Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of an imines with hydrogen in the presence of iridium catalysts. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of imines with hydrogen under elevated pressure in the presence of an iridium catalyst and with or without an inert solvent, wherein the reaction mixture comprises a phosphonium chloride, bromide or iodide in the presence of an acid, which can be an organic or inorganic acid soluble or insoluble in the reaction mixture. Suitable imines are especially those that contain at least one group. If the groups are substituted asymetrically and are thus compounds having a prochiral ketitine group, it is possible in the process according to the invention for mixtures of optical isomers or pure optical isomers to be formed if enantioselective or diastereoselective iridium catatalysts are used.

Abstract: A weldless high-pressure pipe fitting, which can be incorporated in a pipe flange or pipe coupling, utilizing a deformable sealing sleeve of ductile material having a constant inside diameter sized to closely fit over the end of a pipe of a given size without galling and an outer frusto-conical surface which mates with a complementary frusto-conical inner surface of a rigid collar which tapers to a diameter equal to the inside diameter of said sealing sleeve. Said sealing sleeve annularly protrudes from said collar so that a rigid circular locking flange may be tightened against the end of said collar from which said sealing sleeve protrudes, circularly compressing said sealing sleeve between the outer surface of said pipe and the inner frusto-conical surface of said collar, locking and sealing said collar to the end of said pipe.