Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of .alpha.-.beta. unsaturated alcohols of the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be equal or different, represent phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more alkyl and/or alkoxy groups, the total number of C atoms of these substituents being at most 5, or hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1-10 C atoms, with at least one of the groups R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 representing the optionally substituted phenyl group, by hydrogenation in the liquid phase of the aldehyde corresponding with the desired alcohol, this being effected in the presence of a platinum-containing catalyst and of an alkali metal hydroxide and/or an alkali metal alkoxide as promotor, wherein platinum-on-graphite is used as catalyst.

Abstract: Pyridone-2 compounds are prepared by reacting an oxoalkanecarboxylic acid having as general formula ##STR1## where R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-4 C atoms, or an ester of such an acid in the gas phase with an amine compound R.sub.1 NH.sub.2,where R.sub.1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1-4 C atoms, at a temperature of 250.degree.-450.degree. C. in the presence of a dehydrogenating catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a lactam which consists essentially in the reductive amination in the gas phase of an oxoalkane carboxylic acid having the formula ##STR1## or an alkyl ester thereof, wherein R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and n varies from 2 to 3, and wherein the reaction is carried out:A. in an atmosphere of hydrogen, andB. in the presence of a gas phase reactant selected from the group consisting of gaseous ammonia and a vaporized primary amine, andC. in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst promoted with an alkali metal.The alkali metal particularly preferred as a promoter is sodium.