Abstract: The invention provides a diester of the formula CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.5 CH(OCOR.sup.1)(CH.sub.2).sub.10 COOR.sup.2, in which R.sup.1 is a saturated, branched chain hydrocarbon radical having 15 to 21 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is a saturated, branched chain hydrocarbon radical having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. Preferably R.sup.1 is a methyl branched chain radical and contains 17 carbon atoms and statistically between 0.5 and 1.0 methyl side-chain per molecule, whereas R.sup.2 contains 18 to 22 carbon atoms with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8, preferably C.sub.1 side-chain. The invention also provides a wax composition comprising a diester defined above optionally together with a hydrocarbon oil (C.sub.16 -C.sub.32 and saturated), a C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 optionally branched chain fatty acid and a monoester derived from a C.sub.18 to C.sub.22 fatty acid and a C.sub.12 to C.sub.22 alcohol. Furthermore the invention provides cosmetic preparations containing a wax composition as defined above.

Abstract: Amorphous silica can be prepared in a stable and pumpable suspension, suitable for use in alcoholic beverage stabilisation, by adding a polysaccharide or inorganic gelling agent. Examples of polysaccharides are carboxy methyl celluloses, guar gum and Xanthan gum. Preferably the suspension contains sorbic acid, benzoic acid or a benzoate to give synergistic action with the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A precipitated silica, suitable for use in toothpastes, has a high absorbency, i.e. 110 to 180 cm.sup.3 100 g, and good abrasivity with a plastics abrasion value of 12 to 20. The silica provides abrasion even at a relatively low particle size.

Abstract: Precooked dried rice is obtained by treating rice during or after cooking with an aqueous solution of a saccharide, like dextrose. After draining and rinsing, the treated cooked rice is frozen and dried to a moisture content of 5-10 wt. %.

Abstract: The invention provides a nickel/silica catalyst optionally also containing cations of a lower Group II metal (X), which catalyst satisfies the following combination of features:1) a molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Ni=0.15-0.352) a molar ratio of X/Ni=0-0.153) an active nickel surface area above 120 m .sup.2 /g4) a BET surface area of which at least 40% is found with pores with a radius above 2.5 nm. Preferably the catalyst has an atomic X/Ni ratio between 0.05-0.10 and a BET surface area of which at least 45% is found in pores having a pore radius of above 2.5 nm. The group II metal X is preferably magnesium or barium.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing flavouring and perfume complexes by converting one or more carotenoids like carotenes, xanthophylls etc. into a reaction product with organoleptic properties in the presence of a liquid solvent or liquid suspension medium containing an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature in the 20.degree.-250.degree. C. range under a pressure of not more than 400 bar. The obtained products--optionally after a complete or partial removal of the solvent or suspension medium--may be used for the direct or indirect perfuming and flavouring respectively of materials.

Abstract: The gene encoding an alpha-galactosidase from guar seed has been isolated and identified. It has been expressed in yeasts, e.g. Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces and Hansenula, in bacteria, e.g. Bacillus, and in plants, e.g. Nicotiana. The resulting alpha-galactosidase is able to decrease the galactose content of galactomannans such as guar gum by splitting off 1-6 linked alpha-D-galactopyranosyl units attached to a main chain of 1-4 lined beta-mannopyranosyl units. Thus a commercially feasible process becomes available for producing alpha-galactosidases suitable for providing galactomannans having improved properties, which can meet the increasing demand for good quality polysaccharides. It has further been demonstrated that other alphagalactosidases, which show a positive immunological cross-reaction with an antibody raised against the alpha-galactosidase with an antibody raised against the alpha-galactosidase from guar, are also effective in decreasing the galactose content of galactomannans such as guar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the conversion of 8-hydroxymenthenes into 8-hydroxycymenes by treating the 8-hydroxymenthenes in the vapor phase with a dehydrogenation catalyst, e.g. palladium. The process is preferably carried out at 80.degree.-150.degree. C. The hydroxymenthene vapor is preferably passed through the catalyst system at a pressure below 8 kPa and/or with the aid of an inert gas or vapor. Oxygen may be present as a hydrogen acceptor. The process is particularly suitable for converting 8-hydroxy-p-menth-l-ene into 8-hydroxy-p-cymene. The reaction products are of value as intermediates in the preparation of fragrance chemicals.

Abstract: The invention relates to perfumed fabric softening compositions wherein the perfume is encapsulated in micro-organism cells. Preferred micro-organisms for this purpose are yeasts, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and filamentous fungi. The micro-organism cells preferably contain at least 15% w/w of perfume.

