Abstract: A sleep-inducing preparation which comprises as an effective ingredient a prostaglandin derivative represented by the formula: wherein X is a halogen atom, Y is a group represented by (CH2)m, a cis-vinylene group or a phenylene group, Z is an ethylene group, a trans-vinylene group, OCH2 or S(O)nCH2, R1 is a C3-10 cycloalkyl group, a C3-10 cycloalkyl group substituted with C1-4 alkyl group(s), a C4-13 cycloalkylalkyl group, a C5-10 alkyl group, a C5-10 alkenyl group, a C5-10 alkynyl group or a bridged cyclic hydrocarbon group, R2 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-10 alkyl group or a C3-10 cycloalkyl group, m is an integer of 1 to 3, and n is 0, 1 or 2, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a hydrate thereof.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (HMB) in commercially viable amounts is disclosed. The reaction mixture cycles through an external heat exchanger while the primary reactant is added in a warmer so as to control and maintain a low temperature for the reaction mixture. The manufacturing process herein disclosed increases yield while decreasing reaction time from the synthetic processes currently practiced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing one or more organic acids in high purity which process comprises (i) oxidizing in a liquid oxidation reactor one or more organic liquids with essentially pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air containing at least about 50% oxygen, at a temperature sufficiently stable to prevent cycling of reaction rate, to produce a crude reaction product fluid, and (ii) refining said crude reaction product fluid to give said one or more organic acids in high purity. The oxidation temperature is preferably controlled to within about ±3° C. of a target temperature. The organic acids described herein is useful in a variety of applications, such as intermediates in the manufacture of chemical compounds, pharmaceutical manufacture and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and reactor devices for controlling the oxidation of hydrocarbons to dibasic acids, in the presence of a cobalt catalyst and a monobasic acid, such as acetic acid, by treating the catalyst from the reaction mixture, outside the oxidation zone, after the oxidation has taken place at least partially. In one preferred embodiment, the catalyst is reduced to contain, preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, cobalt ions in valence II, and at least partially precipitated by de-watering and/or thermal treatment. In a different preferred embodiment, the catalyst in the reaction mixture is first oxidized or maintained, preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, at valence III, the reaction mixture is de-watered, the catalyst is reduced preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, to valence II, causing precipitation either spontaneously at a predetermined temperature or after further thermal treatment.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are for preparing saturated carboxylic acids having from one to four carbon atoms by gas-phase oxidation at a reaction temperature of from 100° C. to 400° C. and pressures of from 1.2×105 to 51×105 Pa in the presence of saturated or unsaturated C4-hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof. Also present in the reactor are an oxygen-containing gas and water vapor and in the presence of at least one catalyst, with part of the reactor outlet gas being recirculated in a reaction gas circuit. The acid concentration in the recirculated portion is reduced by means of a separation step, and the crude acid is separated from the reactor outlet gas by means of a countercurrent scrubber.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and reactor devices for controlling the oxidation of hydrocarbons to dibasic acids, in the presence of a cobalt catalyst and a monobasic acid, such as acetic acid, by treating the catalyst from the reaction mixture, outside the oxidation zone, after the oxidation has taken place at least partially. In one preferred embodiment, the catalyst is reduced to contain, preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, cobalt ions in valence II, and at least partially precipitated by de-watering and/or thermal treatment. In a different preferred embodiment, the catalyst in the reaction mixture is first oxidized or maintained, preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, at valence III, the reaction mixture is de-watered, the catalyst is reduced preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, to valence II, causing precipitation either spontaneously at a predetermined temperature or after further thermal treatment.

