Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making lactide from aqueous lactic acid. The invention method comprises converting feed aqueous lactic acid to its vapor phase. The feed vapors then are passed through a reactor maintained at elevated temperature and in which optionally is disposed an alumina catalyst. Withdrawn from the reactor is product lactide, water, and unreacted lactic acid which are subjected to separation for recovery of the lactide product. The separated unreacted lactic acid is eligible for readmission to the process for making additional lactide. This cyclic process embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of passing make-up aqueous lactic acid feed into a vaporization zone along with unreacted aqueous lactic acid filtrate from another step of the process and therein forming aqueous lactic acid feed vapors. The thus-generated vapors that are passed through a vapor phase reaction zone held at elevated temperature for forming lactide therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing cyclic esters by the conversion of hydroxy carboxylic acids and their derivatives to their respective cyclic esters. Such cyclic esters, including lactide or glycolide, are particularly useful for producing polymers which can be used to make biodegradable materials, such as biodegradable packaging material. Various methods of cyclic ester production are disclosed, including liquid phase and vapor phase reactions. Also disclosed are various methods for recovering cyclic esters from product-containing streams.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel efficient method for the preparation of a polyarylene sulfide or, typically, polyphenylene sulfide by the reaction of an alkali metal sulfide, e.g. Na.sub.2 S, and a polyhalogenated aromatic compound, e.g. 1,4-dichlorobenzene. The improvement in the inventive method comprises performing the reaction in a heterogeneous reaction mixture comprising water and a polyethyleneglycol having a relatively high molecular weight, namely an average molecular weight of from 2,000 to 20,000, and not freely miscible with water. The product polymer is outstandingly free from salt impurities, e.g. sodium chloride, as a byproduct of the reaction. When a low molecular polyethyleneglycol is added to the reaction mixture in combination with the above mentioned high molecular polyethyleneglycol, a remarkable catalytic effect is obtained to accelerate the reaction and increase the yield of the desired polymer product.

Abstract: A method of inactivating enveloped virus comprises contacting said virus with a virucidally effective amount of a C.sub.20-24 linear polyunsaturated acid, aldehyde or primary alcohol having 5-7 double bonds, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said acid, or a mixture thereof. Topical administration of the virucide is preferred and is effective in treating lesions associated with herpes infections. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the present method are provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a psychotropic response, especially for alleviating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, comprises administering to a human or animal subject in need thereof a psychotropically effective non-toxic amount of an oxyoctadecanoate. A composition for use in the present method is provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a psychotropic response, especially for alleviating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, comprises administering to a human or animal subject in need thereof a psychotropically effective non-toxic amount of sesamin. A composition for use in the present method is provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a psychotropic response, especially for alleviating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, comprises administering to a human or animal subject in need thereof a psychotropically effective non-toxic amount of an azelaaldehydate. A composition for use in the present method is provided.