Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the stabilization of proteases in built, anionic rich, aqueous detergent compositions. More particularly, applicants have discovered that propionic acid or a propionic salt capable of forming propionic acid unexpectedly increases stability relative to other stabilizers, e.g., formic acid or acetic acid (or salts thereof), used in these compositions.

Abstract: Keratinous material, such as human hair, in which disulfide linkages have been reptured to form sulfhydryl groups can be set using glutathione disulfide.

Abstract: Keratinous material, such as human hair, in which disulfide linkages have been ruptured to form sulfhydryl groups can be set using cystamine.

Abstract: Keratinous material, such as human hair, in which disulfide linkages have been ruptured to form disulfide linkages can be set using diimidates, and disuccinimidyl compounds as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Racemic mixtures of partially water-soluble esters defined by the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R.sub.1 represent hydrogen and C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl;R.sub.2 represents C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl andX represents halogen, aliphatic or aromatic groups and substituted derivatives thereof wherein R, R.sub.1 and X are differentcan be resolved by reducing the water solubility of a racemic mixture of said esters by means other than changing the chemical composition of the ester, contacting the racemic mixture of esters of reduced water solubility with a lipase enzyme from Candida cylindracea capable of stereospecifically resolving the racemic mixture of hydrolysis and stereospecifically resolving the racemic mixture.

Abstract: Optically active compounds having a chlorine atom attached to the chiral carbon atom such as 2-chloroaliphatic acids can be racemized without by-product formation by heating an acidified solution of the compound in the presence of chloride ion at sufficient strength, and at a pH and temperature sufficient to accomplish racemization. The preferred acidifying agent and source of chloride ion is hydrochloric acid. The use of hydrochloric acid at room temperature as well as the use of either sulfuric acid or caustic soda failed to produce racemization.