Abstract: Aliphatic primary alcohols, including aliphatic primary alcohols possessing one or more oxygen, nitrogen and/or phosphorus heteroatoms that may be atoms substituting for carbon atoms in the alkyl group or component atoms of substituents on the alkyl group, were converted into salts of carboxylic acids by contacting an alkaline aqueous solution of the primary alcohol with a catalyst comprising cobalt, copper, and at least one of cerium, iron, zinc, and zirconium. Diethanolamine, for example, was converted to sodium iminodiacetate by treatment in an aqueous medium containing sodium hydroxide with a catalyst that was obtained by reducing a mixture of cobalt, copper, and zirconium oxides with hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (HMB) in commercially viable amounts is disclosed. The reaction mixture cycles through an external heat exchanger while the primary reactant is added in a warmer so as to control and maintain a low temperature for the reaction mixture. The manufacturing process herein disclosed increases yield while decreasing reaction time from the synthetic processes currently practiced.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of acetic acid and/or methyl acetate by isomerization of methyl formate in a reaction mixture which includes water, a solvent and a catalytic system containing a halogenated promoter and an iridium-based compound. Carbon monoxide is present in the reaction mixture at a partial pressure between 0.1.105 Pa and 25.105 Pa, methyl formate is maintained below 20% by weight of the reaction mixture and water is maintained in an amount which is at most 5% by weight of the reaction mixture. In a typical system, method formate isomerizes to acetic acid according to the reaction: HCOOCH3CH3COOH.

Abstract: Aliphatic primary alcohols, including aliphatic primary alcohols possessing one or more oxygen, nitrogen and/or phosphorus heteroatoms that may be atoms substituting for carbon atoms in the alkyl group or component atoms of substituents on the alkyl group, were converted into salts of carboxylic acids by contacting an alkaline aqueous solution of the primary alcohol with a catalyst comprising cobalt, copper, and at least one of cerium, iron, zinc, and zirconium. Diethanolamine, for example, was converted to sodium iminodiacetate by treatment in an aqueous medium containing sodium hydroxide with a catalyst that was obtained by reducing a mixture of cobalt, copper, and zirconium oxides with hydrogen.

Abstract: A fluorinated oligomer having COOH groups at both end and a &rgr;50° value of 1,000 to 10,000 is produced by swelling a fluorine rubber crosslinking product in an organic solvent, followed by decomposition in the presence of a base and a peroxide. The obtained fluorinated oligomer is soluble in solvent and thus easy to separate from fillers, etc., and can be effectively used as a chain-elongating agent for epoxy resin, isocyanate resin, oxazoline resin, etc.

Abstract: The invention consists of a new method for preparing perfluoroalcanecarboxylic and perfluoroalcanesulfonic acids in which ozone is made to react, in a protic environment, upon a perfluoroalkyl chain comprising at least one oxydizable chemical group.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (HMB) in commercially viable amounts is disclosed. The reaction mixture cycles through an external heat exchanger while the primary reactant is added in a warmer so as to control and maintain a low temperature for the reaction mixture. The manufacturing process herein disclosed increases yield while decreasing reaction time from the synthetic processes currently practiced.

Abstract: In a process for the continuous heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase partial oxidation of an organic compound in an oxidation reactor, whose feed gas mixture comprises, apart from the organic compound to be partially oxidized and molecular oxygen as oxidant, at least one diluent gas which is essentially inert under the conditions of the heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase partial oxidation, where the essentially inert diluent gas consists partly of combustible gases, after passage through the oxidation reactor, the combustible constituents of the inert diluent gas present in the product gas stream leaving the oxidation reactor are not recirculated to the heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase partial oxidation, but are put to further use for the purposes of another chemical reaction.

Abstract: Esters of branched C.sub.9 alcohols suitable as plasticizers are formed by esterification of a C.sub.9 alcohol produced by the aldol condensation from propanal and a C.sub.6 aldehyde and hydrogenation, the propanal optionally having been made from natural gas streams.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to produce an unsaturated carboxylic acid which includes the steps of: providing an epoxy compound; contacting the epoxy compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst system comprising tin and cobalt under conditions effective for carbonylation of the epoxy; and recovering a .alpha.-.beta. unsaturated carboxylic acid product. The preferred epoxy is ethylene oxide which is reacted to acrylic acid by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing and isolating an oxidation product is disclosed wherein nitric acid is reacted with an oxidizable reactant and the desired oxidized product is extracted using an organic solvent such as a dialkyl ether. The method permits the direct crystallization of aldaric acids such as glucaric acid and mannaric acid and eliminates the necessity of employing complicated, time consuming and wasteful neutralization/acidification steps.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a linear .omega.-formyl-carboxylic acid or a corresponding linear formylnitrile compound starting from an internally unsaturated C.sub.4 -C.sub.12 carboxylic acid or a corresponding ester or nitrile by means of hydroformylation in the presence of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and a catalyst system, wherein the hydroformylation is carried out in an aqueous medium and in that the catalyst system comprises platinum and a water-soluble organic bidentate ligand.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the oxidation of a hydrocarbon to an acid by regulating the temperature hold-up time, and conversion in consecutive reaction zones. The temperature in the consecutive reaction zones progressively decreases, while the hold-up time increases. Preferably, the conversion also increases. One of the major advantages of the methods and devices of the present invention is that an outstanding balance between productivity and selectivity/yield of the desired acid may be achieved. In this respect high yields and selectivities may be obtained without sacrificing productivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing 2,2'-bis(hydroxymethyl)alkanal and 2,2'-bis(hydroxymethyl)alkanoic acid as raw materials for dimethylol alkanoic acids or trimethylol alkanes, which are useful for the production of polyesters, polyurethanes, alkyd resins and the like, in an industrially advantageous manner.

