Abstract: The invention provides novel compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R when taken individually is H; R.sup.1 when taken individually is H or OH; R and R.sup.1 when taken together represent a double bond;R.sup.2 is an alpha-branched C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl or alkylthioalkyl group; a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl or C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkylalkyl group, any of which may be substituted by methylene or one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups or halo atoms; or a 3 to 6 membered oxygen or sulphur containing heterocyclic ring which may be substituted by one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups or halo atoms;R.sup.3 is hydrogen or methyl;R.sup.4 is H or 4'-(alpha-L-oleandrosyl)-alpha-L-oleandrosyloxy with the proviso that when R.sup.2 is alkyl it is not isopropyl or sec-butyl; when R.sup.4 is H, each of R and R.sup.1 is H, and R.sup.2 is not methyl or ethyl; and when R.sup.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R when taken individually is H; R.sup.1 when taken individually is H or OH; R and R.sup.1 when taken together represent a double bond;R.sup.2 is an alpha-branched C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl or alkylthioalkyl group; a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl or C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkylalkyl group, any of which may be substituted by methylene or one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups or halo atoms; or a 3 to 6 membered oxygen or sulphur containing heterocyclic ring which may be substituted by one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups or halo atoms;R.sup.3 is hydrogen or methyl;R.sup.4 is H or 4'-(alpha-L-oleandrosyl)-alpha-L-oleandrosyloxy with the proviso that when R.sup.2 is alkyl it is not isopropyl or sec-butyl; when R.sup.4 is H, each of R and R.sup.1 is H, and R.sup.2 is not methyl or ethyl; and when R.sup.4 is H, R is H, R.sup.1 is OH, and R.sup.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R when taken individually is H; R.sup.1 when taken individually is H or OH; R and R.sup.1 when taken together represent a double bond;R.sup.2 is an alpha-branched C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl or alkylthioalkyl group; a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl or C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkylalkyl group, any of which may be substituted by methylene or one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups or halo atoms; or a 3 to 6 membered oxygen or sulphur containing heterocyclic ring which may be substituted by one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups or halo atoms;R.sup.3 is hydrogen or methyl;R.sup.4 is H or 4'-(alpha-L-oleandrosyl)-alpha-L-oleandrosyloxy with the proviso that when R.sup.2 is alkyl it is not isopropyl or sec-butyl; when R.sup.4 is H, each of R and R.sup.1 is H, and R.sup.2 is not methyl or ethyl; and when R.sup.4 is H, R is H, R.sup.1 is OH, and R.sup.

Abstract: Novel surface-active compositions are prepared by reacting a diketene prepared from a fatty acid or fatty acid chloride with 8-22 carbon atoms with a substance having a hydrophlic moiety and a hydroxyl or amino group containing one or more active hydrogens. The active hydrogen-containing group is acylated by the diketene and the resulting product contains the hydrophillic moiety and also branched 2-alkyl-3-ketoacyl chains.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of fermentation alcohol, by effecting fermentation of a continuous or substantially continuous supply of the liquid substrate by a dense suspension of a suitable micro-organism in a reaction column wherein the suspension is maintained in a well mixed state. The mixture passes from the upper region of the reaction column into a degassing zone where less turbulent conditions readily permit degassing of the mixture, causing part of the degassed mixture to flow into a settling zone wherein quiescent conditions permit the biomass to settle out. The settled biomass is returned to the bottom of the reaction column to assist in the continuation of the fermentation process. Gases evolving from the top of the reaction column and from the tops of the degassing and settling zones are removed.