Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing an arylacetic acid or arylpropionic acid divative from an arylcarbinol which comprises the step of subjecting said arylcarbinol to suitable carbonylation conditions for a sufficient period of time and under suitable pressure and temperature to form said acid derivative, with the proviso that said carbonylation conditions include conducting the reaction in a two-phase system wherein one phase is an aqueous medium which contains (1) a catalyst which is a water-soluble metal complex consisting essentially of a Group VIII metal and a hydrophilic ligand such as palladium complexed with trisulfonated triphenylphosphine, and (2) optionally an acid, and wherein the second phase comprises said arylcarbinol.

Abstract: A catalytic process for preparing 4-hydroxyacetophenone oxime by reacting 4-hydroxyacetophenone with NH.sub.3 and H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in the liquid phase, in the presence of a catalyst substantially consisting of a titanium-containing molecular sieve such as a highly crystalline substance, containing SiO.sub.2 and having a zeolitic structure.

Abstract: An alpha-pivaloyl-substituted acetic acid ester of the formula (H.sub.3 C).sub.3 CCOCH.sub.2 COOR, wherein R is an optionally-substituted alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl group, is prepared by (a) reacting an alpha-pivaloyl-substituted malonic acid ester with a base selected from the class consisting of alkali metal alkoxides and compounds of the formula MXY, wherein M is an alkaline earth metal, X is an alkoxy group, and Y is either an alkoxy group or a halogen atom, and (b) acidifying the resulting reaction mixture.

Abstract: 4-Acetyl-2-alkoxy-7,7-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes are new chemical compounds useful as intermediates for certain pyrethroid esters. They are prepared by ozonolysis of 4-hydroxy-2-carene and reduction of the product formed.

Abstract: Esters of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group and Ar is an optionally substituted aromatic group are prepared from the corresponding aromatic aldehyde, the corresponding hydrocarbyl acid anhydride in the presence of water, and a water-soluble cyanide.

Abstract: In the preparation of .alpha.-cyano esters from an acid halide and an aromatic aldehyde in the presence of water, a water-soluble cyanide, a substantially water-immiscible aprotic solvent and optionally a phase transfer catalyst, a stalled reaction is restarted by addition of an alkaline compound capable of generating cyanide ions.

Abstract: 3-Phenoxytoluene is selectively chlorinated at the methyl moiety by treating it with sulfuryl chloride in the presence of a free-radical initiator in a specified manner under specified conditions.

Abstract: Certain carboxylic acid esters also containing a cyano group are prepared by reacting an acid halide, an aldehyde and a water-soluble cyanide in the presence of one or more water-immiscible (cyclo)alkane solvents.

Abstract: Certain carboxylic acid esters also containing a cyano group are prepared by reacting an acid halide, an aldehyde and a water-soluble cyanide in the presence of a water-immiscible aprotic solvent and an onium catalyst.

Abstract: Certain carboxylic acid esters also containing a cyano group are prepared by reacting an acid halide, an aldehyde and a water-soluble cyanide in the presence of a water immiscible aprotic solvent and preferably a phase-transfer catalyst.

Abstract: Certain carboxylic acid esters also containing a cyano group are prepared by reacting an acid halide, an aldehyde and a water-soluble cyanide in the presence of a water-immiscible aprotic solvent and surface-active agent as catalyst.

Abstract: Certain carboxylic acid esters also containing a cyano group are prepared by reacting an acid halide, an aldehyde and a water soluble cyanide in the presence of a water-immiscible aprotic solvent and a macrocylic polyether catalyst.

Abstract: Certain cyclopropanecarboxylic acid esters also containing a cyano group are prepared by reacting an aldehyde, a salt of hydrocyanic acid and a 2-halocyclobutanone in an aprotic solvent.

Abstract: Meta-aryloxybenzaldehydes are prepared by treating a mixture of meta-aryloxybenzyl- and benzal halides with hexamethylenetetramine (or equivalent amounts of ammonia and formaldehyde) and hydrolyzing the resulting product under acid conditions.

Abstract: 3-Bromobenzaldehyde is prepared by treating benzaldehyde with bromine chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride and a solvent, under specified conditions.