Abstract: A process for preparing a butanetriol derivative of the formula (1) useful as intermediates of medicines wherein R1 is the same defined below, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula (3) wherein R1 and R2 are the different protecting groups, and an ethylene glycol derivative in a basic condition to prepare a compound of the formula (4) or (4a) wherein R1 and R2 are the same defined above, and then subjecting the compound (4) or (4a) to selective deprotection reaction.

Abstract: A single-stage method for producing &agr;-hydroxy ethers by oxidizing olefinic substrates with organic hydroperoxides and opening the resultant oxirane ring by means of monovalent or polyvalent alcohols wherein a molybdenum compound in combination with a compound selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride, aluminum oxides, 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene or 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane, and mixtures thereof is used as a catalyst system.

Abstract: A process for producing a monoalkyl ether which comprises a first step of contacting the following components (A) and (B):(A): an aqueous liquid phase containing: (a1) a C3-6 polyol having 3 or 4 hydroxyl groups, a palladium compound, a water-soluble tertiary phosphine or phosphite, and water; or (a2) a C3-6 polyol having 3 to 4 hydroxyl groups, a complex of palladium and a water-soluble tertiary phosphine or phosphite, and water, and (B): an oily liquid phase containing a conjugated diene, to give an alkadienyl ether containing an alkadienyl group resulting from dimerization of conjugated dienes; and a second step of hydrogenating the alkadienyl group in the alkadienyl ether in a hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of a catalyst containing an element selected from the Groups 8 to 10 elements of the periodic table. According to the process of the invention, monoalkyl ethers of polyols are produced selectively in a simple manner and advantageously from the economical viewpoint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ether compounds, compositions comprising ether compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias, dysproteinemias, and glucose metabolism disorders comprising administering a composition comprising an ether compound. The compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are also useful for treating and preventing Alzheimer's Disease, Syndrome X, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-related disorders, septicemia, thrombotic disorders, obesity, pancreatitis, hypertension, renal disease, cancer, inflammation, and impotence. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.

Abstract: A process for producing a glyceryl ether which contains a markedly small amount of organohalogen compounds and therefore can be used even for cosmetics and body detergents. The process comprises reacting an alcohol with an &agr;-epihalohydrin in the presence of an acid catalyst, subjecting the reaction mixture to ring closure to convert it into the corresponding glycidyl ether and then hydrolyzing the glycidyl ether, wherein: (a) the hydrolysis is effected at 140 to 230° C. in the presence of a salt formed from a strongly basic compound and a weakly acidic compound, or (b) the reaction mixture after the hydrolysis is heated at 100 to 230° C. in the presence of a salt formed from a strongly basic compound and a weakly acidic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ether compounds, compositions comprising ether compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias, dysproteinemias, and glucose metabolism disorders comprising administering a composition comprising an ether compound. The compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are also useful for treating and preventing Alzheimer's Disease, Syndrome X, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-related disorders, septicemia, thrombotic disorders, obesity, pancreatitis, hypertension, renal disease, cancer, inflammation, and impotence. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.

Abstract: A single-stage method for producing &agr;-hydroxy ethers by oxidizing olefinic substrates with organic hydroperoxides and opening the resultant oxirane ring by means of monovalent or polyvalent alcohols wherein a molybdenum compound in combination with a compound selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride, aluminum oxides, 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene or 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane, and mixtures thereof is used as a catalyst system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for preventing clogging of oil filters for various internal combustion engines, the composition comprising at least one hydroxyl-containing component selected from the group consisting of: compounds represented by the formula (1) R1O—(R2O)m—H  (1)  wherein R1 is hydrogen or C1 to C8 alkyl, R2 is C2 to C10 alkylene, m is an integer of 1 to 10, and when m is 2 or more, the two or more R2 groups may be the same or different; and compounds represented by the formula (2)  wherein R3 is C2 to C4 alkylene, R4 is hydrogen or C1 to C10 alkyl, n is an integer of 0 to 8, and when n is 2 or more, the two or more R3 groups may be the same or different; a method for preventing oil filter clogging using the composition, and an engine oil composition containing the composition.

