Abstract: An aggregated synthetic hydrotalcite having a substantially spheroidal shape and an average diameter of up to about 60 .mu.m is disclosed. The aggregates are composed of individual platy particles having plate diameters of from about 0.05 to about 10 .mu.m. The material has a low tapped density, a high pore volume and a high specific surface area. A process for producing the product is also disclosed. Product particle size is determined by controlling process parameters including reaction temperature and pH, stirring speed of the reaction mixture, and reactant addition rates and concentrations, including aqueous solutions of soluble magnesium and aluminum salts, which are mixed in a molar ratio of from about 2.5:1 to 4:1, and a basic solution containing excess carbonate and base to maintain the reaction mixture at a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.5.

Abstract: An aggregated synthetic hydrotalcite having a substantially spheroidal shape and an average diameter of up to about 60 .mu.m is disclosed. The aggregates are composed of individual platy particles having plate diameters of from about 0.05 to about 10 .mu.m. The material has a low tapped density, a high pore volume and a high specific surface area.A process for producing the product is also disclosed. Product particle size is determined by controlling process parameters including reaction temperature and pH, stirring speed of the reaction mixture, and reactant addition rates and concentrations, including aqueous solutions of soluble magnesium and aluminum salts, which are mixed in a molar ratio of from about 2.5:1 to 4:1, and a basic solution containing excess carbonate and base to maintain the reaction mixture at a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.5.

Abstract: New compounds having the generic formula: ##STR1## wherein: X=halogen, Y= ##STR2## X=Y= ##STR3## X=Y= ##STR4## R=hydrogen, halogen such as chlorine, lower alkoxy such as methoxy, or lower alkyl such as methyl.These new compounds are useful as reversible photochromatic solids.