Abstract: A process for obtaining a hydroxy-ended glycidyl azide polymer (GAP). The process consists in reacting polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) with a metallic azide in the presence of an organic solvent having a parameter of solubility comprised between 21 and 23.5 (MPa).sup.1/2 such as DMA or NMP. The use of any of the solvents mentioned sharply reduces the reaction time needed for substituting azide groups for the chlorine present in the PECH. Said reaction times can be less than 4 hours when NMP is used or less than 6 hours when DMA is used. The GAP thus obtained having a functionality equal to or above 2 can be used as energetic bonding agent in the formulation of solid propellants for rockets.

Abstract: Procedure for obtaining acetic acid derivatives (I) where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are H or groups --CH.sub.2 --COOH by oxidation of (II) where R and R' are H or groups of --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 OH with O.sub.2 or a gas that contains it, in the presence of an metal hydroxide, demineralized water and Cu-Raney. The reaction is carried out keeping constant a partial pressure of oxygen below 20 Kg/cm.sup.2, inside the reactor. The acids (I) obtained as soluble salts, can be isolated and purified by chemical or electrochemical means.Examples of acids (I) are glycine, iminediacetic acid and nitricetriacetic acid, useful as nutrients and in the synthesis of herbicides.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of chloroform by catalytic hydrogenolysis of carbon tetrachloride in liquid phase, wherein liquid phase carbon tetrachloride is reacted with hydrogen gas or a gas containing molecular hydrogen, at a pressure below 8,000 kPa and at a temperature below 250.degree. C., in the presence of a catalyst formed by a metal selected from the group consisting of palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and platinum, deposited on a substrate and held in suspension in the liquid.

Abstract: Improvements to a method for preparing N-phosphonomethylglycyne by oxidation of N-phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid. N-phosphonomethylglycine may be obtained by oxidation of N-phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid with O.sub.2 or with an oxygen-containing gas, in the presence of a noble metal catalyst on activated carbon. To avoid the catalyst losses, the improvements of the invention consist in a pressure scavaging with N.sub.2, after completion of the oxidation reaction. Owing to such treatment, the catalyst losses are reduced from 30% to 1%, making the processing economically viable on a large industrial scale. The recovered catalyst holds its catalytic activity and may be reused at least 20 consecutive times. N-phosphonomethylglycine is a herbicide of extended application.