Abstract: A continuous process is disclosed for preparing 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol from 2-halo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, preferably 2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane. In the process, 2-halo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, a carboxylic acid salt and an hydroxylated compound such as water are continuously provided to a reaction mixture in a reactor. The 2-halo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, the carboxylic acid salt and the hydroxylated compound are reacted therein at a reaction pressure at or above the autogenously developed pressure and at a reaction temperature of from about 223.degree. C. to about the critical temperature of the hydroxylated compound. At least a portion of the reaction product mixture is continuously withdrawn from the reactor and unreacted 2-halo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane is separated therefrom. The separated unreacted 2-halo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane is recycled as part of the 2-halo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane provided to the reaction mixture. The 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol is recovered from the reaction product mixture.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed of the formula ##STR1## optically active isomeric forms thereof, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, in which formula: R is defined in the disclosure.

Abstract: A system is disclosed in which the phase of coherent light impinging on an absorbing cell is rapidly changed to produce a short amplified pulse of light.

Abstract: This application discloses a method for and an apparatus in which isotopes of an element in a compound are separated from each other while that compound, i.e., including a mixture of such isotopes, flows along a predetermined path. The apparatus includes a flow tube having a beginning and an end. The mixture of isotopes is introduced into the flow tube at a first introduction point between the beginning and the end thereof to flow the mixture toward the end thereof. A laser irradiates the flow tube dissociating compounds of a preselected one of said isotopes thereby converting the mixture in an isotopically selective manner. The dissociation products are removed from the tube at a first removal point between the first introduction point and the end. The dissociation product removed at the first removal point are reconverted back into the compound thereby providing a first stage enriched compound.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the separation of isotopes of an element comprising vaporizing uranyl compounds having the formula (UO.sub.2 A.sub.2).sub.n, where A is a monovalent anion and n is an integer from 2 to 4, the compounds having an isotopically shifted infrared absorption spectrum associated with uranyl ions containing said element which is to be separated, and then irradiating the uranyl compound with infrared radiation which is preferentially absorbed by a molecular vibration of uranyl ions of the compound containing a predetermined isotope of that element so that excited molecules of the compound are provided which are enriched in the molecules of the compound containing that predetermined isotope, thus enabling separation of these excited molecules. The processes disclosed include separation of the excited molecules by irradiating under conditions such that the excited molecules dissociate, and also separating the excited molecules by a discrete separation step.

Abstract: Complexes of the formula[(R.sub.2 DQ).sub.b P.sup.+ R.sup.1.sub.4-b Z.sup.- ].sub.g .multidot.(MX.sub.n).sub.sare disclosed in which R is selected from an alkyl group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an aryl group containing from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; Q is a divalent organic radical selected from an alkylene group and an alkylene group the carbon chain of which is interrupted by an ether oxygen or phenylene group, wherein the alkylene group contains from 1 to 30 carbon atoms; R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, wherein said R.sup.1 groups can be the same or different; D is a member selected from P and N; Z.sup.- is an anion; M is a Group VIII metal; X is an anion or organic ligand satisfying the coordination sites of the metal; b times g is 1 to 6; n is 2 to 6; and s is 1 to 3. Processes of using such complexes are also disclosed.