Abstract: Process for the preparation of: ##STR1## by oxidative decarboxylation of an allyl .beta.-ketoester: ##STR2## in an organic solvent, in the presence of a palladium-based catalyst. The organic solvent selected from an amide, a nitrile, or a dinitrile.

Abstract: Terpene peroxides of formula: ##STR1## in which R denotes a tertiary alkyl radical substituted, if desired, by one or more phenyl radicals, a cycloalkyl radical or a trialkylsilyl radical, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which are identical or different, each denote hydrogen or an aliphatic radical optionally containing one or more double or triple bonds and optionally substituted, and R.sub.4 denotes an aliphatic radical optionally containing one or more double or triple bonds and optionally substituted or R.sub.3 denotes hydrogen and R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 together form an alkylene radical which may be substituted by one or more methyl radicals, are obtained by reaction of a hydroperoxide of formula R--OOH with a compound of formula: ##STR2## the operation being carried out in a basic aprotic solvent.

Abstract: Unsaturated alcohols are prepared by hydrogenation of the corresponding unsaturated carbonyl compounds in a homogeneous medium and in the presence of a ruthenium-based catalyst.

Abstract: A charcoal manufacturing device includes at least two bottomless furnaces of which, in operation, at least one is in a carbonization phase and at least one other is charged with wet wood to be dried. An incinerator is provided for burning the gas produced during the carbonization phase, connected to the at least one furnace. A first hot gas diluter is connected to this incinerator and an extractor is connected to the first diluter. An optional washing device is connected to the extractor. Hot gas produced by the at least one furnace during the carbonization phase is drawn off upstream of the extractor and conveyed to the at least one other furnace by a system that includes a second hot gas diluter. This second diluter renders the temperature of the hot gas compatible with the wet wood to be dried.

Abstract: Unsaturated alcohols are prepared by the hydrogenation of an unsaturated carbonyl compound in a two-phase liquid medium and in the presence of a catalyst consisting of a ruthenium derivative associated with a water-soluble ligand or a complex of ruthenium with a water-soluble ligand.

Abstract: Vitamin A containing practically no 2-cis or 6-cis isomer is prepared by hydrogenation of the aldehyde of vitamin A, optionally in the form of a complex with hydroquinone, in the presence of a ruthenium hydride catalyst.

Abstract: The nuclear fuel element according to the invention comprises a can, which is sealed at its ends by plugs, whereof a cylindrical portion is force fitted into the can. The internal diameter of the can can vary between a maximum diameter and a minimum diameter, the diameter of the cylindrical portion being equal to said minimum diameter. Three serrations machined on the cylindrical portion form beads, whose thickness is equal to half the difference between the maximum diameter and the minimum diameter of the can.

Abstract: A calibrating distributor of cylindrical members incorporating a cylindrical member supply station, a drum for transferring the members between the supply and a distribution station, the drum having equidistant cavities, each of which receive one of the members, a calibrating plate to transfer the cylindrical members having a diameter exceeding a maximum permitted diameter between the distribution station and an ejection station, the plate having equidistant calibrated holes, which are at least partly frustum-shaped, whose smallest diameter is equal to the maximum permitted diameter, a drive for the stepwise rotation of the transfer drum and the calibrating plate, and a pusher for forcing the cylindrical members contained in the cavities into and through calibrated holes whereby the members having a diameter exceeding the maximum permitted diameter remain jammed in the holes and are ejected at the ejection station.