Abstract: A process for production of sorbitol from 50-98.5 DE hydrolyzed starch solution by hydrogenation over a nickel catalyst at a pH of from 3.0 to 7.0, 120.degree. to 160.degree. C. and 500 to 2000 psig (35 to 140 Bars) until the reducing sugar value is below 5 percent; removal of nickel catalyst, acidification to pH 1.0 to 2.5 and hydrogenation of the acidified solution over a ruthenium catalyst, 100.degree. to 180.degree. C. and 500 to 2000 psig, until hydrogen uptake is substantially complete, and removal of the ruthenium catalyst.

Abstract: Phenanthridines and phenanthridinones of the formulae ##SPC1##And the pharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salts thereof wherein X is chloro, bromo, hydroxy, alkoxy having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino, dialkylamino wherein each of the alkyl groups has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and benzylamino; R is hydrogen, alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, --A--NR.sub.1 R.sub.2 wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and A is a divalent alkylene radical having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms; and each of Y and Z is hydrogen, and .omega.-dialkylaminoalkoxy wherein the alkyl and alkoxy groups have from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, respectively; with the proviso that when R is hydrogen or alkyl, each of Y and Z is dialkylaminoalkoxy; useful as antiviral agents and/or interferon inducers and methods for their preparation.