Abstract: A process for producing 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid by oxidizing 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene by molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalyst including cobalt, manganese and bromine. The oxidation reaction is performed by using a 2,6-dialkylnaphthalene mixture of 2,6-dimethynaphthalene and a small amount of 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene as a raw material. Thus, the desired 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid can be produced at a high yield.

Abstract: An intake pipe is connected to an upstream side of a throttle valve of an engine having first and second cylinder banks of a cylinder block formed in a V-like configuration. An intake path is branched, at its intermediate part on a downstream side of the throttle valve, into first and second branch paths by a branch tube, and the first and second branch paths are provided at their downstream end portions with first and second surge tanks, respectively. The first and second surge tanks are connected to each other through a communication pipe. An upper portion of the intake pipe is disposed between the first and second surge tank and under the communication pipe and is firmly secured directly to the communication pipe.

Abstract: A process for preparing phenols with high selectivities, comprising reacting a phenol compound and a formaldehyde source with a quaternary ammonium as a counter cation of a phenol anion in the presence of an alcoholic organic solvent.

Abstract: A microwave plasma processor comprising a vacuum chamber with a gas introduction inlet, an exhaust port, a sample table for loading thereon a sample, a plurality of microwave radiation antennas, and a corresponding plurality of microwave energy introduction inlets thereby enabling a large area substrate to be uniformly plasma-processed at high speed.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyhydroperoxy aromatic compound by oxidation of an aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g., 4,4'-diisopropylbiphenyl and 4,4'-diisopropylnaphthalene, with molecular oxygen is disclosed, in which the oxidation is carried out in the presence of a metal ion selected from cobalt, nickel, zinc and lead ions. Even in using a reaction apparatus made of an iron-containing metal generally employed in industry, a high conversion of secondary alkyl groups can be reached, and the desired polyhydroperoxy aromatic compound can be obtained in a high yield.

Abstract: A microwave plasma film deposition system using the microwave plasma in a state in which a magnetic field is applied to a plasma cavity for generating the plasma. The microwave plasma film deposition system can stably deposit a metal thin film by separating an insulating window for supplying the microwave to the plasma cavity from a region to which the magnetic field is applied, limiting the form and the size of a waveguide and regulating the process conditions (mainly, the pressure of gases in the system).

Abstract: A process for preparing .alpha.-ketobutyric acid comprising contacting 1,2-butanediol with molecular oxygen in the presence of a platinum catalyst is disclosed. The process produces .alpha.-ketobutyric acid in high yield at low cost.

Abstract: A microwave plasma film deposition system comprises a waveguide for feeding microwaves through a microwave feeding window provided at one end of the waveguide, and a plasma cavity in communication with the other end of the waveguide and having a discharge gas inlet which is not in communication with the waveguide. The system further includes a specimen chamber which is in communication with the plasma cavity and which has a substrate setting rest therein and a material gas inlet, and a magnetic field applying device provided near the plasma cavity. Stable film deposition occurs because the plasma cavity is at the end of the waveguide which is remote from the microwave feeding window, whereby deposition on the microwave feeding window is prevented. Deposition on the microwave feeding window is further prevented by a ferromagnetic material which is placed around the waveguide and which reduces the strength of the magnetic field in the waveguide.

Abstract: A process for preparing p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol or a derivative thereof comprising reacting a phenol and a formaldehyde source under a basic condition is disclosed, wherein the reaction is carried out in an alcoholic organic solvent in the presence of a crown ether. The process achieves high selectivity toward the para position without involving high cost.

Abstract: A process for preparing 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylmethane, which comprises reacting phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of an acidic catalyst and separating the aimed 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylmethane from the crude dihydroxydiphenylmethane thus obtained, is disclosed. According to this process, 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylmethane can be separated from its isomers and oligomers at a high purity and at a high yield, compared with those achieved by known methods. Thus highly useful 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylmethane can be advantageously prepared on an industrial scale.

Abstract: A method for heating a patterned substrate having electronic components, using a heat control mask having plural apertures is disclosed. Heat transfer rates associated with the apertures are determined by thermodynamic analysis based on the discrete two-dimensional heat conduction equation treating heat from the heater as an advection.