Abstract: Disclosed is the novel compound 4,4'-diphenylether-dialdehyde-bis-dimethylacetyl of the formula ##STR1## and a process for its preparation from di-p-tolyl ether ##STR2## by anodic oxidation of the latter in the presence of methanol and of a supporting electrolyte. The anode material used in this reaction is preferably platinum, lead dioxide, graphite or vitreous carbon, and the cathode material used is preferably steel, nickel, or graphite. The supporting electrolyte used is preferably NaOCH.sub.3, KOH, KPF.sub.6, CsF, NaBF.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, tetraethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 or CH.sub.3 OSO.sub.3 H, individually or as a mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for catalytic hydrogenolysis of p-substituted benzaldehyde-dialkyl-acetals of the general formula ##STR1## in which R is an alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted aralkyl group, by means of a catalyst system composed of cobalt carbonyl and at least one nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound, such as pyridine, pyrrole, pyrrolidone or piperidine and a hydrogen/carbon monoxide mixture to give the corresponding p-substituted benzyl alkyl ether derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed is the novel compound 4,4'-diphenylether-dialdehyde-bis-dimethylacetyl of the formula ##STR1## and a process for its preparation from di-p-tolyl ether ##STR2## by anodic oxidation of the latter in the presence of methanol and of a supporting electrolyte. The anode material used in this reaction is preferably platinum, lead dioxide, graphite or vitreous carbon, and the cathode material used is preferably steel, nickel, or graphite. The supporting electrolyte used is preferably NaOCH.sub.3, KOH, KPF.sub.6, CsF, NaBF.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, tetraethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 or CH.sub.3 OSO.sub.3 H, individually or as a mixture.