Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the hydroxycarbonylation of pentenoic acids. By the process, one or a number of pentenoic acids are hydroxycarbonylated to adipic acid, by carbon monoxide and water, in the presence of a catalyst based on iridium and/or rhodium and of at least one iodinated promoter. The reaction mixture obtained is subjected to a refining operation, after having optionally been concentrated, making it possible to separate at least a part of the catalyst. The catalyst thus separated is recycled to an operation for the hydroxycarbonylation of pentenoic acids, of butadiene, or of butadiene derivatives.

Abstract: A method for obtaining substantially pure toluylene 2,6-diisocyanate from a mixture of the 2,4 and 2,6 isomers of toluylene diisocyanate, wherein at least one crystallizing-melting cycle is performed on the mixture of said isomers to separate out the toluylene 2,6 diisocyanate isomer. In an alternative embodiment, the mixture is contacted, prior to the crystallizing-melting cycle, with a compound or catalyst capable of converting part of the toluene 2,4-diisocyanate isomer therein, and the reacted 2,4 isomer is separated. Said method is advantageous in that usable by-products are produced.

Abstract: A method of partially or totally separating chlorinated aliphatic C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 hydrocarbons from mixtures of at least two of the chlorinated hydrocarbons by extractive distillation.The mixture of the chlorinated hydrocarbons is distilled in the presence of one or more third organic compounds having a boiling point higher than that of the substances to be separated, selected from the group comprising methyl, ethyl, normal propyl and isopropyl mono and di-chloroacetates; benzyl alcohol; salicylaldehyde, benzaldehyde, n-heptanal, methylisobutylketone, tetramethylurea, .gamma.-butyrolactone; normal propyl, isopropyl, normal, secondary and tertiary butyl acetylacetates; diethyl oxalate, dimethyl succinate and preferably methyl and ethyl acetylacetates; acetic anhydride, N-formyl-morpholine, 2-chloro ethanol, hexamethylphosphotriamide, dimethyl sulphate and normal tributyl and triisobutyl phosphates.