Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the synthesis of tertiary phosphine oxides and sulfides.The process according to the invention consists, in a first step, of reacting a secondary phosphine oxide or sulfide with an optionally activated alkali metal amide, and, in a second step, of reacting the mixture obtained in the first step with an organic halide containing at least one halogenophenyl radical or one halogenomethyl group.Tertiary phosphine oxides and sulfides are complexing agents of high stability.

Abstract: Triphosphonic esters, each of the three phosphorus atoms of which is bound to a carbon atom of the same hydrocarbon group, having 2 or 4 free acid functions or two salt functions, may be used for various known uses of phosphonates, including the extraction of heavy metals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a nutrient composition to be added to a hydrophobic medium for culturing microorganisms comprising a micro-emulsion of an aqueous solution of nutrient material in a liquid immiscible with water. As the source of nitrogen, compounds soluble in water are used, such as urea or ammonium nitrate, sulphate or phosphate, and, as the source of phosphorus, compounds soluble in water are used. The medium sould also contain a directly-assimilable source of carbon. Application of this composition for culturing of microorganisms allows operations to be carried out which comprise the degrading of hydrocabons covering an area of water or ground; an application of particular interest for operation is for combatting oil pollution of the sea by biological degradation. As the source of nitrogen, compounds soluble in water are used, such as urea or ammonium nitrate, sulphate or phosphate, and, as the source of phosphorus, compounds soluble in water are used.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the synthesis of tertiary phosphine oxides and sulphides. The process according to the invention consists, in a first step, of reacting a secondary phosphine oxide or sulfide with an optionally activated alkali metal amide, and, in a second step, of reacting the mixture obtained in the first step with an organic halide containing at least one halogenophenyl radical or one halogenomethyl group. Tertiary phosphine oxides and sulphides are complexing agents of high stability.

Abstract: There is described a process for the culture of microorganisms in a medium comprising a hydrophobic material containing microorganisms by the use of nutrient substances in aqueous solution micro-emulsified in a liquid immiscible with water. As the source of nitrogen, compounds soluble in water are used, such as urea or ammonium nitrate, sulphate or phosphate, and, as the source of phosphorus, compounds soluble in water are used. The medium should also contain a directly-assimilable source of carbon. Application of this process to the culture of microorganisms, allowing operations to be carried out which comprise the degrading of hydrocarbons covering an area of water or ground; an application of particular interest for operations for combatting oil pollution of the sea by biological degradation.