Abstract: This invention relates to methods for rapidly producing beta hydroxy ethylene glycol ethers by reacting internal epoxyalkanes with mono or poly ethylene glycols in the presence of critical amounts of acidic catalysts under controlled temperature conditions.

Abstract: Diglycolic acid is prepared by oxidation of p-dioxanone.

Abstract: Organic compounds having a substituent represented by the formula ##EQU1## wherein M is alkali metal or ammonium which are useful complexing agents for metal and/or alkaline earth metal ions are prepared by reaction of a conjugate base of a hemiketal of a ketomalonic acid diester and an alcohol with a bromo or iodo acetate ester and saponifying the resulting product.

Abstract: 4-(2'-norbornyl)-2-butanones characterized by the structural formula ##SPC1##Wherein R.sup.1 represents hydrogen or methyl, and R represents hydrogen or a lower alkyl group are prepared by a crossed aldol condensation of 5-norbornene-2-carboxaldehyde or norbornane-2-carboxaldehyde with methyl ketones in a basic medium followed by a subsequent dehydration of the aldol formed to prepare the 3-buten-2-ones which are subsequently hydrogenated. The compounds have very pleasant, strong and long lasting woody odors and are useful as compounds in fragrance compositions.

Abstract: Compounds represented by the formula ##EQU1## and salts thereof represented by the formula ##EQU2## wherein Q is bromine, chlorine, --O-alkali metal or OH; R is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; M is alkali metal; and Rx is ##EQU3## n being an integer from 4 to 10, or ##EQU4## Rz being hydrogen, alkyl phenyl alkyl, alkoxy alkyl, alkoxy phenyl, alkoxy phenyl alkyl or --COOX, X being R or M, are useful as intermediates for the preparation of sequestrants.

Abstract: Compounds represented by the formula ##EQU1## wherein M is alkali metal and acids thereof are useful intermediates for preparation of sequestrant compounds represented by the formula ##EQU2## and acids thereof.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine alkyl esters wherein L-phenylalanine is reacted with N-protected-L-aspartic anhydride, the resulting product is treated to yield .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine which is esterified with an alkanol to yield an .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine alkyl ester which is recovered.Novel precursors for .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine alkyl esters are prepared in the process of this invention.

Abstract: Alkane vicinal alkyl ether monohydroxyl alcohols are intermediates for production of alkane vicinal alkyl ether sulfates which are effective detergent surfactants.