Abstract: A method of sterilisation, decontamination and/or sanitation of an enclosed environment, the method comprising the steps of measuring the temperature of an enclosed environment to be treated; calculating the relative humidity required to provide a desired partial pressure at the measured temperature, the actual desired partial pressure required being based on a predetermined optimum partial pressure at a base temperature corresponding to an optimum operating temperature for that environment; introducing a predetermined quantity of water to the environment to provide the calculated relative humidity for the measured temperature; discharging ozone into the humidified environment; maintaining the ozone level at a concentration that will achieve the required degree of decontamination, sterilisation and/or sanitation of the humid environment; and reducing the ozone level to an acceptable safe exposure level.

Abstract: Process for the dimerization of ACN to substantially linear C.sub.6 dimers using organic phosphinites or phosphonites as catalyst, in the presence of a proton-donating solvent and optionally a hydrocarbon co-solvent, the ACN and solvent(s) being dry and at least one of the solvents having a boiling point higher than ACN and being capable of rapid phase separation with respect to the dimeric products. Enables the unreacted ACN to be removed by distillation and the solvent(s) and product to be readily separated. Preferably the catalyst partitions in favor of the solvent phase.

Abstract: Catalyst composition for the dimerisation of acrylonitrile comprising an organo-phosphorus compound of formula ##STR1## bonded to a matrix of an inorganic oxide having surface --OH groups, especially of silica or alumina. Groups R and Y are hydrocarbyl. The catalyst compositions are prepared by heating the matrix with an appropriate phosphorus compound having group(s) X which react with --OH groups with the elimination of HX. The invention also relates to a process for the dimerisation of acrylonitrile. Main products are 1,4-dicyanobutene-1 and 2-methylene glutaronitrile.

Abstract: Catalyst composition for the dimerization of acrylonitrile comprising an organo-phosphorus compound of formula ##STR1## bonded to a matrix of an inorganic oxide having surface --OH groups, especially of silica or alumina. Groups R and Y are hydrocarbyl. The catalyst compositions are prepared by heating the matrix with an appropriate phosphorus compound having group(s) X which react with --OH groups with the elimination of HX. The invention also relates to a process for the dimerization of acrylonitrile. Main products are 1,4-dicyanobutene-1 and 2-methylene glutaronitrile.