Abstract: In the catalytic hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl ester mixtures, the mixtures are continuously reacted with hydrogen under pressures of from 100 to 300 bar and at temperatures of from 160.degree. to 270.degree. C. with molar ratios or hydrogen to fatty acid methyl ester mixture of from 10:1 to 500:1. The reaction is carried out over catalysts which contain from 30 to 40% by weight copper, from 23 to 30% by weight chromium, from 1 to 10% by weight manganese, from 1 to 10% by weight silicon and from 1 to 7% by weight barium (% by weight, based in each case on total weight of the oxidic catalyst) and, if desired, other transition metals in the form of their oxides. After calcination of the components, the catalyst is converted into shaped particulate and/or granulated elements with from 1 to 10% by weight, based on oxidic catalyst, of at least one binder in addition to 1 to 10% by weight graphite. The catalyst is activated with hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas mixture.

Abstract: A process and liquid composition for cleaning, restoring and polishing a hard, porous surface wherein the composition contains from 0.1 to 4 weight percent of a surfactant, from 5 to 20 weight percent of a synthetic hydrocarbon oil, and from 76 to 94.9 weight percent of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 aliphatic alcohol. The composition may be applied to a variety of work surfaces such as work benches and kitchen counters, particularly porous surfaces such as slate, wood, vinyl, tile and rubber, wiped thereon and the surface allowed to dry.

Abstract: A process for reacting nitroparaffins with formaldehyde in the presence of potassium hydroxide by aldol condensation which can be carried out continuously or discontinuously and on a large scale. This is achieved by mixing the nitroparaffin, aqueous aldehyde solution and potassium hydroxide in the absence of organic solvents and carrying out the reaction while maintaining the temperature between -5.degree. and +20.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the manufacture of surface-active sulfophosphoric-acid-(partial)-alkyl-esters and their alkali-, alkaline earth-, ammonium- and amine salts by the sulfonation of phosphoric acid esters and subsequent hydrolysis of the sultone intermediate stages formed.

Abstract: Prior art processes for removal of one or more contaminant elements, including at least one of antimony, bismuth, and arsenic and optionally including iron, from electrolyte solutions of primary metals by solvent extraction with an organic phase including a hydroxamic acid, then precipitating at least part of the contaminant elements from the organic phase as sulfides, are improved by an additional step of re-extracting the organic phase with water before precipitating the sulfides from it. At least part of any arsenic present and, if desired, part of any antimony as well, may be re-extracted in this manner and subsequently recovered if desired, so that the overall process is made more economical.

Abstract: Method of reducing the pour-point and improving the flowability of petroleum oil or a fraction thereof by adding thereto a flowability-improving quantity of at least one copolymer of (a) an acrylic acid ester, a methacrylic acid ester, or a mixture of an acrylic acid ester and a methacrylic acid ester, and (b) not more than 20% by weight, based on the weight of the copolymer, of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or a mixture of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and wherein said esters in component (a) are esters of a C.sub.16 or higher alcohol or an alcohol mixture wherein at least 75% by weight thereof is one or more alcohols containing at least 16 carbon atoms; and the compositions resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A metal treatment solution comprising an effective amount of a soluble or dispersible compound which is a derivative of a polyphenol. A composition for treatment and after treatment of metal with polyphenol compounds is provided. The present invention includes novel derivatives of polyphenol compounds which are useful in surface treatment solutions or dispersions. A method for using these solutions or dispersions is also provided. The molecular weight of the polyphenols used to form the derivatives of the present invention are in the range of from about 360 to 30,000 or greater. The resulting derivatives of the present invention typically have a molecular weight of up to about 2,000,000 with molecular weights within the range of about 700 to about 70,000 being preferred.

Abstract: Effective, titanium-free agents for activating metal surfaces prior to phosphating these surfaces with phosphating baths containing zinc ions can be made by reacting alkali metal phosphates with 1,1-diphosphonic acids and their alkali metal salts and/or poly(aldehydocarboxylic acids) and their alkali metal salts.

Abstract: A hair treatment medium application device comprising an applicator head adapted for either fixed or rotatable mounting upon a container, optionally through an adapter, in which a dispensing mouth in the applicator is in fluid communication with the container, and in which the mouth is surrounded by bristles and one or more guide tines.

Abstract: Adducts of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with saturated and/or unsaturated C.sub.8-22 fatty alcohols having an average degree of alkoxylation n of 1 to 10, and more especially 1 to 6, are particularly suitable as thickeners for aqueous surfactant solutions when the adducts have a narrow homolog distribution compared with the products obtained by standard methods.

Abstract: Platinum complexes of the general formula I[(R.sup.1 NH.sub.2).sub.n Pt].sub.q Y.sub.m X.sub.p (I)in which Y is a phosphonic acid ligand, and the preparation thereof, are described. The platinum complexes are suitable as active substances in pharmaceuticals, in particular for controlling cancers.

Abstract: Epoxides are isomerized to ketones by contacting the epoxides with a catalyst effective amount of a substantially fully hydrogenated palladium catalyst at a temperature of from about 200.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C. while contacting the epoxides with hydrogen at a partial pressure of equal to or less than one atmosphere.

Abstract: Nonionic surfactants which are liquid at ambient temperature and have an HLB value of from 2 to less than 13 are used for preventing the fogging of plastic surfaces and afford effective washproof protection against fogging.

Abstract: Contact of acid or alkaline cleaned aluminum surfaces, particularly cans, with a water based composition containing a combination of (i) ethoxylated phosphate esters, ions of aluminum, zirconium, iron, tin, and/or cerium, and (iii) a metal etching component gives the surface after drying lowered surface friction without loss of high quality printability and lacquer adhesion and removes any brown spotting on the cans that may have developed during the cleaning or post-cleaning rinses.