Abstract: Method for the preparation of N-alkoxy-(tetra- or hexahydro)-phthalimide according to formula I ##STR1## R.sub.1 being methyl or ethyl and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 being each independently of one another hydrogen or alkyl with 1-4 C atoms or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded forming a ring with 5 or 6 C atoms, wherein the salt of the corresponding N-hydroxy-(tetrahydro- or hexahydro)-phthalimide according to formula II: ##STR2## with R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 as defined above and M being an alkali metal, is brought into contact with R.sub.1 Cl as alkylating agent, wherein R.sub.1 has the aforementioned meaning.The N-alkoxy-(tetra- or hexahydro)-phthalimide can afterwards be converted with the aid of hydroxylamine sulphate into the corresponding alkoxyamine after which the alkoxyamine obtained can be isolated. In this manner a simple and commercially attractive process for the preparation of O-(m)ethylhydroxylamine can be implemented.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of N-alkyl-N,O-diacetyl hydroxylamine, for instance N-methyl-N,O-diacetyl hydroxylamine, by catalytic reduction of a nitroalkane, for instance nitromethane, in the presence of acetic anhydride. As catalyst preferably a platinum on alumina catalyst is used. The invention provides a simple one-step process for the preparation of N-alkyl-N,O-diacetyl hydroxylamine in a relatively concentrated reaction medium.

Abstract: Process for the .alpha.-chlorination of phenylacetonitriles, for example benzyl cyanide, in which the phenylacetonitrile is contacted with a suitable chlorinating agent, sulphuryl chloride or chlorine gas, while an amount of strong acid, preferably HCl, is also present in the reaction mixture. The induction time and the reaction rate are dependent on, among other factors, the concentration of the acid. Preferably, the reaction is carried out under pressure. The reaction is well controllable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of derivatives of dichloroacetic acid esters, by reaction of a glyoxylic acid ester having the general formula R.sub.1 --CO--COOR.sub.2, wherein R.sub.1 represents an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl group and R.sub.2 an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group, with phosphoruspentachloride in the presence of a dispersant suitable for distributing the phosphoruspentachloride.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of .alpha.-.beta. unsaturated alcohols by the liquid phase catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding aldehyde. An aldehyde is selected having the general formula ##STR1## wherein at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is an unsubstituted phenyl group or a phenyl group substituted with alkyl and/or alkoxy groups wherein the carbon atoms of the substituents on any phenyl group total no more than five, and the remainder of said R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The selected aldehyde is hydrogenated in the presence of a platinum catalyst in a liquid reaction medium of water and a water-immiscible organic solvent, wherein an alkali metal hydroxide and/or an alkali metal alkoxide promoter is dissolved in the water.