Abstract: Calcium propionate is prepared by passing a vaporous mixture of propionic acid and water into an aqueous solution containing calcium propionate and calcium hydroxide, with or without propionic acid.

Abstract: Aliphatic hydroxycarbonyl compounds etherified with aliphatic groups are prepared by oxidizing hydroxyalcohols in the presence of a metal catalyst which consists of one or more layers, each of a particular weight and each containing particles of a particular size, the catalyst bed also having a particular total thickness, and the catalyst components used being silver and copper, with or without added copper/tin/phosphorus or silver alone. The etherified hydroxyaldehydes and hydroxyketones obtainable by the process of the invention are valuable starting materials for the preparation of dyes, pesticides, plastics and scents.

Abstract: Formaldehyde is prepared by oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol in the presence of a silver catalyst, specific amounts of steam and specific amounts of an off-gas, of a specific composition, taken from the manufacture of formaldehyde. The reaction is started at a lower throughput of methanol and at a lower temperature. The formaldehyde obtainable by the process is a disinfectant, tanning agent and reducing agent, and a starting material for the manufacture of synthetic resins, adhesives and plastics.