Abstract: Polymeric, unquaternized or quaternized condensates which contain piperazine rings bonded via chain members are used as conditioners for the pretreatment of nonmetallic surfaces of moldings before their activation for subsequent chemical metallization. This procedure gives particularly uniform and well adhering metal coatings.

Abstract: Copper is chemically deposited from alkaline aqueous baths containing polyacetal complexing agents obtainable by reacting(a) dialdehydes of the formula ##STR1## and n is 0 or 1, with (b) polyolcarboxylic acids which contain 2 or more OH groups and have from 4 to 7 carbon atoms in a molar ratio of (a):(b) of from 1:0.5 to 1:3.

Abstract: Certain quaternary salts of di- and/or tri-(alkanol)-amines, which salts are soluble in the aqueous bath employed, are used as conditioners for pretreating nonmetallic surfaces of moldings prior to their activation for subsequent chemical metallization.Outstandingly uniform and strongly adhering metal coatings are obtained in this manner.

Abstract: An acidic nickel electroplating bath containing brighteners and levelling agents, wherein the levelling agents are compounds of the formula I ##STR1## where N is a hetero-aromatic nitrogen base, R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen or alkyl, R.sup.3 is arylene, X is SO.sub.3.sup.-, Y is a neutralizing cation, n is from 1 to 3 and m is from 1 to 2.5.

Abstract: A zinc electroplating bath which contains polyalkylenepolyamines which possess alkyl and sulfoalkyl groups.

Abstract: An aqueous cyanide-free alkaline zinc bath for electroplating metallic surfaces with mirror-bright zinc coatings, which bath contains zinc ions, alkali metal hydroxides and, as the brightener, a polyalkylenepolyamine which is at least partially alkylated, with alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, at the basic nitrogens.

Abstract: Alkali metal salts of arabonic acid are manufactured by oxidizing D-hexoses in the presence of alkali metal compounds under specific conditions in respect of temperature, pressure, reaction time, sequence of addition of the individual reactants and mixing.The alkali metal salts of arabonic acid which may be manufactured by the process of the invention are valuable starting materials for the manufacture of vitamins, electro-coating assistants, crop protection agents and metal complexing agents.

Abstract: The new 1-monochloro- and 1,1-dichloro-prop-2,3-ene-3-sulfonic acids and their metal salts, and a process for their manufacture by reacting chloropropanesulfonic acid compounds with alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates and/or alkaline earth metal hydroxides at from 5.degree. to 100.degree. C to give 1-chloro-prop-2,3-ene-3-sulfonates which may then be reacted with acid compounds in a second step.The products are starting materials for the manufacture of pesticides, plasticizers, solvents, leather greases, detergents, lubricating oils, synthetic resins and slip agents. They are also assistants in electroplating processes and starting materials for the manufacture of such assistants.