Abstract: The present process produces the meso dialkyl 2,5-dihaloadipate from a mixture of the racemic dialkyl 2,5-dihaloadipate and meso 2,5-dihaloadipate. In the disclosed process, a 2,5-dihaloadipoyl halide is formed under conditions which result in the formation of an acidic compound. The 2,5-dihaloadipoyl halide is then esterified under conditions wherein the ester of the dihaloadipoyl halide is allowed to remain in contact with the acidic compound, thus allowing the racemic diester to epimerize in the presence of the acidic compound to the meso form and then the meso diester spontaneously crystallizes. In the last stage, the meso diester produced is removed.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean reservoirs that are penetrated by either injector or producer wells is enhanced by selective permeability modification of the strata of the reservoir with gel-forming phenolic compositions. The injection of the phenolic composition follows a pH sequence specific to the reservoir environment which allows emplacement of the gel-forming composition the desired distance away from the wellbore and production of a uniform gel throughout the treated hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir. The permeability of a treated subterranean reservoir can be restored by treatment of the reservoir with either aqueous hypochlorite or mineral acid.

Abstract: Spiro-imidazolones are disclosed which are useful as aldose reductase inhibitors and as therapeutic agents for the treatment of complications arising from diabetes. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the spiro compounds and a method of treating diabetic complications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel protogynous Zea mays plants are disclosed, including a novel protogynous inbred line, LALGI. Also disclosed are a process to produce such Zea mays plants and hybrids resulting from crossing such plants with other inbred lines such as Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic Lines.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved absorbable surgical suture. The suture is coated with an absorbable composition consisting essentially of a high molecular weight poly(alkylene oxide).

Abstract: Biopolymers comprising xanthomonas and methylene bis (thiocyanate) are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the recovery of the heat values produced during the combustion of phosphorus to phosphorus pentoxide. The disclosed process dries ambient air to produce dry air, and combusts elemental phosphorus in said dry air in at least one fluid bed having in intimate contact therewith steam generating means containing steam generating fluid.

Abstract: A series of 5-(2-alkoxyphenyl)thiazolidinediones and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof useful as hypoglycemic agents, aldose reductase inhibitors and as therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic diabetic complications; intermediates therefore; and process for preparation of said compounds.

Abstract: Unsaturated hydrocarbons such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentene, cyclohexene and 1,3-butadiene among others are reacted with P.sub.4 S.sub.10 and PSX.sub.3, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, under autogenous pressure at temperatures from about 90.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. The reaction products obtained are useful as intermediates in preparation of agricultural chemicals; lubricant and polymer additives; mercaptoethyl- and mercaptobutylphosphonic acids; and mercaptobutylphosphinic acids.