Abstract: Process for preparing an alkyl substituted tetralin or indane by reacting a benzyl alcohol with an alkene having 4-7 carbon atoms under the influence of a Lewis acid catalyst. The product can be further reacted with an acyl halide or alkylene epoxide without prior isolated from the initial reaction mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing L-rhamnose by hydrolyzing a rhamnosidic bond of a glycoside having rhamnose in a terminal position, by enzymatically hydrolyzing the glucoside with an enzyme combination comprising biological structural material degrading enzyme and a naringinase preparation which has a higher rhamnosidase activity than beta-glucosidase activity. Preferably the enzyme combination having rhamnosidase activity together with additional enzyme activity is a selected partially purified enzyme preparation having high rhamnosidase activity and low glucosidase activity together with biological structural material degrading activity. More preferably the additional enzyme activity is derived from an enzyme of the group consisting of protease, lipase, pectinase, cellulase and hemicellulase.

Abstract: Emulsion copolymers having a core-shell structure with alkyl alkanoate, alkylene, alkyl acrylate and vinyl silane in the core and vinyl alkanoate in the shell are usable in pigmented surface coating compositions. These compositions have desired water permeability tensile strength and elongation properties at low temperatures. The compositions provide bridging for cracks present or developing in the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a copolymer emulsion latex having a solids content from about 20% to about 70%, preferably 40% to 60%, wherein a vinyl ester of an alkanoic acid having 1 to 13 carbon atoms forms at least about 40% by weight of the monomer charge characterized in that the polymerization is performed in the presence of an effective amount of stabilizing system comprising:A) at least one surfactant as defined hereinafter capable of providing sharp nucleation in the polymerization process andB) at least one surfactant including C.sub.14 to C.sub.20 alkenylene moiety.

Abstract: A porous polymeric support for biological cells is prepared having a total pore volume of at least 75% formed by a plurality of voids having an average diameter within a range of from 1 and 150 .mu.m interconnected by holes. The support is prepared by forming an emulsion containing monomers and/or prepolymers in a continuous phase and having an internal phase that forms the voids of the support, and polymerizing the monomers and/or prepolymers in the continuous phase. The emulsion may be a water-in-oil emulsion with the monomers and/or prepolymers in the oil. Biological cells are introduced into at least the voids of the support. Preferably, the voids have an average size 3 to 15 times the cell size and the holes have an average size 1 to 8 times the cell size. A compound may be produced by passing reactants into the voids via the interconnecting holes to contact the cells in the voids to cause the cells to produce the compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the conversion of 8-hydroxymenthenes into 8-hydroxycymenes by reacting the 8-hydroxymenthenes in the liquid phase in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst, e.g. palladium and a hydrogen acceptor e.g. mesityl oxide. The process is preferably carried out at 80.degree.-150.degree. C. and in the presence of base. The process is particularly suitable for converting 8-hydroxy-p-menth-1-ene into 8-hydroxy-p-cymene. The reaction products are of value as intermediates in the preparation of fragrance chemicals.

Abstract: A substrate comprises a porous polymeric material having a porosity of at least 75% and comprising pores having a diameter within the range 1 to 100 .mu.m and being interconnected by a plurality of holes, and a gel or material adapted in use to form a gel which gel or pre-gel materials is contained and retained within the pores of the polymeric material and is adapted in use to interact with a reactive species and can be made by depositing and retaining the gel or a material adapted in use to form the gel within the pores of the porous polymeric material. The high porosity of the porous polymeric material in combination with the retention of the gel within the pores permit high loading capacities, particularly in the area of peptide synthesis to be achieved. The substrate can be employed in chemical synthesis, chromatography techniques, ion exchange and separation techniques.

Abstract: Copolymers are formed under pressure, preferably in the presence of a surfactant having an alkylene moiety, and then post reacted with an epoxy silane. The resultant emulsion is usuable e.g. in tile adhesives and paints.

Abstract: Carry pack for bottles made from a single-piece board blank which has a top panel, two side panels and two end panels. The side panels are divided up into three sections by oblique folding lines and their free ends are glued to the end panels. As a result, the bottle carry pack can be flattened again after it has been glued together.

Abstract: .alpha.-cinnamic aldehydes especially amyl and hexyl cinnamic aldehydes, are prepared by aldol condensation using a glycol solvent especially diethylene glycol.

Abstract: A carrier bag or similar bag-like pack made from a plastic film or a similar material, with a carry handle provided on a narrow panel, which is formed by two oblong openings positioned a certain distance apart, between which a strip of material with the function of a carry handle is located. At least the area of the openings of this narrow panel has a backing panel on the inside.