Abstract: A process for preparing primary substituted n-alkane compounds, comprising contacting the olefin product of an olefin metathesis reaction having an alpha-olefin as the reactant with a bis-cyclopentadienyl zirconium hydrohalide and, after contacting the product of the olefin-zirconium hydrohalide reaction with an electrophilic reagent, recovering said primary substituted n-alkane compound.

Abstract: Compositions for topical application of erythromycin and derivatives of erythromycin, comprising an erythromycin compound and a member selected from the group consisting of lauryl alcohol, diisopropyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate, dioctyl adipate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, ethyl laurate, butyl laurate, ethyl myristate, butyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, oleyl alcohol, diethyl sebacate, dioctyl sebacate, dioctyl azelate, hexyl laurate, ethyl caprate, butyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, 2-ethyl-hexyl pelargonate, butyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, and dibutyl phthalate, and mixtures thereof, are especially useful as a treatment for acne.