Abstract: The present invention provides a softener composition which contains a softening base having an excellent softening effect and satisfactory biodegradability. That is, the present invention provides the softener composition which comprises (A) a nonionic compound which has at least one C5-36 alkyl or alkenyl group and an amide bond but contains no dissociative group of amino or carboxyl group; and (B) at least one member selected among (B-?) cationic or ampholytic surfactants having one C5-36 alkyl or alkenyl group or one optionally substituted aryl group and (B-?) amino compounds having at least one C5-36 alkyl or alkenyl group and salts of the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a softener composition which contains a softening base having an excellent softening effect and satisfactory biodegradability. That is, the present invention provides the softener composition which comprises (A) a nonionic compound which has at least one C5-36 alkyl or alkenyl group and an amide bond but contains no dissociative group of amino or carboxyl group; and (B) at least one member selected among (B-&agr;) cationic or ampholytic surfactants having one C5-36 alkyl or alkenyl group or one optionally substituted aryl group and (B-&agr;) amino compounds having at least one C5-36 alkyl or alkenyl group and salts of the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a softener composition which contains a softening base having an excellent softening effect and satisfactory biodegradability. That is, the present invention provides the softener composition that has (A) a nonionic compound which has at least one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group and an amide bond but contains no dissociative group of amino or carboxyl group; and (B) at least one member selected among (B-&agr;) cationic or ampholytic surfactants having one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group or one optionally substituted aryl group and (B-&bgr;) amino compounds, having at least one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group and salts of the compunds.

Abstract: In preparing an acyloxybenzenesulfonic acid or salts thereof by sulfonating the corresponding acyloxybenzene (1), the preparation process of the acyloxybenzenesulfonic acid wherein as an additive is added at least one selected from among carboxylic acids or esters thereof (2), alkyl phosphates (3), polyphosphoric acids (4), amides and like compounds (6), carbonic esters (7), and hydroxy compounds (8). By the process, acyloxybenzenesulfonic acid excellent in hue can be prepared on an industrial scale in an enhanced yield at enhanced selectivity and lowered cost as compared with the processes of the prior art.

Abstract: An excellent catalyst for the reduction of nitrogen oxides is obtained by mixing a specific aluminum-containing substance with a specific iron-containing substance in water and baking the resultant precipitate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substance which is obtained by calcining an iron hydroxide or a water-containing iron oxide and coating the surface of the resultant calcined product with alumina. This substance is useful as a catalyst in the removal of nitrogen oxides from an exhaust gas containing the nitrogen oxides.