Abstract: A catalyst for the production of unsaturated aldehyde and unsaturated carboxylic acid by the vapor-phase catalytic oxidation of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of propylene, isobutylene, t-butanol and methyl-t-butyl ether and a method for the production of unsaturated aldehyde and unsaturated carboxylic acid by the use of this catalyst are provided. The catalyst of this invention comprises (A) a catalyst having Mo, Bi and Fe as essential components and used for the production of unsaturated aldehyde and unsaturated carboxylic acid by vapor-phase catalytic oxidation of propylene, isobutylene, t-butanol and/or methyl-t-butyl ether and (B) a solid acid having acid strength (Ho) of not more than -11.93. Since this catalyst excels in catalytic activity and service life, it allows unsaturated aldehyde and unsaturated carboxylic acid to be produced stably at a high yield for a long time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for controlling exothermic reactions involving a first reactant contained in a liquid and a second reactant in a gas to form a reaction product by atomizing the liquid in an environment of a gas and removing heat of reaction by condensing vapors of the liquid in a reaction chamber. Preferably, the condensation takes place on a simultaneously atomized second liquid of lower temperature than the atomized liquid containing the first reactant. The compositions of the two liquids are preferably similar. This invention provides waste minimization and considerable environmental improvement.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of a material comprising a polymer, especially a polyamide. The process consists in subjecting the polyamide to hydrolysis in the presence of a hydrolyzing nitrous grouping and transforming the hydrolyzed compounds into diacids. The treatment of a polyamide 6.6 results in the recovery of adipic acid and other diacids corresponding to the participating acid monomer and to the transformation of at least one part of the diamine monomer into diacids.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for controlling exothermic reactions involving a first reactant contained in a liquid and a second reactant in a gas to form a reaction product by atomizing the liquid in an environment of a gas and removing heat of reaction by condensing vapors of the liquid in a reaction chamber. Preferably, the condensation takes place on a simultaneously atomized second liquid of lower temperature than the atomized liquid containing the first reactant. The compositions of the two liquids are preferably similar. This invention provides waste minimization and considerable environmental improvement.

Abstract: Catalysts of the formula I?A.sub.a B.sub.b O.sub.x !.sub.p ?C.sub.c D.sub.d Fe.sub.e Co.sub.f E.sub.i F.sub.j O.sub.y !.sub.q I,whereA is bismuth, tellurium, antimony, tin and/or copper,B is molybdenum and/or tungsten,C is an alkali metal, thallium and/or samarium,D is an alkaline earth metal, nickel, copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, tin, cerium, chromium, cadmium, molybdenum, bismuth and/or mercury,E is phosphorus, arsenic, boron and/or antimony,F is a rare-earth metal, vanadium and/or uranium,a is from 0.01 to 8,b is from 0.1 to 30,c is from 0 to 4,d is from 0 to 20,e is from 0 to 20,f is from 0 to 20,i is from 0 to 6,j is from 0 to 15,x and y are numbers determined by the valency and frequency of the elements other than oxygen in I, and p and q are numbers whose ratio p/q is in the range from 0.001 to 0.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the scission and oxidation of ozonide materials. The process comprises introducing an oxygen-containing gas stream into an agitated liquid body in the form of fine bubbles.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of xylaric acid, characterized in that it consists of the oxidative degradation of 5-ketogluconic acid in alkaline medium using oxygen or a gas containing it.The xylaric acid obtained is of use as a calcium-chelating agent or as a component of polyhydroxypolyamides or as an intermediate in the synthesis of xylitol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of carboxylic acids and esters thereof, which involves the steps of (a) mixing an unsaturated fatty acid or corresponding ester with an oxidative substance in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of oxides of tungsten and molybdenum and their acids and alkaline salts, (b) reacting the product mixture from step (a), which comprises vicinal diols, with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a cobalt-containing compound which acts as a catalyst. The product mixture from step (a) is not subjected to any purification treatments prior to undergoing step (b).

