Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates from formamides wherein a formamide corresponding to the formula R--NHCHO).sub.n, where R is an organic group and n is 1 or 2, is oxidized with an oxygen containing gas at a temperature in the range of 300.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. in the presence of a catalytic amount of copper and/or one or more metals of the Groups IB and VIII of the 5th and 6th period of the Periodic System of Elements to yield the corresponding isocyanate R (NCO).sub.n where R and n have the same meaning as above, and the resultant gaseous isocyanate containing reaction mixture is subjected to a separation process to separate the product isocyanate from water of reaction.

Abstract: A feasible process for the production of 3-oxoglutaric acid is disclosed wherein ketene and phosgene are reacted in a molar ratio of ketene to phosgene of less than 2 in an organic solvent possessing a dielectric constant at 20.degree.C between 2 and 22 and reacting the resulting product with a Zerewitinoff active hydrogen compound.A method for the production of citric acid is also disclosed wherein ketene and phosgene are reacted in a molar ratio of the former to the latter of less than 2 in an organic solvent having a dielectric constant of from 2 to 22 at 20.degree.C, reacting the resulting product with an aliphatic alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms to form an acetone dicarboxylic dialkyl ester which in turn is subjected to a cyanohydrin synthesis. The cyanohydrin is then hydrolyzed to form citric acid which is then isolated.