Abstract: A single-stage method for producing &agr;-hydroxy ethers by oxidizing olefinic substrates with organic hydroperoxides and opening the resultant oxirane ring by means of monovalent or polyvalent alcohols wherein a molybdenum compound in combination with a compound selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride, aluminum oxides, 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene or 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane, and mixtures thereof is used as a catalyst system.

Abstract: An alkoxylation catalyst is prepared by a) reaction of one mol of a dicarboxylic acid with from 1.5 to 8 mol of an alkoxylated alcohol to form the corresponding dicarboxylic monoester, b) formation of an alkaline earth metal salt of the dicarboxylic monoester by addition of water and from 0.45 to 0.55 mol of a basic alkaline earth metal compound per mol of dicarboxylic acid originally used, c) partial neutralization of the alkaline earth metal salt by addition of from 0.25 to 0.7 mol of H2SO4 per mol of basic alkaline earth metal compound originally used and d) removal of the water present at a temperature of less than 100° C. The catalyst prepared in this way makes it possible to prepare colorless alkoxylates having a narrow homologue distribution.

Abstract: A process for producing polyhydroxy ethers having the formula (I) (HO).sub.(w--M) W(OV).sub.m, in which W represents an organic group and OV a structural element containing hydroxyl groups, having the formula (III) ##STR1## A multifunctional alcohol W(OH).sub.w (II) is reacted with an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compound XCH.dbd.CY--CZ.dbd.O (IV) and formaldehyde in the presence of a base. The .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compound (IV) and the remaining quantities of formaldehyde, multifunctional alcohol (II) and base are added continuously or periodically to an aqueous solution or suspension containing at least 10 mole % of the multifunctional alcohol (II), at least 10 to 70 mole % of the formaldehyde and at least 10 mole % of the base. Preferred multifunctional alcohols (II) are pentaerythritol, TMP and TME. Preferred carbonyl compounds (IV) are acrolein and .alpha.-alkylacrolein. New asymmetric polyhydroxy ethers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions with protein kinase C-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and other activities are disclosed.

Abstract: Stabilizer precursors and preformed stabilizers having induced unsaturation, and prepared from low intrinsic unsaturation-containing polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols may be used to form polymer polyols of higher solids content, lower viscosity, and superior filterability and particle size than polymer polyols prepared from stabilizers derived from polyols having higher intrinsic unsaturation, even when the latter are coupled to form high molecular weight stabilizers.

Abstract: Active hydrogen containing organic compounds, for example alcohols, thiols, phenols, thiophenols, carboxylic acids, amides and amines, are alkoxylated, for example, ethoxylated, using catalysts comprising a salt of a Group IIa or Group Ia element and an oxyacid of at least one element chosen from Group IVb, Group Vb or Group VIb, for example, lanthanum titanate, barium titanium, barium strontium titanate, yttrium titanate, lanthanum zirconate, barium zirconate, lanthanum hafnate, barium strontium titanate zirconate and neodymium titanate. The catalyst provide narrow distribution of alkoxylation species and efficient reaction rates.

Abstract: An amount of water is added to a glycol solution to be purified to enable segregation of the resulting mixture into a hydrocarbon phase and a glycol phase. The hydrocarbon phase is separated from the glycol phase and said glycol phase is desalted, e.g. by electrodialysis, to give a desalted and substantially hydrocarbon-free glycol solution which is then concentrated by steam stripping. The method is useful for purifying waste glycol solutions resulting from oil or gas production effluent processing using glycols, and in particular from a gas hydrate inhibition treatment or natural gas dehydration.

Abstract: A process reaction between: (1) a compound that contains one or more epoxide moieties per molecule, and (2) a compound that contains one or more primary aliphatic hydroxyl groups per molecule; is catalyzed by: (3) a catalyst compound containing one or more trifluoromethanesulfonate moieties and one or more silyl moieties and run at a temperature of no more than 130.degree. C., such that the catalyst preferably catalyzes reaction at the primary aliphatic hydroxyl group, so that the resulting resin does not gel.

