYCERYL ESTERS OF THE FORMULA ##STR3## where R' is an alkyl of 2-20 carbon atoms, or its inorganic salts.

Abstract: 3-O-Alkanoylglyceric acids and their salts having antimicrobial properties are described herein. These compounds also have useful surfactant properties. The subject compounds can be prepared by reacting the appropriate acid chloride with glyceric acid.