Abstract: The process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds of the formula I where R1 and R2 are a hydrocarbon radical, or R1 and R2 together are an unsubstituted or substituted alkylene group, and X is ═O or two alkoxy groups, comprises oxidizing alcohols of the formula II  where R1 to R2 and X are as defined above, with oxygen in the gaseous phase a) at temperatures of from 270 to 600° C. on silver coated catalysts which comprise an abrasion-resistant coating of metallic silver on a core of inert support material, or b) at temperatures of from 450 to 750° C. on silver crystals and/or copper crystals having a particle size of from 0.1 to 2.5 mm for a residence time of at most 0.1 second. Also claimed is an advantageous overall process for the preparation of &agr;-diketones, preferably diacetal, from the corresponding ketone, in particular methyl ethyl ketone, via the carbonyl compounds of the formula I where X is two alkoxy groups.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions which have improved hygroscopicity and corrosion characteristics. The novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions of the invention can be readily prepared from technical mepiquat chlorid inter alia by electrochemical ion exchange processes or by quaternization of N-methylpiperidine with dimethylcarbonate as starting material.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions which have improved hygroscopicity and corrosion characteristics. The novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions of the invention can be readily prepared from technical mepiquat chlorid inter alia by electrochemical ion exchange processes or by quaternization of N-methylpiperidine with dimethylcarbonate as starting material.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds of the formula I where R1 and R2 are a hydrocarbon radical, or R1 and R2 together are an unsubstituted or substituted alkylene group, and X is=O or two alkoxy groups, comprises oxidizing alcohols of the formula II where R1 to R2 and X are as defined above, with oxygen in the gaseous phase a) at temperatures of from 270 to 600° C. on silver coated catalysts which comprise an abrasion-resistant coating of metallic silver on a core of inert support material, or b) at temperatures of from 450 to 750° C. on silver crystals and/or copper crystals having a particle size of from 0.1 to 2.5 mm for a residence time of at most 0.1 second. Also claimed is an advantageous overall process for the preparation of &agr;-diketones, preferably diacetal, from the corresponding ketone, in particular methyl ethyl ketone, via the carbonyl compounds of the formula I where X is two alkoxy groups.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions which have improved hygroscopicity and corrosion characteristics. The novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions of the invention can be readily prepared from technical mepiquat chlorid inter alia by electrochemical ion exchange processes or by quaternization of N-methylpiperidine with dimethylcarbonate as starting material.