Abstract: Methods of preparing or purifying onium hydroxides of the elements N, S or P by electrodialysis involve an electrodialysis apparatus comprising one or more cell units, each cell unit comprising a bipolar membrane and an anion-selective membrane, and a bipolar membrane or a cation-selective membrane being located on the anode side between the last anion-selective membrane and the anode.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions which have improved hygroscopicity and corrosion characteristics. The novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions of the invention can be readily prepared from technical mepiquat chlorid inter alia by electrochemical ion exchange processes or by quaternization of N-methylpiperidine with dimethylcarbonate as starting material.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,4-dimethyl-3,5-bisalkoxycarbonylpyrrole is described, in which an acetoacetic alkyl ester is nitrosated to give the 2-nitrosoacetoacetic alkyl ester, the nitroso compound is reduced using hydrogen in the presence of a noble metal catalyst to give the amine, and the resulting amino compound is condensed without isolation in the presence of the corresponding non-nitrosated acetoacetic alkyl ester to give the 2,4-dimethyl-3,5-bisalkoxycarbonylpyrrole. The process makes it possible to work under conditions which are milder than in the prior art and to avoid the formation of by-products.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions which have improved hygroscopicity and corrosion characteristics. The novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions of the invention can be readily prepared from technical mepiquat chlorid inter alia by electrochemical ion exchange processes or by quaternization of N-methylpiperidine with dimethylcarbonate as starting material.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions which have improved hygroscopicity and corrosion characteristics. The novel mepiquat plant growth regulator compositions of the invention can be readily prepared from technical mepiquat chlorid inter alia by electrochemical ion exchange processes or by quaternization of N-methylpiperidine with dimethylcarbonate as starting material.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,4-dimethylpyrrole is described in which a 2,4-dimethyl-3,5-bisalkoxycarbonylpyrrole is refluxed with from 10 to 30% strength aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution until the solid has passed into solution, the reaction mixture is neutralized with acid and the mixture is refluxed further until decarboxylation is complete. The process makes it possible to work under significantly milder, less aggressive conditions than are known from the prior art.

Abstract: The process for purifying an .alpha.-, .beta.- or .gamma.-substituted carboxylic acid or a salt or an ester thereof or a mixture of two or more thereof from an aqueous solution which contains an .alpha.-, .beta.- or .gamma.-substituted carboxylic acid or a salt or an ester thereof or a mixture of two or more thereof and at least one polyol or at least one amino alcohol, wherein the solution is treated by electrodialysis.

Abstract: A process for the electrochemical reduction of an organic compound by bringing the organic compound into contact with a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises a support made of an electrically conductive material and an electrically conductive, cathodically polarized layer formed thereon in situ by alluviation.