Abstract: Processes and apparatus for producing esters are described. The processes include: (a) providing a liquid reaction mixture comprising (i) an unsaturated carboxylic acid having a boiling point greater than water, (ii) a polyhydric alcohol, and (iii) a first polymerization inhibitor, in a reaction zone having an inner surface; (b) reacting the acid and the polyhydric alcohol to form an ester, such that a gas/vapor phase is formed comprising water of reaction; (c) removing at least a portion of the gas/vapor phase from the reaction zone to a dephlegmation zone having an inner surface; (d) partially condensing the portion of the gas/vapor phase in the dephlegmation zone such that a condensate is formed; and (e) returning the condensate to the reaction zone; wherein a second polymerization inhibitor is introduced into the dephlegmation zone such that the portion of the gas/vapor phase and/or the condensate are contacted with the second polymerization inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a suspension of an undecomposed meltable material having an average particle diameter of between 5 to 500 nm. The inventive method enables stable suspensions to be produced and is characterised in that it only requires a simple technical infrastructure in many production plants, it delivers high space-time yields, and can easily be scaled up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing 8.alpha.,12-oxido-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane through the cyclizing dehydration of 8.alpha.,12 -dihydroxy-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane in the presence of aluminophyllosilicates.

Abstract: In a process for the production of 8.alpha.,12-oxido-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane by dehydration of 8.alpha.,12-dihydroxy-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane (diol), wherein the diol is subjected to cyclizing dehydration in the presence of 5 to 80% by weight, based on the diol, of at least one alumino layer silicate selected from K catalysts which have an acid charge of less than 100 mval/100 g.

Abstract: A process for reducing the amount of halogenated organic materials in aqueous systems by hydrogenating the halogenated organic materials in the aqueous system in the presence of ions of a metal from the 8th secondary group of the periodic system of elements at a pH of from 7 to 14 and a temperature of from 20.degree. C. to 140.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the production of sclareolide comprising the steps of: (1) providing an aqueous composition comprised of: (a) water; (b) sclareol, abienol, or a mixture of sclareol and abienol, (c) an effective amount of a ruthenium catalyst; and, (d) an emulsifying agent; (2) forming an aqueous alkaline composition by adding an alkali metal hydroxide to said aqueous composition; (3) reacting said aqueous alkaline composition with an oxidizing agent to form a crude product; andeither: (4) further reacting said crude product with base to form the salt of 8.alpha.-hydroxy-11-carboxyl-12, 13, 14, 15, 16-pentanorlabdane and; (5) reacting said salt with acid to form sclareolide;or: (4) heating said crude product to form sclareolide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the stereo-selective preparation of 8.alpha.,12-oxido-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane by dehydration of 8.alpha.,12-dihydroxy-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane with acid-charged aluminium oxides.