Abstract: A process for the heterogeneous exothermic synthesis of formaldehyde, in particular in a reactor of the type comprising a plurality of adiabatic catalytic beds connected in series, provides the step of feeding to the reactor the methanol necessary for the synthesis distributed in at least two portions, each fed to respective distinct catalytic beds.

Abstract: A process for the heterogeneous exothermic synthesis of formaldehyde, in particular in reactors of the type comprising a plurality of adiabatic catalytic beds connected in series, provides the step of flowing the gaseous reagents across at least one of the catalytic beds with substantially radial flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for the electrolysis of solutions. The apparatus comprises bipolar elements formed of a conductive plate peripherally surrounded by an insulating frame provided with feeding and discharging channels along peripheral zones of the frame. A cavity is formed with the conductive plate as the bottom and the frame as wall. Separating elements can be inserted between the bipolar elements. The separating elements consist of a porous diaphragm and an insulating frame also having feeding and discharging channels. Electrodic structures, consisting of cut and expanded metal sheets, nets or other material having high internal porosity may fill up the remaining space between two lateral bipolar elements and a central separating element.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of alkyl isocyanates comprising reacting COX.sub.2 and an alkyl amine hydrohalide of the formulaR-NH.sub.2.HX Iwherein R is alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms and X is a halogen either under pressure in an inert organic solvent or under atmospheric pressure in a high boiling organic solvent to form the corresponding alkyl carbamoyl halide, reacting the latter in an organic solvent with an urea of the formula ##STR1## wherein X' is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur, R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 are individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 4 to 6 carbon atoms and phenyl and R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 are individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms, cycyloalkyl of 4 to 6 carbon atoms and phenyl to obtain the corresponding alkyl isocyanate.

Abstract: A horizontal diaphragmless bipolar electrolyzer comprising a horizontal housing made of electrically insulated material, an anodic or (cathodic) plate at one end of the housing provided with a plurality of blade shaped electrodes vertically arranged along the housing axis, a cathodic (or anodic) plate at the opposite end of the housing provided with a plurality of blade shaped electrodes vertically arranged along the housing axis, at least one bipolar electrode element with blade shaped anodes and cathodes vertically arranged on opposite sides thereof on the housing axis to interleaf with the electrodes of the next unit, means for introducing fresh electrolyte at one end of the housing, means for removing treated electrolyte at the opposite end, a space above the electrode assembly for gas disengagement and removal, a space below the electrode assembly for solid particles collection and means for impressing an electrolysis current thereon.

Abstract: Production of monochloroacetic acid with a minimum of polychlorinated derivatives in a two stage process by reaction of acetic anhydride and hydrogen chloride at a low temperature to produce a solution of acetyl chloride in acetic acid and chlorinating the said solution at a higher temperature which may be effected in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A novel method of reducing metal impurities in aqueous alkali metal halide solutions, especially alkaline earth metal ions, and to novel organic solvent compositions having a synergistic activity for removal of metal impruties from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of alicyclic anhydrides, useful intermediates in the preparation of alicyclic ketenes which can be converted into lactams. The instant method comprises heat-treating an alicyclic acid in a metallic reactor, free of nickel, under subatmospheric pressure. A catalyst, such as an alkyl ester of selenphosphoric acid, has given good results.