Abstract: Process for carrying out gas/liquid reactions at from (-50.degree.) to 300.degree. C. and from 0.1 to 100 bar by carrying out the reaction in the absence of a continuous gas phase, and, as a special case, a process for the batchwise reaction of acetylene in the liquid phase at from 0.degree. to 300.degree. C. and from 2 to 30 bar, in which acetylene is introduced a) in the absence of a continuous gas phase and b) under isobaric conditions to a degree of saturation of from 5 to 100%.

Abstract: Glycerol, glycidol, glycerol carbonate or 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol is polymerized into preponderantly linear oligomers at 150.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst, selected from RbF, CsF and/or KF impregnated on alumina and zirconium oxide. The alumina is preferably gamma-alumina.

Abstract: Glycerol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol (Solketal), glycidol or glycerol carbonate is polymerized into preponderantly linear oligomers at 150.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. in the presence of anionic clay material, preferably hydrotalcite, as a catalyst.

Abstract: Low-odor, higher molecular weight polyether polyols are produced by purifying the polyether polyols at temperatures of 110.degree. to 150.degree. C. and pressures of 10 to 70 hPa with the addition of 5 to 30% by weight of water, wherein the water is passed in finely divided form, with a droplet diameter of about 5 to 100.mu., through the polyether polyols to be purified for a time of metered addition of 1 to 5 hours.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a substantially homogeneous lipid chemoattractant released from stressed mammalian tissue which is a neutral lipid which is acid labile and stable to base and is stable in boiling water. This lipid recruits macrophages but not neutrophils to stressed tissue. The invention also encompasses a method for detecting injured tissue by detecting the presence of the above described lipid chemoattractant in body fluids such as urine, serum and saliva. The invention also includes a method for reducing recruitment of macrophages to injured tissue by reducing the amount of the above lipid chemoattractant or by blocking the interaction of this lipid chemoattractant with its macrophage binding site. The addition of this lipid chemoattractant to injured skin tissue promotes healing.

Abstract: Low-odor, higher molecular weight polyether polyols are produced by purifying the polyether polyols at temperatures of 110.degree. to 150.degree. C. and pressures of 10 to 70 hPa with the addition of 5 to 30% by weight of water, wherein the water is passed in finely divided form, with a droplet diameter of about 5 to 100 .mu., through the polyether polyols to be purified for a time of metered addition of 1 to 5 hours.

Abstract: According to the invention, the alkoxylation of compounds containing active hydrogen atoms is carried out in the presence of specific alkaline earth metal salts of alkylor alkenylsuccinic monoesters as catalyst. The alkoxylates obtained have a narrow homolog distribution and a good appearance.

Abstract: A process for producing diglycerin having a low content of cyclic components by reacting glycerin with epichlorohydrin by a continuous process in which the epichlorohydrin required for the reaction is introduced into at least one flow reactor at several separate spots or reaction zones mutually separated in space in the direction of flow; the reacted reaction mixture is substantially freed of excess glycerin in at least one evaporator; the remaining chlorohydrin/ether mixture is hydrolyzed in at least one first step with a 5 to 40 mole % excess alkali carbonate solution, calculated with respect to organically bound chlorine in the chlorohydrin ether, at a pH of 6.5 to 9.5, and hydrolysis is at least substantially completed in a second step with an alkali hydroxide at a pH above 10; the resulting hydrolyzed crude product solution is adjusted to a pH of 5.

Abstract: Propoxylated allyl alcohol homopolymers and copolymers of allyl alcohol and propoxylated allyl alcohol are disclosed. The polymers are soluble in many organic solvents, making them useful in a variety of applications, including polyesters, polyurethanes, alkyds, uralkyds, polyamines, acrylates, crosslinked polymeric resins, and polymer blends.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyol ethers comprising the steps ofA) reacting a mixture of at least one polyol and at least one carbonyl compound of the formulaR.sup.1 --CO--R.sup.2 (I)in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another represent hydrogen or aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms and 0, 1, 2, or 3 double bonds, with hydrogen at an elevated temperature in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst which is insoluble in the reaction mixture; andB) removing the polyol ether-containing reaction product from the catalyst.

