Abstract: High purity amino-1,3-benzenediols are prepared by (a) contacting a 1,3-bis(alkylcarbonato)benzene with a nitrating agent under rection conditions such that a 1,3-bis(alkylcarbonato)nitrobenzene is formed, (b) contacting the 1,3-bis(alkylcarbonato)nitrobenzene with a hydrolyzing agent under conditions such that a nitro-1,3-benzenediol is produced, and (c) contacting the nitro-1,3-benzenediol with a reducing agent under conditions such that an amino-1,3-benzenediol is produced. Of the amino-1,3-benzenediols, 4,6-diamino-1,3-benzenediol is particularly useful in the preparation of high molecular weight polybenzoxazoles.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the preparation of a 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid which comprises(a) contacting a p-halobenzoic acid with nitric acid in an acidic reaction medium under conditions such that a 3-nitro-4-halobenzoic acid is prepared;(b) contacting the 3-nitro-4-halobenzoic acid with an alkali metal hydroxide in a reaction medium under conditions such that the halo moiety is replaced with a hydroxide moiety, to prepare a 3-nitro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, or salt thereof; and(c) reducing the 3-nitro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid under conditions such that a 4-hydroxy-3-aminobenzoic acid is prepared.

Abstract: High purity 4,6-dinitro-1,3-benzenediol is prepared by (a) contacting a 1,2,3-trihalobenzene with a nitrating agent and an acid under reaction conditions such that a 1,2,3-trihalo-4,6-dinitrobenzene is produced, (b) contacting the 1,2,3-trihalo-4,6-dinitrobenzene prepared in (a) with an alkanol and a base under reaction conditions such that a 4,6-dinitro-2-halo-1,3-benzenediol is produced, and (c) contacting the 4,6-dinitro-2-halo-1,3-benzenediol prepared in (b) with a hydrogenating agent in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst under reaction conditions such that a 4,6-diamino-1,3-benzenediol is produced. This 4,6-diamino-1,3-benzenediol is useful in the preparation of high molecular weight polybenzoxazoles.

Abstract: A method for producing dihydroxybenzophenones by the electrocatalytic oxidation of bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) methanes, or the quinone methide intermediate, with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ). Spent oxidant, in the form of DDQH.sub.2, may be recycled and electrochemically regenerated to active DDQ oxidant.

Abstract: A method for producing quinone methides by the electrocatalytic oxidation of bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methanes using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) as the oxidant. Spent oxidant, in the form of DDQH.sub.2, may be recycled and electrochemically regenerated to active DDQ oxidant.

Abstract: A method for producing quinone methides by the electrolytic oxidation of bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methanes at a potential of 1.1-1.5 V vs. SCE.

Abstract: Novel halonitriles, e.g., 2,4-dichloro-2-fluoro-5,5-dimethoxy-4-methylpentanenitrile, method of preparation and use to make halopyridines, some of which are novel, e.g., 2-chloro-3-fluoro-5-methylpyridine. These compounds are intermediates in the preparation of pharmaceutical and agricultural products.

Abstract: A process for making mono- and dichlorinated or brominated aldehydes from aldehydes having at least 3 carbon atoms and hydrogens alpha to the carbonyl group or primary alcohols having at least 3 carbon atoms and hydrogens in the 2-position by direct bromination or chlorination by carrying out the bromination or chlorination in an inert organic solvent with bromine or chlorine and containing a catalyst complex of HX and an N,N-dialkyl or cycloalkylformamide where X is a counterion.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing 5-oxo-2,4-dichloro-4-alkyl or aryl pentanenitriles, e.g., 5-oxo-2,4-dichloro-4-methylpentanenitrile-1 by reacting an .alpha.,.alpha.-dichloroaldehyde with an acrylonitrile in a coil reactor.

Abstract: Substituted pyridines are prepared by the base and transition metal catalyzed ring closure of substituted 5-oxo-pentane-1-nitriles.

Abstract: Unsaturated alcohols, thiols and thioesters are cyclized by a phenyl selenenyl halide; wherein the conformation flexibility of the unsaturated alcohol, thiol or thioester is selected such that the hydroxy group, thiol group or thioester group is capable of internal addition to at least one unsaturated bond in said alcohol, thiol or thioester; and wherein the ratio of the phenyl selenenyl halide to said unsaturated alcohol, thiol or thioester is 0.9-1.5 to 1. In a preferred embodiment, oxygen isomers and sulfur analogs of prostacyclin of the formula ##STR1## wherein X= ##STR2## Y=(E)- and (Z)- >C.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 COOR; (E)- >CH--CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 COOR; andR=any pharmaceutically acceptable cation or lower alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms are formed by:(1) cyclizing a PGF.sub.2.alpha. prostaglandin derivative or a 9.alpha. thio or 9.alpha. -thioester analog of prostaglandin PGF.sub.2.alpha.