Abstract: There is described a new process for the preparation of optically active 2-(2',2'-dihalogenovinyl)-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acids substituted in the 3 position, and derivatives thereof. A racemate of certain cyclobutanones is reacted with a sulfurous acid salt of an optically active base to obtain a mixture of diastereomeric 4-2-(2',2',2'-trihalogenoethyl)-cyclobutane-1-sulfonic acid salts; this mixture is then separated into the pure diastereomeric sulfonic acid salts. Either the pure diastereomeric sulfonic acid salts are converted directly to the desired optically active products, or the optically active cyclobutanones obtained from the pure diastereomeric sulfonic acids salts by decomposition is converted, in the presence of a base to the desired product. Optionally, the product, optically active 2-(2',2'-dihalogenovinyl)-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acids can be converted to their 1',2'-dibromo derivatives.

Abstract: Novel odorants, having the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents sec. butyl, tert. butyl or cyclohexyl. A process for preparing the novel odorants from novel intermediates and fragrance compositions containing the odorants are also taught.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of dimethyl butanedicarboxylates, wherein(a) butadiene or a hydrocarbon mixture containing butadiene is reacted with carbon monoxide and methanol in the presence of a tertiary nitrogen base and a cobalt carbonyl catalyst at from 80.degree. to 150.degree. C. under superatmospheric pressure,(b) the greater part of the tertiary nitrogen base and any excess hydrocarbons are removed and(c) the methyl pentenoate thus obtained is reacted with carbon monoxide and methanol, in the presence of a cobalt carbonyl catalyst and the residual amount of tertiary nitrogen base, at from 140.degree. to 200.degree. C. under superatmospheric pressure, to give the dimethyl butanedicarboxylate, the improvement that the reaction mixture obtained in stage (a) after reaction of the butadiene is cooled until it separates into two phases, and a part-stream of from 20 to 80% by volume of the lower phase is recycled to stage (a).

Abstract: In the preparation of glycol esters by the liquid phase reaction of an olefin, molecular oxygen, and a carboxylic acid in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a variable valent cation in association with bromine, chlorine, a bromine-containing compound or a chlorine-containing compound, improved reaction rate and product selectively are achieved by carrying out the reaction in a vertical reaction zone communicating with at least one zone for movement of liquid from the top of the vertical reaction zone to the bottom of said reaction zone, and providing gaseous and liquid feeds in predetermined relationships and providing predetermined vertical superficial liquid velocities.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## in which A is a methylene group, sulphur or a disulphide bridge, R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R.sub.1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R.sub.2 is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, or an alkoxy group, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts have a valuable hypocholesterolemia-inducing activity.

Abstract: Monoolefins and diolefins are converted to corresponding esters in a process by contacting together at least one monoolefin, diolefin or mixture thereof, oxygen, at least one iodosoaryl dicarboxylate and at least one carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid anhydride or mixture thereof.

Abstract: Aryl substituted tertiary carbinols, useful as anti-viral agents and insecticides, are prepared by reacting the Grignard reagent derived from an arylalkyl or arylalkenyl iodide with a dialkyl ketone or an alkyl alkenyl ketone; or by reacting an arylalkyl or arylalkenyl ketone with an alkyl- or alkenylmagnesium halide. Corresponding cyclic tertiary carbinols are also prepared via intermediate cyclic ketones.