Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of aryl-substituted propionic acid esters having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1 are a C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 linear or branched alkyl, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 aryl or a C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 alkaryl or aralkyl, R.sup.2 is hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 linear or branched alkyl and R.sup.3 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 linear or branched alkyl, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 aryl or a C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 alkaryl or aralkyl, and may be the same or different, which comprises forming a reaction mixture of a phenol, at least one base catalyst and an acrylate, in the presence of a complexing agent effective in increasing the rate of reaction, wherein (i) substantially all of the side-product is removed from said reaction mixtrue prior to the addition of the complexing agent and (ii) all or substantially all of the acrylate is added at once to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Indole and indole derivatives are prepared by contacting under mild reaction conditions an N-(2-toly)formidate, N-(3-methyl-2-pyridyl)formimidate, or N-methyldiazyl formimidate with an alkali metal amide.

Abstract: Phenyl isonitriles are prepared by reaction of substantially equimolar amounts on N-arylformimidates and a lithium dialkylamide.

Abstract: 2,6-dialkoxybenzoic acid is made by direct metalation of 1,3-dialkoxybenzene by potassium. The metalated dialkoxybenzene is carbonated and acidified to form the dialkoxybenzoic acid.

Abstract: 2,6-dialkoxybenzoic acid is made by metalation of 1,3-dialkoxybenzene by reaction with potassium dialkylamide. The metalated dialkoxybenzene is carbonated and acidified to form the dialkoxybenzoic acid.