Abstract: An acidic aqueous medium for contacting and purifying a gas-phase stream by oxidation of a contaminant contained therein. The medium comprises an aqueous medium which contains redox-effective quantities of (1) silver(I) oxidation catalyst, (2) hydrogen peroxide oxidant, (3) silver metal-reoxidation co-catalyst ingredient which forms a cyclic complex with the hydrogen peroxide oxidant, and (4) oxidation-resistant acid. The acidic aqueous medium provides an integrated functionality of components (1) through (4) for the efficient cascade oxidation of a contaminant containing gas stream, and the continuous regeneration of the reduced silver metal catalyst back to the silver(I) oxidation state.

Abstract: A main aspect of this invention is the provision of a liquid medium for scrubbing contaminants from an environmental gas-phase. Toxic chemicals such as phosphine and arsine are removed from a gas-phase stream by contacting the gas-phase stream with an aqueous medium which oxidizes the contaminants to water-soluble or water-dispersible type derivatives. The aqueous medium has a content of redox ingredients illustrated by compounds such as silver nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, sodium tungstate, and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A paint stripping composition comprising a mixture of the monobutyl ether of ethylene glycol and isopropanol and a method of using the same is disclosed. This combination of components allows for the removal of paint from various substrates and is particularly effective in removing paint from a plastic surface, such as those that make up scale models, without degrading or weakening the plastic.

Abstract: This invention provides smoking compositions which contain a novel .beta.-hydroxycarboxylate flavorant-release additive. Under cigarette smoking conditions, a combustible filler and/or paper wrapper additive such as calcium bis(2,2-diethyl-3-hydroxy-4-phenylmethylenedecanoate) pyrolyzes and releases .alpha.-hexylcinnamaldehyde as a volatile flavorant component of the cigarette smoke.

Abstract: This invention provides novel organic acids which exhibit utility as liquid ion exchanges suitable for use in an invention solvent extraction process. Illustrative of an invention organic acid is a compound corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## where each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is a C.sub.3 -C.sub.16 branched alkyl group.

Abstract: This invention provides novel sclaral alkyl ether compounds, and smoking compositions which contain a sclaral alkyl ether compound as a flavorant additive. ##STR1## Under cigarette smoking conditions the sclaral ether is a volatile component which enhances the flavor of the mainstream smoke and the aroma of sidestream smoke.