Abstract: In the preparation of a mixture of .alpha.-D-glucopyranosido-1,6-mannitol and .alpha.-D-glucopyranoside-1,6-sorbitol by catalytically hydrogenating .alpha.-D-glucopyranosido-1,6-fructose in aqueous solution with hydrogen under increased pressure and at elevated temperature, the improvement which comprises effecting the hydrogenation continuously over a fixed bed of support-free shaped pieces of elements of sub-group 8 of the periodic table, which serve as the hydrogenation catalyst. The product can be directly used as a sweetener, without purification. The catalyst life is extremely long.

Abstract: Thymol can be prepared on a continuous basis by reacting m-cresol with propylene and/or compounds which eliminate propylene, over aluminum oxide catalysts in the presence of a nitrogen base. The aluminum oxide catalyst is an active or activated hydrated aluminum oxide having a particle size between 0.5 and 20 mm, a BET surface area of at least 200 m.sup.2 /g, a porosity equal to or greater than 0.5 mm/g, a boehmite content of 5 to 40 percent by weight, and an X-ray spectrum which shows the reflections of .gamma.-alumina wherein the content of microcrystalline constituents is less than 50 percent by weight.

Abstract: Continuous process for production of d,l, menthol by hydrogenation of thymol or other compound having the carbon skeleton of menthol and which is substituted by oxygen (oxygen or hydroxy) in the 4-position. A cobalt-manganese catalyst is used which contains 10 to 40% by weight of manganese based on the total quantity of oxidic cobalt and oxidic manganese. High conversion are obtained and the built up of by-products is low. The catalyst is similarly effective for rearrangement of isomers of menthol to product d,l-menthol.

Abstract: A hydrogenation catalyst containing cobalt, manganese and copper in the form of their oxides and alkali metal oxide and silicon dioxide. A weight ratio of cobalt to maganese is 25:1 to 1:1, and the copper content is 0.01 to 2% by weight based on a total weight of the catalyst. The catalyst is prepared by adding an excess of an aqueous solution of a hydroxide, bicarbonate or carbonate of an alkali metal to an aqueous solution of water-soluble cobalt salts, manganese-(II) salts and copper salts to form a precipitate. Thereafter an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate or SiO.sub.2 sol is added to the precipitate which is filtered off and washed with water to remove excess alkali metal hydroxide, bicarbonate or carbonate. The precipitate is then dried and calcined to form the catalyst.

Abstract: 2-Methylpropane-1,3-diol is prepared by reacting 2-methylenepropane-1,3-diol diacetate with a monohydric, lower aliphatic alcohol in the presence of a base. Thereafter the resulting 2-methylenepropane-1,3 diol is catalytically hydrogenated to form 2-methylpropane-1,3-diol.

Abstract: 1,4-NAPHTHOQUINONE IS REMOVED FROM PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE BY HEATING WITH ELEMENTARY SULFUR AT TEMPERATURES IN THE RANGE OF FROM 200.degree. TO 300.degree. C.