Abstract: A description is given of a process for the separation of at least one constituent from a mixture containing at least two polyglycerols having consecutive degrees of polymerization from 2 to 10, in which said mixture is passed into at least one column lined with an adsorbent particular phase through which flows a liquid eluent, said phase consisting of a cationic organic resin such as a styrene-divinyl benzene copolymer or an anionic resin, or a mineral phase chosen from among silicas, aluminas and zeolites in normal form or modified by grafting, said liquid eluent consisting of an aqueous phase to which is optionally added a strong acid. The process described can be performed continuously or batchwise and in simulated counter-current (SCC) or simulated cocurrent manner.

Abstract: A method for the production of polytetramethylene ether glycol wherein polymerization of tetrahydrofuran in the presence of fluorosulfonic acid is followed by hydrolysis of the resulting polymer, characterized by(1) using the fluorosulfonic acid at 0.007-0.3 molar equivalents with respect to the tetrahydrofuran;(2) using in combination therewith fuming sulfuric acid which contains free sulfur trioxide at 0.05-1.0 molar equivalent with respect to the fluorosulfonic acid; and(3) adding said fuming sulfuric acid to the tetrahydrofuran prior to adding the fluorosulfonic acid thereto.According to the method, high quality polytetramethylene ether glycol with a low fluorine content may be obtained at a high yield without lowering the polymerization temperature. For example, PTMG may be obtained with 3 or fewer, and preferably 2 or fewer terminal fluorines per 2,000 termini of the resulting PTMG.

Abstract: Oligoglycerol mixtures having a high diglycerol content are prepared by a process in which glycerol is condensed in the presence of zeolites corresponding to formula (I)M.sub.2/z O * Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 * x SIO.sub.2 * y H.sub.2 O (I)in which M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal having a valency of z, x is a number of 1.8 to 12 and y is a number of 0 to 8. The water of condensation which is formed during the reaction, is continuously removed from the reaction mixture and the reaction is terminated when the quantity of water theoretically necessary for the formation of diglycerol has been separated.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of adducts by reacting an alcohol with an epoxy compound in the presence of a catalyst, which comprises reacting an alcohol of formula I ##STR1## wherein A is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or araliphatic radical and r is a number from 1 to 10, with a mono- or diepoxide in the equivalent ratio of 1:20 to 20:1, based on the hydroxyl and epoxy groups, in the presence of a metal complex of formula II as catalyst[M.sup.n+ (L.sub.1).sub.x (L.sub.2).sub.y (L.sub.3.sup.m-).sub.z ][X.sup.k- ].sub.(n-zm)/k (II),whereinM is a metal of the main groups or subgroups of the Periodic Table of the Elements,L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 are weakly bonded, neutral, unidentale or multidentate ligands,L.sub.3 is a strongly bonded, non-replaceable neutral or anionic unidentale or multidentate ligand,X is an anion of the following formulae BF.sub.4.sup.-, PF.sub.6.sup.-, AsF.sub.6.sup.-, SbF.sub.6.sup.-, ClO.sub.4.sup.-, IO.sub.4.sup.-, NO.sub.3.sup.

Abstract: Process for the production of di-trimethylolpropane (di-TMP), which comprises subjecting a solution containing less than 3 per cent by weight, preferably less than 1 per cent by weight of water, free trimethylolpropane (TMP) and/or partial ester between TMP and a monocarboxylic acid or its anhydride having 1-4 carbon atoms in the chain, which partial ester on average contains 1.0-2.5, preferably 1.0-2.0 ester groups per molecule to an etherification reaction by heating to 50.degree.-200.degree. C., preferably 70.degree.-190.degree. C. in the presence of an acid catalyst in solid state or in dissolved state until at most 30%, preferably at most 15% of the total content of free TMP and partial ester of TMP in the solution has been etherified to free di-TMP and partial ester of di-TMP respectively, at the same time continuously removing etherification water formed at the etherification reaction under vacuum at a pressure of 0.1-200 mm Hg, preferably 0.

