Abstract: Unsaturated alcohols represented by the general formulas (I) and (II) below ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are hydrogen or lower alkyl groups, and R and R.sub.2 may be linked together are mutually isomerized in the presence of a catalyst comprising a transition metal compound of Groups V, VI and VII of the Mendeleev Periodic Table.

Abstract: An organic halide (1) having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen atom, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group or a halogenated hydrocarbon group, R.sup.1 may be a group having the formula: ##STR2## wherein R is an aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic radical, and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be a group consisting of -CH.sub.2 OH or its esters; is produced by reacting an organic halide (2) having the formula: ##STR3## wherein X, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is the same as above, respectively; with the compound having the formula: ##STR4## wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is the same as above, respectively, in the presence of a cationic catalyst at the temperature of from -78.degree. C. to 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Process for producing substituted ketones from the reaction between organic halides and ketones having replaceable active hydrogen atoms on the carbon atom(s) alpha to the carbonyl group, in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide unitilizing phosphonium salts as the catalyst, which salts have the following formula: ##EQU1## wherein said R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are branched or straight chain alkyl of 1-30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 6-10 carbon atoms, aryl of 6-10 carbon atoms aralkyl or alkaryl wherein the aryl and alkyl are as above defined and X.sup.- is an inorganic or organic anion.

Abstract: A process for producing substituted ketones is disclosed comprising reacting an organic halide with a ketone which has a replaceable hydrogen atom on the carbon atom in the .alpha.-position to the carbonyl group, in the presence of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide and at least one basic nitrogen catalyst such as certain primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines, quaternary ammonium salts or betaine-type quaternary ammonium salts.

Abstract: Novel 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosa-11,13-diin-10,15-diol derivatives. Such derivatives are prepared by oxydative coupling of 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1-in-3-ol derivatives or by ethynylation of 6,10-dimethylundecan-2-on derivatives with diacetylene and used as starting materials for preparing squalane.

Abstract: Allenic esters of the formula: ##EQU1## (specific examples of R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are given) and a process for the preparation thereof which comprises reacting propargyl alcohol derivatives with 2-substituted ortho-acetic acid esters in the presence of an acidic catalyst. These allenic esters are rearranged in the presence of an alkali catalyst to form .alpha., .beta., .gamma., .delta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid esters and are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of various perfumes, medicines, agricultural chemicals and the like.

Abstract: An alkyne-10,15-diol is synthesized by coupling a 3-alkynol containing methyl groups by using as a catalyst a complex comprised of a halide of a metal of Group VII of the Periodic Table coordinated with an organic phosphorus compound.The so-obtained diol can be formed into squalane [2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl tetracosane] by hydrogenolysis, a combination of hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis or a combination of hydrogenation, dehydration and hydrogenation.