Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of closed-pore microspheres of expanded perlite as a filler for producing moldings for the foundry industry, to a composition for producing moldings for the foundry industry, comprising closed-pore microspheres of expanded perlite as a filler, and a binder, the binder being selected from the group consisting of water glass, phenol-formaldehyde resins, two-component systems comprising as reactants a polyisocyanate and a polyol component containing free hydroxyl groups (OH groups), and starch, and also to moldings for the foundry industry and to a process for producing a molding for the foundry industry.

Abstract: Crude chenodeoxycholic acid is purified by subjecting an aqueous solution of an alkali salt thereof to continuous liquid-liquid extraction with a water-immiscible organic solvent until substantially all extractable impurities have been extracted. Crystalline pure free acid is obtained therefrom by acidification of the aqueous solution, extracting the free acid with organic solvent and thereafter removing the solvent, the last portion thereof preferably in the presence of water.