Abstract: Process for producing substituted ketones from the reaction between organic halides and ketones having replaceable active hydrogen atoms on the carbon atom(s) alpha to the carbonyl group, in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide unitilizing phosphonium salts as the catalyst, which salts have the following formula: ##EQU1## wherein said R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are branched or straight chain alkyl of 1-30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 6-10 carbon atoms, aryl of 6-10 carbon atoms aralkyl or alkaryl wherein the aryl and alkyl are as above defined and X.sup.- is an inorganic or organic anion.

Abstract: A process for producing substituted ketones is disclosed comprising reacting an organic halide with a ketone which has a replaceable hydrogen atom on the carbon atom in the .alpha.-position to the carbonyl group, in the presence of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide and at least one basic nitrogen catalyst such as certain primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines, quaternary ammonium salts or betaine-type quaternary ammonium salts.

Abstract: Novel 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosa-11,13-diin-10,15-diol derivatives. Such derivatives are prepared by oxydative coupling of 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1-in-3-ol derivatives or by ethynylation of 6,10-dimethylundecan-2-on derivatives with diacetylene and used as starting materials for preparing squalane.