Abstract: An article is provided for stabilizing a stack of gaming chips which includes: a circular base having a top surface, a bottom surface and a circumferential skirt joining the top and bottom surfaces, the skirt having a width ranging from 0.25 to 1.2 cm, the base having a diameter ranging from 2.5 to 5 cm; and a sculpture attached to the top surface of the base, the sculpture and base together ranging in height from 2 to 8 cm; the article having a weight of from 30 to 150 grams.

Abstract: A process of preparing N-substituted aldonamides, the process including the steps of mixing and reacting an aldonolactone and an amine in an organic polar solvent, in the presence of an antioxidant and a reducing agent. The aldonamides have improved color; the discoloration or browning of the aldonamides upon storage or elevated temperature processing is eliminated or substantially minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to personal product compositions which comprise aldobionamide (i.e. amide of an aldobionic acid or aldobionalactone) as a surfactant in the compositions. The aldobionamide compounds are based on compounds comprising two or more saccharide units. It is believed that such compounds pack less closely, are more water soluble than linear saccharides and thereby allow stable compositions to form more readily.

Abstract: Oral hygiene antiplaque compositions which include as an active ingredient an amino sugar containing a sugar moiety recognized by lectins on oral bacteria (e.g., .beta.-D-galactose, .beta.-D-N-acetyl galactosamine, L-rhamnose and .beta.-D-fucose) and in which nitrogen is linked to carbon number 1. The amino sugars singly or in combination with each other provide enhanced inhibition of bacterial aggregation, surfactancy, and antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: A process of preparing aldobionamides and N-substituted aldobionamides which includes the steps of recovering a by-product of the process (an ammonium salt of an aldobionic acid) and converting it into at least one starting material. Aldobiono-1,5-lactone is reacted with a primary or secondary amine and the resulting solution containing the by-product of the reaction is passed through an anionic exchange column to obtain the eluate containing the starting amine and some aldobionamide. The eluate may be recycled as part of the starting material mixture. Alternatively, the amine and the aldobionamide may be recovered from the eluate, and the amine alone may be recycled. Aldobionate anion is retained on the column and may be converted into the salt of an aldobionic acid and then into the aldobionic acid.

Abstract: A class of malonates having the structures: ##STR1## has been identified as providing effective bleach precursors. These precursors are employed in conjunction with a peroxygen compound.

Abstract: Dentifrice compositions including specific aldobionamides having a .beta.-galactosidic linkage e.g., lactobionamides, which act as antimicrobial agents and/or inhibitors of bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: Improved process for preparing chelidonic acid is disclosed.

Abstract: A process of preparing aldonamides and N-substituted aldonamides which includes the steps of recovering a by-product of the process (an ammonium salt of an aldonic acid) and converting it into at least one starting material. Aldonolactone is reacted with a primary or secondary amine and the resulting solution containing the by-product of the reaction is treated with a solid base to obtain a solid aldonate salt and a second solution containing the starting amine and some aldonamide. The second solution may be recycled as part of the starting material mixture. Alternatively, the amine and the aldonamide may be recovered from the second solution, and the amine alone may be recycled. The solid salt of aldonic acid may be converted into aldonic acid, which in turn may be converted into aldonolactone. The obtained aldono-1,5-lactone may also be utilized as a starting ingredient in the synthesis according to the present invention.

Abstract: A novel multifunctional bleach/builder precursor molecule is disclosed which is useful in various detergent compositions.