Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of the saponification products of lactones, preferably three- to eight-membered lactones. The present invention is also directed to a process for the preparation of compounds having general formula (I): wherein M is selected from the group consisting of cationic species, preferably metal cations (even more preferably Na), from a compound having the formula (II): comprising reacting a compound having formula (II) with a suitable hydroxide salt (M-OH) (III) such as, preferably, sodium hydroxide, in an aqueous medium. The reaction preferably utilizes a continuous process method for the substantial consumption of reagent and continuous, semi-continuous, and/or batch-wise processing for final consumption of reagent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for preparing aqueous ?-hydroxybutyrate having a pH of about 8 or less (upon reaching equilibrium). The disclosed processes include both continuous processes and batch processes wherein the ratio of reactants is controlled to provide the product at the desired pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of compositions comprising benzoyl peroxide, with or without other additional active ingredients. The process involves introducing benzoyl peroxide, along with any other active ingredients present, into a fatty substance that contains and protects the ingredients that would otherwise be unstable when in contact with one another. The composition is designed to allow all ingredients to become available for skin contact or skin absorption when the fatty substance softens and/or melts as the composition is applied to the skin. The benzoyl peroxide may be pre-micronized to a particle distribution size of about d90 of 0.1 to 150 microns, preferably d90 of 10 to 15 microns.