Abstract: An alkoxidation production low in alkylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane content is prepared by reacting an alkylphenol or fatty alcohol with an alkylene oxide in the presence of an alkali fatty alkoxide obtained by direct reaction of an alkali hydroxide with a fatty alcohol at elevated temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric organosiloxane ammonium salts having a silica-like skeleton and including units of Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and signify a group of Formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R.sup.5 is an alkylene group and the oxygen atoms are saturated by silicon atoms of additional groups corresponding to Formula (II), optionally with the insertion of cross-linking agents; R.sup.3 represents groups corresponding to R.sup.1 or R.sup.2, or hydrogen or an alkyl group; R.sup.4 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group; x is the charge number of an oxo anion of a monooxo-, isopolyoxo- or heteropolyoxo acid of the elements vanadium, niobium, tantalum, molybdenum or tungsten; and oxo groups of the X anion also may be replaced by peroxo groups. The invention also includes methods of preparing the salts of Formula (I) from salts of the type (R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 N.sup.+).sub.y Y wherein Y is different from X.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing dipentaerythritol through the dehydration condensation of pentaerythritol in the presence of an acid catalyst. This production process comprises the step of carrying out the dehydration condensation preferably in the presence of an acid catalyst, and/or the step of lowering the temperature of the reaction mixture before the conversion of pentaerythritol becomes not less than 25%, to stop the reaction so that the concentration of tripentaerythritol formed during the reaction may not be increased, and at the same time to give a reaction mixture containing dipentaerythritol in an increased concentration.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composition containing diglycerol, in which process at least a stoichiometric amount of isopropylideneglycerol is reacted with .alpha.-monochlorohydrin in the presence of at least one alkaline compound at sufficient temperatures to yield an intermediate product composition containing monoisopropylidenediglycerol and a salt. Most of the salt and water formed is removed from the intermediate product composition, and any unreacted isopropylideneglycerol is removed by distillation. The remaining intermediate product composition containing monoisopropylidenediglycerol is subsequently reacted with water in the presence of at least one acidic catalyst at sufficient temperatures to yield a product composition containing diglycerol and acetone and substantially no cyclic glycerols.

Abstract: A process for preparing ethers which comprises contacting a carboxylated ether with a metal oxide catalyst under conditions effective to produce the ether.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydroxyl-containing compounds which comprises contacting a carboxylated hydroxyl-containing compound with a metal oxide catalyst under conditions effective to produce the hydroxyl-containing compound.

Abstract: A process is described for the improved synthesis of the optically pure C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 fragment of the macrolide structure of the immunosuppressant FK-506. This compound is also useful as an intermediate for preparing FK-506 derivatives.

Abstract: A composition useful as a medicament with improved penetration of cell membranes comprising an active material and a compound of general formula: ##STR1## wherein either residue R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 is an alkyl, alkylene, alkynyl or alkoxy group of 3-7 carbon atoms, and the other residue is a hydrogen atom, together with pharmaceutical additives and dilution agents.

Abstract: Oligomers and addition products obtained from the reaction of a saturated or olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid, alcohol, ether, or ester with a substituted or unsubstituted acetic anhydride in the presence of a Mn compound, and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyglycerols (with more than 50% by weight of diglycerol) which are low in cyclic components, by reacting glycerol with chlorohydrins. In this reaction, glycerol is reacted with epichlorohydrin (instead of chlorohydrin) at temperatures from 20.degree. to 120.degree. C. and at certain mole ratios of glycerol to epichlorohydrin and in the presence of an acidic catalyst and the reaction mixture obtained, which has not been separated into its components, is reacted at a temperature from 50.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. according to the content of organically bound chlorine in the reaction mixture, with an alkaline-reacting, preferably aqueous solution. After the addition of water, the reaction mixture is desalinated via one or more cation and subsequent anion exchangers, dehydrated by distillation and the glycerol-polyglycerol mixture obtained is separated by fractional distillation into glycerol, diglycerol and higher polyglycerols.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing hydroxyethers of epoxidized polybutenes wherein the epoxide groups of said epoxidized polybutenes are about 70% trisubstituted and about 20% tetrasubstituted. Hydroxyl compounds are reacted with epoxidized polybutenes to obtain compounds of increased flexibility, water resistance, lubricity, and adhesion as compared with said hydroxyl compounds.

