Abstract: Mixtures of 2- and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol with high contents of 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol are obtained by a process comprising reacting phenol with paraformaldehyde in the presence of a compound which exhibits two or more tertiary nitrogen atoms per molecule and a pK.sub.a value of .gtoreq.6.5 (measured at 20.degree. C. in water).

Abstract: Mixtures of 2- and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol with high contents of 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol are obtained by a process comprising reacting phenol and paraformaldehyde in the presence of a strongly basic catalyst and a polyalkylene polyether.

Abstract: Synthesis of optically active vitamin E from 2-methyl-5-oxotetrahydro-2-furoic acid including intermediates in this synthesis.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of hydroxybenzyl alcohols, comprising condensing phenol with formaldehyde in an alkaline solution to form a mixture of ortho- and para-hydroxymethyl phenols, and solvent extracting unreacted phenol from the resulting alkaline hydroxybenzyl alcohol condensate solution. The phenol-reduced hydroxybenzyl alcohol condensate solution is particularly suited for treatment with excess caustic and subsequent oxidation of the resulting aqueous solution of ortho- and para-hydroxybenzyl alcohols-sodium salt to yield the corresponding ortho- and para-hydroxybenzaldehydes-sodium salt.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of pure 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, pure 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol or a mixture of both hydroxybenzyl alcohols by reacting phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of a basic catalyst and subjecting the resulting reaction mixture to an at least 2-stage countercurrent extraction in a solvent system of water/organic solvent which is water-immiscible or water-miscible only to a limited extent.

Abstract: Synthesis of optically active vitamin E from 2-methyl-5-oxotetrahydro-2-furoic acid including intermediates in this synthesis.

Abstract: Substituted dioxolanes are provided having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are H or a phenyl group substituted with up to 5 substituents of lower alkyl or nitro, with the proviso that at least one of F.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a phenyl group having an orthonitro substituent; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each H or lower alkyl. These dioxolanes, as well as appropriate dioxanes, are used to intercalate a polyoxymethylene polymer to make such a polymer having thermally stable but photochemically sensitive and degradable random linkages ##STR2## in the chain where n is 0 or 1, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are H or lower alkyl and at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a phenyl group with an orthonitro substituent. By exposing a film of the polymer to light through a transparency followed by heating or a heated treatment with base, a relief image of the copy on the transparency is obtained.