Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of acyl hydrazides of the formula ##STR1## wherein A and B individually are a group of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, x is 0 or 1 and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and n and m are individually 0, 1, 2 or 3 by reacting a compound of the formula ##STR3## with a hydrazide of the formula ##STR4## the improvement comprising effecting the reaction in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of amines, amine alkoxides and quaternary ammonium hydroxides.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of acyl hydrazides of the formula ##STR1## wherein A and B individually are a group of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, x is 0 or 1 and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and n and m are individually 0, 1,2 or 3 by reacting a compound of the formula ##STR3## with a hydrazide of the formula ##STR4## the improvement comprising effecting the reaction in the presence of at least one catalyst of the formula R'--OMe wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Me is an alkali metal.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of bis-2-pyridyl-disulfide or bis-(2-pyridyl-1-oxide)-disulfide optionally substituted on the pyridyl ring with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen and alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms by oxidation of the corresponding 2-mercapto-pyridine or its N-oxide, the improvement comprising effecting the oxidation in an aqueous acid media containing an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of .beta.-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-acrolein by reacting 5-nitro-furfural and acetaldehyde in the presence of a secondary amine, the improvement comprises effecting the reaction in an aliphatic carboxylic acid of 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Substituted quinones are catalytically hydrogenated in the presence of a mixture of (1) low unbranched alcohols and (2) hydrocarbons which are inert and fluid under the conditions of the hydrogenation reaction and which may be aromatic, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic to economically produce corresponding substituted hydroquinones of high purity and low discoloration and in high yields thereof.