Abstract: Phosphonium salts of the formula ##STR1## wherein A signifies aryl and Y.sup.- signifies C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkanoate or hydroxytrifluoroborate, as well as their manufacture from 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,4,6,10-tetraen-3-ol with a triarylphosphine and with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkanoic acid or a boron trifluoride etherate and, if desired after conversion into the phosphonium salt of a strong acid, further reaction to give lycopene.

Abstract: Apparatus for unwinding a nonwoven fibrous web from a roll thereof comprises a roll-bearing for supporting said roll on the underside of its periphery and a core-mounting in which the core of said roll is mounted to be adjustable in elevation relative to the roll-bearing. Said core-mounting is adjustable by a positioning drive under the control of a controller. To avoid an application of excessive loads to the web between the roll and the roll-bearing, the positioning drive is controlled by the controller in dependence on the pressure applied by the roll to the roll-bearing.

Abstract: A two-step procedure for the preparation of methylglyoxal dimethyl acetal is disclosed.