Abstract: Provided is a novel improved process for the preparation of .alpha.-D-cellobiose octaacetate via the acetylative degradation of cellulose or cellulose acetate. The title compound is provided in high yield and quality in a facile one-pot process, amenable to large-scale synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the preparation of phenylhydroquinone wherein hydroquinone is first alkylated with cyclohexene to produce cyclohexylhydroquinone which is then dehydrogenated to obtain phenylhydroquinone. The improvement comprises carrying out both the alkylation and dehydrogenation reactions in the presence of a solvent comprising diphenyl ether, biphenyl or a mixture thereof. The solvent possesses selective solubility for hydroquinone and cyclohexylhydroquinone which permits the separation of unreacted hydroquinone from the alkylation reaction product. The boiling point of the solvent also permits the dehydrogenation reaction to be performed at substantially atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A process for preparation of resorcinol bis(hydroxyethyl)ether by first contacting resorcinol with ethylene carbonate and an alkali metal carbonate and then adding a solution of water and an alkali metal hydroxide and then recovering the resorcinol bis(hydroxyethyl)ether by crystallization.