Abstract: Process for the preparation of aliphatic or aromatic mono- or dicarboxylic acids of 4 to 22 carbon atoms by oxidation of the corresponding aldehydes having the same number of carbon atoms in a carboxylic acid from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid or in a carboxylic acid/water mixture at a temperature of 50.degree.-130.degree. C. and at 1 to 25 bar and in the presence of an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Rapid temperature rises which characterize carbohydrate-nitric acid oxidation reactions used to form carbohydrate-derived acids may be moderated and temperature control readily maintained by blowing a gas such as air, oxygen, nitrogen or the like into the reaction mixture as needed to control the temperature of the reaction. The more moderate reaction conditions afford higher yield of the desired product with a concomitant reduction of byproducts which may be difficult to remove and usually are unwanted as well. Upon completion the oxidation mixture is made basic (e.g. with an alkali metal base hydroxide or carbonate, ammonia or an amine) to a pH at which the the carboxyl group or groups of the product carbohydrate-derived acid are entirely in the salt form. The aqueous solution is then passed through an ion retardation resin column to recover the carbohydrate-derived salt, using water as the eluent.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the scission and oxidation of ozonide materials. The process comprises introducing an oxygen-containing gas stream into an agitated liquid body in the form of fine bubbles.

Abstract: A process for preparing carboxylates of polyoxyalkylene siloxanes and -amines, alkylpolyoxyalkylenes, polyoxyalkylene block polymers, alkylamidepolyoxyalkylenes and alkylpolyglucosides comprising subjecting a primary hydroxyl group-containing polyoxyalkylene compound or alkylpolyglucoside to mild oxidiation. The invention also relates to the novel polyoxyalkylene amine and alkylamidepolyoxyalkylene carboxylates prepared by the process.

Abstract: A process for preparing adipic acid from cyclohexene oxide comprising the following steps (a) and (b):(a) hydrating cyclohexene oxide to obtain 1,2-dihydroxycyclohexane and an oligomers represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein n represents a number of from 1 to 5 in number average, and (b) oxidizing the 1,2-dihydroxycyclohexane and the oligomers represented by formula (I) in a nitric acid aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of methacrylic acid and methacrolein by means of gas phase oxidation of isobutane in the gaseous phase at 250.degree. to 450.degree. C. on molybdenum heteropoly acid catalysts that are made up of CU.sub.a H.sub.b P.sub.c Mo.sub.d V.sub.e O.sub.f heteropoly acid compounds (I), where a=0.1 to 1, b=0 to 7.8, c=0.8 to 1.2, d=9 to 12, e=0.5 to 3, and f depends on the molar numbers a to e, and/or the heteropoly acid H.sub.8 PMo.sub.10 VO.sub.39 (II) or its anhydride PMo.sub.10 VO.sub.35 (III).

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical compounds of structural formula (I): ##STR1## and compositions and methods of treatment utilizing these compounds to inhibit farnesyl protein transferase and farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ether carboxylic acids by ethoxylation of carbohydrates followed by catalytic oxidation and the use of the products in detergents or cleaning agents.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alkanoic acid which comprises reacting the corresponding alkanol with a solubilized stable free radical nitroxide having the formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is an alkyl, aryl or heteroatom substituted alkyl group having 1 to about 15 carbon atoms and each of R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 is alkyl, hydrogen, aryl or a substituted heteroatom, nitric acid, and a bromide ion-containing compound in the presence of an oxidant at a temperature in the range of from about 25.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C., and thereafter separating out the alkanoic acid.

