Abstract: A catalyst for the hydrogenation of unsaturated aliphatic compounds having a content of 20-70% w/w of nickel oxide, 25-45% w/w of zirconium oxide and 5-40% w/w of copper oxide, based on the oxidic, unreduced catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of saturated alcohols by catalytic hydrogenation of acetylenic alcohols at a temperature of from 50.degree. to 200.degree. C. and under a pressure of from 30 to 320 bar, wherein the catalyst used has a content of from 20 to 75% of nickel oxide, from 10 to 75% of zirconium dioxide and from 5 to 50% of copper oxide, by weight of the oxidic, unreduced catalyst.

Abstract: The manufacture of N-disubstituted 1-aminoalk-2-yn-4-ols by reacting a secondary amine, e.g. a dialkylamine, formaldehyde and an acetylene-alcohol by a Mannich reaction, using a copper catalyst, takes place with better yield and at a higher rate if carried out in the presence of iodine or of a bromide or iodide.

Abstract: The novel compounds .omega.-N-disubstituted aminoalkanoic acid N'-amides of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are identical or different and denote branched-chain or straight-chain alkyl radicals of from 7 to 20 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 may also denote a preferably mononuclear aralkyl or aryl radical and n denotes an integer of from 3 to 5, the total number of carbon atoms in the radicals R.sup.1 to R.sup.2 and in R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 being at least 16, are added in small quantities to gasoline and effect cleaning of the carburetor and obviate the formation of deposits on the valves.

Abstract: The manufacture of N-disubstituted 1-aminoalk-2-yn-4-ols by reacting a secondary amine, e.g. a dialkylamine, formaldehyde and an acetylene-alcohol by a Mannich reaction, using a copper catalyst, takes place with better yield and at a higher rate if carried out in the presence of iodine or of a bromide or iodide.

Abstract: A palladium catalyst for the maufacture of butene-2-diol-1,4 from technical butynediol obtained by reacting acetylene and formaldehyde by the Reppe method in contact with copper catalysts and not specially purified contains (in addition to palladium) both zinc and cadmium, or either zinc or cadmium together with bismuth or tellurium.