Abstract: In a process for preparing bis(2-morpholinoethyl) ether by reacting diethylene glycol with ammonia under superatmospheric pressure and at elevated temperature in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst, the catalytically active composition of the catalyst prior to reduction with hydrogen comprisesfrom 20 to 85% by weight of aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), zirconium dioxide (ZrO.sub.2), titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) and/or silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2),from 1 to 70% by weight of oxygen-containing compounds of copper, calculated as CuO,from 0 to 50% by weight of oxygen-containing compounds of magnesium, calculated as MgO, oxygen-containing compounds of chromium, calculated as Cr.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A process for dehydrogenating 1,4-butanediol to .gamma.-butyrolactone in the gas phase in the presence of a copper-containing catalyst, wherein the catalyst contains 4-40% by weight of copper and 0-5% by weight of Na.sub.2 O, based on the total weight of the catalyst, on a carrier consisting of 80-100% by weight of SiO.sub.2 and 0-20% by weight of CaO.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of racemic amines of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are different and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are alkyl, cycloalkyl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic radicals and R.sup.3 can also be hydrogen, where the radicals can bear substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino and dialkylamino, which comprises simultaneously reacting in situ the corresponding optically active amine I and the secondary alcohol of the formula II and/or the unsymmetrical ketone of the formula III ##STR2## and the amine of the formula R.sup.3 NH.sub.2 in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst or dehydrogenation catalyst at elevated temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing silicon-containing iron powders by thermal decomposition of a gas mixture comprising iron pentacarbonyl and, as a volatile silicon compound, a silane or a halogen-free organosilane in which the gas mixture flows through a heated reaction chamber and heating of the gas mixture is effected by thermal conduction. The silicon-containing iron powders obtained are distinguished by a particularly low impurity element content. The silicon-containing iron powders can be used for the fabrication of cores, magnets and radar-absorbing materials.

Abstract: A process for dehydrogenating 1,4-butanediol to .gamma.-butyrolactone in the gas phase in the presence of a copper-containing catalyst, wherein the catalyst contains 4-40% by weight of copper and 0-5% by weight of Na.sub.2 O, based on the total weight of the catalyst, on a carrier consisting of 80-100% by weight of SiO.sub.2 and 0-20% by weight of CaO.

Abstract: In a process for the N-alkylation of amines in which alcohols are reacted with alkylamines or dialkylamines in the presence of hydrogen, the reaction takes place on a catalyst based on copper and magnesium silicate and containing, in each case independently, 0 to 2% by weight of BaO, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 and/or ZnO. The amines employed are mono- or dimethylamine or mono- or diethylamine, the alcohols employed are .alpha.,.omega.-diols, in particular diethylene glycol or pentanediol. In particular there is reaction of diethylene glycol with monomethylamine and/or monoethylamine to give N-methylmorpholine and/or N-ethylmorpholine.

Abstract: The process for preparing anhydrous 2-amino-1-methoxypropane proceeds by(a) admixing a 2-amino-1-methoxypropane-containing water-containing reaction mixture, obtainable from the reaction of 1-methoxy-2-propanol with ammonia on a catalyst, with sodium hydroxide solution, forming an aqueous phase containing sodium hydroxide solution and a 2-amino-1-methoxypropane-containing phase,(b) separating off the 2-amino-1-methoxypropane-containing phase from the aqueous phase and(c) distilling the 2-amino-1-methoxypropane-containing phase, an azeotrope of water and 2-amino-1-methoxypropane, which is recycled to step (a) or (b), first being produced and anhydrous 2-amino-1-methoxypropane then being produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing photographic material having a delivery device and a removal device for developing fluid as well as an inlet and an outlet for the material to be developed with a narrow conduit that extends from the inlet to the outlet. A transport mechanism for transporting the photographic material to be developed from the inlet through the conduit to the outlet wherein the material to be developed comes into contact with the developing fluid as it is transported through the conduit and is developed. Two half shells are connectable to one another, with each half shell having two plates joined to make the half shell. The apparatus also has a central positive displacement element, which together with the inner wall of the half shells, defines the conduit in which the photographic material is developed. The conduit extends between the positive displacement element and the respective inner wall of the half shell.

Abstract: Thermoplastic and compostable cellulose ether esters with 2-hydroxycarboxylic acids as acid components and mixed esters which, in addition to 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid groups, have further mono-, dicarboxylic acid or carbamate groups.

Abstract: N-Substituted cyclic amines are prepared by reacting diols with primary amines over a copper-containing catalyst which is obtainable by impregnation of an inert support with an aqueous solution of an ammine complex of a readily thermally decomposable copper compound and subsequent drying and calcination and contains from 5 to 50% by weight of copper, calculated as CuO.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastically workable and completely biodegradable moulding compositions, a process for the preparation thereof and the use thereof as biodegradable materials for the production of, for example, injection-moulded parts, films, fibres or coatings.

Abstract: A unit for developing exposed photographic paper is disclosed, which has several baths arranged one after the other and a drying chamber, through which the photographic paper runs continuously for developing and drying. The photographic paper is passed as a continuous sheet through each bath and the drying chamber in spiral form and with several coils. A storage unit is provided for the continuous photographic paper at least at the feed end of the unit.

Abstract: A photographic processing machine has a plurality of rollers for transporting the photographic materials through a processing bath. According to this invention, alternate ones of adjacent rollers are provided with a flexible casing subject to internal hydraulic pressure. The flexible casing is formed of a textile fabric. The fabric encased rollers each have openings through their walls, the film treating bath liquid fed under pressure to the interior of each roller and then through the wall openings. The flexible textile casing thereby expands, to produce squeezing force on the photographic material being processed as the material passes between a rigid roller and its associated textile encased roller.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism is provided for feeding continuously operating film-developing machines in which provision is made preventing retraction of already fed film from the developing machine in the event of breaking of the film. The invention includes arrangements for arresting the feeding operation with the film movement stopping at the place where it is located when the breaking occurs. Sensors are provided for engaging the guide rolls for the film to determine when no film is present. The sensors are connected to brakes for the activation thereof when no film is present in the guide rolls. The device of the invention includes provision for continuously feeding the last of a roll of film while a new roll is being inserted.