Abstract: A Karl Fischer reagent useful in the determination of water, comprises sulfur dioxide, iodine and a salt which is a system compatible addition compound of a nitrogen-containing organic base having a pK.sub.b <10 with a weak aromatic carboxylic acid having a pK.sub.a >2.

Abstract: Preparations containing methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for administration to the skin, nails, other tissue and/or body fluids of a human or other animal subject are disclosed. Such compositions soften skin, strengthen nails and provide other benefits when applied topically. And, MSM compositions may also be administered orally, by injection and by inhalation.In many instances, the effectiveness of MSM compositions is enhanced when such compositions contain carbamide (urea). Also, carbamide compositions are stabilized when they contain the MSM.For topical administration, MSM compositions may be formulated in creams, lotions or gels which may be used alone or to serve as stable, neutral vehicles for other skin conditioning substances or therapeutically active drugs. Aqueous MSM solutions are suitable blood diluents.

Abstract: This process comprises injecting into the formations a liquid organic mixture containing at least a polymerizable chemical compound and a catalyst. The organic mixture reacts with a limited amount of an injected oxidizing gas to give a solid product which consolidates the formations without substantially reducing their permeability. The catalyst is characterized by the combination of at least one element of the group constituted by barium, zirconium, cerium, and lanthanides (e.g. lanthanum) and at least one element selected from the group formed by vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt and zinc.