Abstract: Described is the compound trans, trans-.DELTA.-damascone and mixtures of trans, trans-.DELTA.-damascone and its isomer, cis, trans-.DELTA.-damascone is in a major proportion, a process for preparing same and processes for adding such trans, trans-.DELTA.-damascone or such mixtures containing high proportions of trans, trans-.DELTA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removal of alkali metal carboxylates from mixtures which contain a cycloalkanone and a cycloalkanol, in particular cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol, and which have been obtained in oxidation in the liquid phase of the corresponding cycloalkane with gas containing molecular oxygen.According to the invention, alkali metal carboxylates are removed from such mixtures containing a cycloalkanone and a cycloalkanol by washing the mixture with an aqueous acid solution, in particular an aqueous solution of carboxylic acid with 1-6 carbon atoms per molecule.The invention provides a solution to the problem of the so-called alkali entrainment, which leads to loss of cycloalkanone owing to condensation into undesired high-boiling by-products in the following distillation for gaining pure cycloalkone. This substantial loss is prevented by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X and Y are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and trifluoromethyl, are disclosed.The compounds are useful as intermediates in the production of 2-benzazepines, compounds of pharmacological activity.Also disclosed are other intermediates and processes for their production.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium halides in powder or granular form are prepared by reacting tertiary amines and excess alkyl halides in the absence of solvent at elevated temperature and pressure and conducting the hot, pressurized reaction mixture into an area under lower pressure where the excess alkyl halides vaporize and the quaternary ammonium halides are recovered in powder or granular form.

Abstract: Trickle-type fixed-bed catalytic reactions are improved, prior to starting or resuming an on-stream period, by purging air from the catalyst bed and reaction zone by downward flow of an inert gas therethrough, flooding the purged reaction zone by flowing a liquid upwardly through the catalyst bed to cover same, then removing the liquid and instituting the on-stream period by introducing gaseous and liquid reactants at the upper end of the catalyst bed to flow downwardly therethrough.

Abstract: Aliphatic hydroxycarbonyl compounds etherified with aliphatic groups are prepared by oxidizing hydroxyalcohols in the presence of a metal catalyst which consists of one or more layers, each of a particular weight and each containing particles of a particular size, the catalyst bed also having a particular total thickness, and the catalyst components used being silver and copper, with or without added copper/tin/phosphorus or silver alone. The etherified hydroxyaldehydes and hydroxyketones obtainable by the process of the invention are valuable starting materials for the preparation of dyes, pesticides, plastics and scents.

Abstract: 2-Nitrobenzofurans in which the furan ring is either fused to or substituted by a fused bicyclic system, which are active as antimicrobial agents, processes for their use and intermediates therefor are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the coupling of a Grignard reagent RMgX with an allylic halide in the presence of a dipolar aprotic solvent wherein the improvement, for obtaining improved yield and selectivity, comprises adding a catalyst to said Grignard or allylic halide and then carrying out the coupling reaction by the addition of the Grignard reagent to the allylic halide, said reaction being characterized by the displacement at the gamma position (relative to the halide) of the allylic halide with R of the Grignard reagent, migration of the allylic double bond in the direction of the halogen atom and loss of halogen. The present invention also resides in the discovery of certain novel procedures for the synthesis of Vitamin E. Specific embodiments of this aspect of the invention reside in the syntheses of 6,7-dehydrophytol, 10,11-dihydrofarnesene, phytone, hexahydropseudoionone, and related compounds as precursors for Vitamin E.