Abstract: Frozen crystal layers are purified by a process in which these crystal layers, after they have been frozen out from a melt or solution on a cooling surface, are brought into contact with a purifying liquid and thus purified over their entire thickness, after which the said layers are separated from the purifying liquid and then melted, wherein the temperature of the crystal layers and of the purifying liquid is close to the melting point or solubility temperature, mass transfer at the phase boundary is intensified by forced convection, and this purification is carried out in the course of from 1 to 60 minutes on layers having a thickness of from 0.2 to 10 mm.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of acicular ferromagnetic metal particles, consisting essentially of iron, by reducing acicular iron oxides and/or iron oxide hydroxides, which are either pure or are modified with conventional foreign metal ions, by means of a gaseous reducing agent in a fluidized bed furnace in which a stirrer is provided immediately above the fluidizing grid.

Abstract: A process for the continuous preparation of isatoic anhydrides by two-stage reaction of an alkali metal phthalamate and/or alkali metal phthalimidate with an alkali metal hypohalite, the first stage being carried out substantially adiabatically and both stages being carried out at high flow rates, wherein phthalimide and/or phthalamic acid is first dissolved in a certain amount of an alkali metal hydroxide solution, the resulting solution is mixed with a hypohalite and reacted at a particular temperature, acid is then added and the reaction is completed at a particular temperature. The compounds obtainable by the process of the invention are valuable starting materials for the preparation of dyes, crop protection agents and scents.

Abstract: A process for separating toluene diisocyanate and/or higher boiling solvents from distillation residues obtained from the phosgenation of toluene diamine in the presence of solvents wherein the separation takes place in a fluidized bed at temperatures of 140.degree. C. to 280.degree. C.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of sodium dithionite by reacting sulfur dioxide with sodium formate and aqueous sodium hydroxide solution in the presence of methanol, an aqueous methanolic solution of sodium formate is first produced by reacting carbon monoxide with sodium hydroxide solution in an aqueous medium, containing from 1 to 50% by weight of methanol, based on the amount of water, at from 80 to 120.degree. C. under a pressure of from 10 to 40 bars. The resulting aqueous methanolic solution can be reacted directly, in the conventional manner, with sulfur dioxide and aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to give sodium dithionite.

Abstract: Butenediol diacetate is manufactured by reaction of butadiene, oxygen and acetic acid over a palladium or platinum catalyst, only liquid, and no gases, being present in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofuran is prepared from a compound containing butanediol or capable of generating butanediol. The butanediol-donating compound is an ester of butanediol which is reacted with hydrolysis and etherification by passing it downwardly through a distillation column together with an acid catalyst and passing steam upwardly therethrough. The product which distills off is tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: Continuous manufacture of phthalimide by reaction of phthalic anhydride with ammonia and washing the offgas with a melt containing phthalimide. The product is a starting material for the manufacture of dyes, pesticides and pigments, especially copper phthalocyanines.