Abstract: Novel methyl carbinol derivatives of Vitamin E and a method for their manufacture.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of polyglycerols (containing more than 50% by weight of diglycerol) which have a low content of cyclic components, by reacting chlorohydrins. In this reaction .alpha.-monochlorohydrin and epichlorohydrin are reacted at temperatures of 20.degree. to 120.degree. C., preferably 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C., in a molar ratio of epichlorohydrin to .alpha.-monochlorohydrin of 0.8:1 to 1:2.5 in the presence of acids or compounds having an acid reaction. A medium having an alkaline reaction, preferably an aqueous solution having an alkaline reaction, is added to the resulting unseparated reaction mixture, at a temperature of 50.degree. C. to 120.degree. C., preferably 80.degree. C. to 95.degree. C. The amount of this addition is based on the content of organically-bound chlorine in the reaction mixture. After the addition of water, the reaction mixture is desalinated via one or more cation exchangers and subsequently anion exchangers.

Abstract: A process for preparation of polyglycerol is provided, comprising the steps of (a) reacting glycerol or diglycerol with hydrogen chloride at between about 340.degree. K. and about 410.degree. K. to yield a mixture that comprises an .alpha.-monochlorohydrin of glycerol or an .alpha.-monochlorohydrin of diglycerol, (b) mixing the .alpha.-monochlorohydrins and an alkali metal glycerolate or an alkali metal diglycerolate at a temperature of between about 320.degree. K. and 410.degree. K. to yield a mixture of alkali metal chloride and glycerol and/or diglycerol and polyglyerol, (c) separating the alkali metal chloride from the glycerols and (d) separating the polyglycerol from glycerol and/or diglycerol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyglycerols which are low in cyclic components comprises reacting glycerol or diglycerol or a higher polyglycerol with epichlorohydrin at elevated temperatures; adding base corresponding to the organically bound chlorine content of the reaction mixture, at a temperature of 50.degree.-120.degree. C., to the unseparated reaction mixture obtained; desalting the resultant reaction mixture and recovering glycerol, diglycerol and higher polyglycerols by fractional distillation.

Abstract: A process is described for the improved synthesis of the optically pure C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 fragment of the macrolide structure of the immunosuppressant FK-506. This compound is also useful as an intermediate for preparing FK-506 derivatives.

Abstract: In the manufacturing method of ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol, these glycols can be prepared with a highly selectivity and at a high yield by applying the catalyst comprising a carboxylic acid and a carboxylic acid salt or a metal salt of formic acid alone.

Abstract: Ruthenium-cobalt- or cobalt-containing catalysts which have been promoted with phosphonites or phosphinites effectively catalyze the dealkoxyhydroxymethylation of aldehyde acetals to form glycol monoethers. Methylal, for example, may be reacted with syngas, i.e., CO and H.sub.2, in the presence of these phosphonite- or phosphinite-promoted cobalt or ruthenium- cobalt catalysts to form the monomethyl ether of ethylene glycol. In a like manner acetaldehyde may be converted to the corresponding propylene glycol monoether. The process may advantageously be carried out with high yields and selectivities in the presence of a polar or non-polar organic solvent in combination with the catalyst system of this invention.The invention is also directed to the phosphonite- or phosphonite-promoted cobalt and ruthenium-cobalt catalyst system per se.

Abstract: A percutaneous absorption accelerator and a precutaneous absorbent preparation containing the same and, more particularly, a percutaneous absorption accelerator containing ether derivatives of specific glycerols or polyglycerols and alcohols as effective components and a percutaneous absorbent preparation containing the percutaneous absorption accelerators and pharmaceutically effective components.