Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing fatty acid isethionate soaps through direct esterification wherein the catalyst is quenched by an alkaline compound at the end of the esterification. Quenching inhibits transesterification between isethionate and later added stearic acids. Transesterification is undesirable impairing lather and bar soap firmness. The traditional stripping of lower molecular weight fatty acids is no longer necessary where low ratios of fatty acids to isethionates are utilized. Alternatively, stripping can be avoided with traditional molar ratios provided water co-distillate fatty acid is not recycled. Finally, it has been shown that zinc catalyzed reactions provide optimum yield and low corrosion at pH about 2.0 to 2.5.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of salts of alkanesulfonic acids, hereinafter referred to as alkanesulfonates, by the addition of alpha olefins to bisulfite in a cosolvent system consisting of water and an organic hydroxyl-containing compound in the presence of a free radical initiator.

Abstract: Novel 2-keto-6-substituted dioxane-(1,4) compounds having the structural formula: ##EQU1## wherein R is an alkyl radical having 6-9 carbon atoms, mixtures thereof, and R'OCH.sub.2 wherein R' is an alkyl radical having 5-8 carbon atoms. The novel compounds exhibit desirable fragrance and flavor properties.

Abstract: Novel 2-keto-6-substituted dioxane-(1,4) compounds having the structural formula: ##EQU1## wherein R is an alkyl radical having 6-9 carbon atoms, mixtures thereof, and R'OCH.sub.2 wherein R' is an alkyl radical having 5-8 carbon atoms. The novel compounds exhibit desirable fragrance and flavor properties.