Abstract: Certain novel multiply promoted Mn-Sb oxides are superior catalysts for the ammoxidation of olefins to the corresponding unsaturated nitriles, the selective oxidation of olefins to unsaturated aldehydes and acids, and the oxydehydrogenation of olefins to diolefins.

Abstract: Amino acids can be purpified and/or concentrated by extracting aqueous mixtures such as fermentation broths by contacting an aqueous mixture containing amino acids with an organic solution containing a water insoluble extractant selected from the group consisting of:1. A quaternary ammonium ion having the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are aliphatic, each having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, and together have a minimum of 25 carbon atoms, and where at least three of the four R groups are at least a C.sub.4.2. A quaternary phosphonium ion having the formula: ##STR2## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are as defined above. 3. A tertiary sulfonium ion having the formula: ##STR3## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each are aliphatic with from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, and together have a minimum of 24 carbons and where at least two of these groups are at least a C.sub.6.4. An organic boride ion having the formula: ##STR4## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovery of amino acids from aqueous mixtures. In particular, it relates to a treatment of said amino acid containing aqueous mixture prior to extraction of the amino acid with a water immiscible organic solution containing a water insoluble extractant for said amino acid. The overall process of the invention which includes the pretreatment and extraction, also includes optional methods of recovering said extracted amino acid from the water immiscible organic solution. Accordingly, the invention also relates to a process for recovery of the amino acid by stripping of the amino acid from the organic solution and precipitation of the amino acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a polycarboxylic acid, the process comprising subjecting a Diels-Alder reaction product of maleic anhydride and a diene and/or the corresponding acid to oxidative cleavage using hydrogen peroxide in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of tungstic acid, molybdic acid and heteropoly acids thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to high-coordination transition metal complexes, i.e., those of coordination number seven and above, and the use thereof in the room temperature/atmospheric pressure formation of carbon-carbon bonds via reductive coupling of linear carbon-containing ligands, and methods for the isolation and recovery of the newly formed C.sub.2 containing species.

Abstract: Amino acids can be purified and/or concentrated by extracting aqueous mixtures such as fermentation broths by contacting an aqueous mixture containing amino acids with an organic solution containing a water insoluble extractant.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic oxidation of liquid cycloparaffins to oxidation products thereof is disclosed. In the process, partial oxidation products are formed by oxidizing the cycloparaffin with molecular oxygen-containing gas in the presence of an oxidation catalyst comprising two heavy metal compounds. The first heavy metal compound is a cobalt compound having ligands selected from dialkyl phosphate, dicycloalkylphosphate and alkylcycloalkylphosphate, optionally additionally combined with pyridine. The second heavy metal compound is a chromium alkanoate. A preferred catalyst is cobalt bis[di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate] combined with chromium naphthenate.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated by contacting an alkaline aqueous solution of formaldehyde with at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, molybdenum carbides, tungsten carbides, molybdenum nitrides, tungstenum borides, copper, silver, gold and compounds of copper, silver and gold.Hydrogen can be generated at ambient temperature under atmospheric pressure and, therefore, complicated steps or complicated devices are unnecessary.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids and/or esters are prepared by converting the ##STR1## moiety in a 1-substituted 2,2-trihaloethanol, or derivative wherein X represents halogen and R is hydrogen or an acyl group to an organic acid and/or ester grouping of the formula ##STR2## wherein R' is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in the process which comprises reacting the 1-substituted 2,2,2-trihaloethanol or acylated derivative with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a complex of a transition metal having an atomic number from 21-30, 39-48 or 57-80 and at least one molecule of a ligand containing trivalent nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic or antimony. This reaction is carried out in a reaction medium comprising an alcohol or aqueous alcohol having 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally containing an alkali metal, said alcoholic solvent also serving as a reactant source when carboxylic acid esters are formed.

Abstract: A cycloalkylhydroperoxide is converted to an alkane-dicarboxylic acid of the same number of carbon atoms, e.g. cyclohexylhydroperoxide to adipic acid, by reaction with nitrogen dioxide.

Abstract: A process for producing a perfluorocarboxylic acid comprises reacting a perfluoroalkyl olefin with ozone to produce a perfluoroalkyl ozonide and a perfluoroalkyl aldehyde and converting said perfluoroalkyl ozonide and perfluoroalkyl aldehyde to perfluorocarboxylic acid with an oxidizing agent.