Abstract: The optically active .gamma.-lactone of (1R, cis)-2, 2-dimethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, which is useful as an intermediate in the production of pyrethroid insecticides, may be made from optically active (-)car-3-en-5-one by a two stage oxidation process followed by hydrolysis of the intermediate obtained.

Abstract: A water-in-oil explosives composition comprising water, liquid or liquefiable carbonaceous fuel and inorganic oxidizer salt, optionally with gassing agent and/or thickening agent, and containing 0.02 to 2% of a stabilizer selected from organo-sulphur compounds, organic compounds containing quaternary nitrogen, phenolic compounds and substituted derivatives thereof, dihydroxybenzenes, quinones, unsubstituted and substituted aryl diazo compounds, unsubstituted and substituted aryl amines and salts thereof, and unsubstituted and substituted quinolines. Preferred stabilizers include thioureo, hydroquinone, anthraquinone, 1-phenylazo-2-naphthol, 1-[(4'-o-tolylazo)-o-tolylazo]-2-naphthol, N-phenyl-.alpha.-naphthylamine, N-phenyl-.beta.-naphthylamine, the condensation products of 1,4 dichloroanthraquinone with p-toluidine and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinolines.

Abstract: Cyclic terpenes containing at least one unsubstituted methylene group adjacent to a double bond are converted into cyclic mono- and/or diketones by oxidation with oxygen in the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a gelatine explosive composition comprising the steps of adding at least one dispersing agent to a mixture of liquid nitric esters and ortho-nitrotoluene, adding the resulting mixture to blasting soluble nitrocotton to form a gel and subsequently adding oxidizing salts, fuels, and when desired, a water-proofing agent such as tamarind seed flour or guar gum to form a homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: A new gelatine explosive composition is disclosed comprising mixtures of nitric esters, ortho-nitro-toluene, blasting soluble nitrocotton, oxidizing salts, fuels and at least one dispersing agent. Said gelatine explosive composition is markedly reduced in the quantities of liquid nitric esters and blasting soluble nitrocotton content.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of preparation of sensitized dry blasting agents comprising a mixture of granular/powder ammonium nitrate with or without Sodium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Calcium Nitrate, etc. fuel(s), and at least one sensitizer. The aid sensitizer is selected from the group comprising nitrate, chlorate, perchlorate and an organic derivative of a metal, which can exhibit variable valency and whose oxides and hydroxides are weakly basic in nature, e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, chromium, copper, lead, etc.Unlike the dry blasting agents known in prior art, the sensitized dry blasting agents can be detonated in small diameter boreholes with a generally available low strength detonator or specially made powerful detonator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterproof and rigid container for slurried explosives which comprises a tube or shell formed by superimposing partially or wholly a shrinkable film on paper and rolling the film and paper into the shape of a tube or shell of continuous and successive layers of the film and paper, the inner layer being the film and the outer layer being the paper, and thereafter crimping the tube or shell to one end, the tube or shell so formed being externally coated with a suitable waterproofing medium under predetermined conditions thereby causing a partial shrinkage of the film and, when required, the waterproofed tube or shell is filled with an explosive and the filling or mouth end is crimped and waterproofed forming a rigid and waterproof cartridge.