Abstract: Free flowing, substantially pure, non-hygroscopic, crystalline .beta.-D-gulopyranose is disclosed. This crystalline form of D-gulose is characterized by a sharp melting point of 130.degree.-132.degree. C., a specific optical rotation of -40.degree. and characteristic mutarotation. A method for preparation of crystalline .beta.-D-gulopyranose from D-gulose syrup is also disclosed. This method involves dilution of the D-gulose syrup, followed by initiation of crystallization, and isolation of .beta.-D-gulopyranose crystals. Crystalline .beta.-D-gulopyranose may be used as an excipient, a chelating agent, a pharmaceutical intermediate, a cleaning agent for glass and metals, a food additive, and as an additive for detergents.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the synthesis of D-tagatose by isomerizing a mixture containing D-galactose with a metal hydroxide in the presence of a catalyst at a relatively low temperature to form an intermediate metal hydroxide-D-tagatose complex, and then neutralizing the intermediate with acid to yield D-tagatose. The method is also suitable for the synthesis of L-tagatose from L-galactose, and for the recovery of pure tagatose from crude tagatose syrups. Whey, deproteinized whey, or lactose may be used as the raw material for the D-galactose. The lactose in such cases is hydrolyzed to D-galactose and D-glucose before the isomerization step.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the synthesis of D-tagatose by isomerizing a mixture containing D-galactose with a metal hydroxide in the presence of a catalyst at a relatively low temperature to form an intermediate metal hydroxide-D-tagatose complex, and then neutralizing the intermediate with acid to yield D-tagatose. The method is also suitable for the synthesis of L-tagatose from L-galactose, and for the recovery of pure tagatose from crude tagatose syrups. Whey, deproteinized whey, or lactose may be used as the raw material for the D-galactose. The lactose in such cases is hydrolyzed to D-galactose and D-glucose before the isomerization step.

Abstract: Insoluble complex oxidation catalysts comprising chromium salts bound on an insoluble polymer supports having pendant pyridine groups, that are useful in oxidation reactions such as Tetralin.RTM. to .alpha.-tetralone, ethylbenzene to acetophenone, and 2-methyl-5-ethylpyridine to 2-methyl-5-acetylpyridine. Also disclosed are processes for accomplishing such oxidations utilizing such catalysts.

Abstract: Insoluble complex oxidation catalysts comprising chromium salts bound on an insoluble polymer supports having pendant pyridine groups, that are useful in oxidation reactions such as Tetralino.RTM. to .alpha.-tetralone, ethylbenzene to acetophenone, and 2-methyl-5-ethylpyridine to 2-methyl-5-acetylpyridine. Also disclosed are processes for accomplishing such oxidations utilizing such catalysts.