Abstract: A process for the production of heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salts or hydroxides is disclosed. The process comprises a continuous hydrogenation step, in which an unsaturated heterocyclic amine is reacted with hydrogen to form a saturated heterocyclic amine; a first continuous N-alkylation step, in which the saturated heterocyclic amine is alkylated to produce an intermediate saturated heterocyclic amine having an increased degree of substitution compared to the saturated heterocyclic amine; and one or more further N-alkylation steps in which the intermediate saturated heterocyclic amine is N-alkylated to the heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salt or hydroxide. A process of producing a saturated heterocyclic amine is also disclosed. The process comprises reacting an unsaturated heterocyclic amine with hydrogen in a vapour phase reaction at a pressure of not more than 70 bar and a temperature in the range of from 150° C. to 350° C. A process of N-alkylating a saturated heterocyclic amine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for whereby d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate (TS) can be crystallized in a short period of time by subjecting a fluid TS at particular temperature to a particular rate of shear for a particular time in order to accomplish crystallization. Then, while maintaining the crystallized TS at a temperature less than its melting point, we withdraw the crystallized TS from the region of shear flow. In a preferred embodiment of our process, crystallization is enhanced by use of a particular elongational rate for a particular time.