Abstract: 2-Methyl-1,4-butanediol and 3-methyltetrahydrofuran are prepared by reacting a compound of the general formula I or II ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkyl and the formyl group of II may also be present as acetal with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkanol, is reacted with hydrogen in the presence of copper or of a metal of groups 7 to 10 of the Periodical Table of elements or of a compound of these metals.

Abstract: Preparation of vinyl carboxylates by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with acetylene in the presence of a platinum metal complex catalyst, which contains as ligands carbon monoxide or a nitrile (I), a tertiary nitrogen base (II), a tertiary phosphorus compound (III) having C-organic and/or O-organic radicals or mixtures of said compounds.The end products serve as monomers or comonomers for polymer dispersions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of phthalides of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently of one another, are hydrogen, C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkyl or C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkoxy, by reacting phthalic anhydrides of the formula II ##STR2## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined as above, on hydrogenation catalysts at from 50.degree. to 400.degree. C. and at from 1 to 400 bar, wherein the hydrogenation catalysts employed are essentially free from Lewis acids.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 4-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyrans of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are hydrogen, C.sub.1 - to C.sub.12 -alkyl, C.sub.3 - to C.sub.8 -cycloalkyl, aryl or C.sub.7 - to C.sub.20 -aralkyl, comprises reacting a tetrahydropyrancarboxylic ester of the formula II ##STR2## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined above, and R.sup.5 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 - to C.sub.12 -alkyl, at from 50.degree. to 400.degree. C. and at from 1 to 400 bar in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst.