Abstract: A process for the preparation of substituted acetic acids and derivatives thereof, having the formula ##STR1## wherein X is --COOH, --COOY or --CN,Y is --CH.sub.3 or --C.sub.2 H.sub.5,R.sub.1 is a saturated, branched or unbranched aliphatic radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a phenyl radical, or a phenyl radical substituted by alkyl or alkoxy groups, andR.sub.2 is hydrogen or a saturated, branched or unbranched aliphatic radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a phenyl radical, or a phenyl radical substituted by alkyl or alkoxy groups,wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be the same or different which process comprises converting the corresponding malonic or cyanoacetic ester of the formula ##STR2## wherein Z is --COOY or --CN, andY, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identified as above at elevated temperature in the presence of a catalyst, e.g., a catalyst containing from about 50 to 75 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and from 15 to 19 weight percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of Benzaldehydes substituted in the nucleus is disclosed by oxidation of the corresponding benzyl halides. The process is performed in the presence of water using aminoxides of tertiary amines.

Abstract: There is described an essentially two step process for the preparation of benzylalcohols including those benzylalcohols having substituents on the benzyene ring by reaction of a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl halide with a formate typically an alkali or alkaline earth metal formate to form the corresponding substituted or unsubstituted benzyl formate. In the second step of the process the benzyl formate is contacted with an alcohol whereby the same is converted into the desired benzylalcohol. Both steps can be performed employing catalysts. Described in the specification is the realization of the desired product in exceptionally high yields in a short period of time whereby the process is characterized by high space-time yields.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a terephthalic, isophthalic or phthalic dialdehyde is described by dehydrogenation of the corresponding xylylene glycol in the vapor phase at 250.degree. to 500.degree. C. The process is carried out in the presence of oxygen, water vapor and a dehydrogenation catalyst, suitably a silver dehydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for preparing an orthoacetic acid alkyl ester of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is a saturated, branched or un-branched, alkyl moiety of 1 to 8 carbon atoms by:(a) contacting acetonitrile with an anhydrous alkanol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and dry hydrogen chloride in the presence of an organic solvent to prepare the corresponding imidoester hydrochloride;(b) thereafter contacting said imidoester hydrochloride in the acid-free state with an alkanol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and(c) removing by-product ammonium chloride from the resultant reaction mixture and distilling the reaction mixture to recover orthoacetic acid alkyl ester, the improvement residing in(d) employing as the organic solvent an inert solvent having a dielectric constant measured at 25.degree. C. of 2.6 or less; and(e) contacting said imidoester hydrochloride in step (b) with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal alcoholate before contacting the same with said alkanol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an aminoacetaldehyde acetal of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is a saturated branched or unbranched alkyl radical of 1 to 4 carbon atommsBy contacting a dialkoxyacetonitrile of the formula ##STR2## wherein R has the same meaning with hydrogen at an elevated pressure and at a temperature of 50-180.degree. C., preferably in the presence of a catalyst and preferably in the presence of ammonia.

Abstract: 3-METHYL PYRIDINE IS PRODUCED BY CATALYTIC, E.G. PALLADIUM, DEHYDROGENATION OF 2-METHYL-1,5-DIAMINOPENTANE OR A MIXTURE THEREOF WITH 3-METHYL PIPERIDINE, AT 200.degree.-400.degree. C.