Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of aspartic acid 4-(phenylmethyl) ester from aspartic acid and benzyl alcohol, characterized by utilizing a reaction mixture which contains, per mole of aspartic acid, 10-40 moles of benzyl alcohol and 1-5 moles of acetyl chloride, by conducting the reaction at a temperature of -10.degree. C. to 50.degree. C., and by separating the product of the process, after reaction has taken place, by neutralization with organic bases.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of new N.sup..tau. -substituted histidine derivatives of the general formula ##STR1## According to the process, a histidine derivative of the general formula ##STR2## is reacted with phosgene, and the resultant product is then alkylated and thereafter hydrolyzed with an acid.The products obtained by the process are highly useful for preparation of histidine-analogous proteins and enzymes.

Abstract: Method for preparation of dispersible, water-soluble polygalactomannans and polyglactomannan derivatives by crosslinking with borate ions, in which the polygalactomannan-containing endosperm of legumes is allowed to soak in an aqueous alkaline solution of a material containing borate ions in which the concentration of the borate ions, expressed as borax, is between 0.001 and 0.09 wt. % and the hydroxyl ion concentration, expressed as NaOH, is between 0.2 and 10 wt. % of the polygalactomannan and after taking up the solution, the cell structure of the splits is mechanically destroyed using high shear forces in a flaking, crushing or extruder process and then the product of the process is dried and ground in known fashion.