Abstract: A solid lubricant comprising a substantially amorphous carbon micro-sphere selected from carbon micro-beads and carbon micro-balloons having a particle size of 0.1 to 1,000.mu. and a specific gravity of the particle of 0.2 to 2.0, which has excellent low frictional coefficient and wearing resistance.

Abstract: A method for separating m- or p-cresol from a mixture of m- and p-cresols having a composition outside the two compositions which give respectively the eutectic points, characterized by subjecting the mixture to a crystallization treatment under a pressure of not less than about 300atmospheres.

Abstract: Phenols such as phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, xylenols, ethylphenol, propylphenol, and butylphenol are selectively methylated in ortho-position with methanol in the vapour phase at an elevated temperature, for example, 300.degree. to 500.degree.C, under a pressure of 0.5 to 20 atmospheres absolute at a space velocity of 100 to 2000 hr.sup..sup.-1 in the presence of a three-component catalyst consisting of cerium oxide, magnesium oxide and germanium oxide, or a four-component catalyst consisting of cerium oxide, magnesium oxide, germanium oxide and tin oxide.

Abstract: A process for producing trimethyl-p-benzoquinone by halogenating 2,3,5- or 2,3,6-trimethylphenol and oxidizing the resulting 2,3,5- or 2,3,6-trimethyl-4-halogenophenol, is disclosed. The resulting compound can readily be converted to trimethylhydroquinone useful as a starting material for producing vitamin E.