Abstract: Highly-soluble, fully-cyclized siloxane polyimides, which contain at least in part, polymerized units derived from 4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl) ethylidene]-bis(1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid anhydride), (6FDA), are disclosed. The polymeric compositions, their preparation and film/coating products are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to new fluorine-containing polyimides, polyamide-acids/esters, polyamides, addition polyimides and imide oligomers which exhibit low melting points, better solubilities, low dielectric constants, superior thermal and thermal oxidative stability, and improved processing characteristics.The products of this invention are characterized by the fact that they are derived from 4,4'-bis[2-(3,4-(dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoroisopropyl]diphenyl ether dianhydride.

Abstract: Thermosetting quinazolone resins, their preparation and their applications re described.These thermosetting quinazolone resins can be defined as having the following general formula: ##STR1## in which Ar.sup.1 is a bivalent mono- or polycyclic aromatic radical and Ar.sup.2 is a bivalent aromatic radical of several simple aromatic rings bound two by two by atoms or bivalent groups.These Ar.sup.1 and Ar.sup.2 radicals are chosen so that the melting or emollescence temperature is between 80.degree. C. and 170.degree. C.The resins can be prepared from condensation of an ethynylarylbenzoxazinone with an aromatic diamine containing flexibilizing groups.These quinazolone resins can be polymerized in bulk in order to prepare adhesives or composite matrices in particular.

Abstract: A process for preparing a substantially straight-chain polyarylene thioether by polymerizing a diphenyldisulfide of the formula ##STR1## in the presence of a lewis acid catalyst at temperatures of between -20.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for recovering substantially pure rIL-2 from transformed microorganisms in which the cells are disrupted, impure insoluble rIL-2 is separated from the bulk of the cellular components, the separated impure rIL-2 is solubilized and partially purified in a reduced form, the solubilized rIL-2 is oxidized, the oxidized rIL-2 is purified to clinically acceptable levels, and the oxidized, purified IL-2 is denatured by placing it into a solution of a chaotropic agent, solids are removed from the solution and rIL-2 is renatured from the solution.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is prepared wherein biologically active conjugated interleukin-2 is dissolved in an aqueous carrier medium without the presence of a solubilizing agent. The unconjugated IL-2, which is not water soluble or not readily soluble in water at pH 6-8 without such solubilizing agent, is selectively conjugated to one or more succinyl groups by reaction with succinic anhydride.

Abstract: Flame retardant thermoset compositions having excellent water absorption resistance, caustic resistance, and low dielectric constants are made from blends of the dicyanate ester of 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) bisphenol and a different polycyanate ester of a polyhydric phenol.

Abstract: Collagen is submitted to a controlled oxidation by treatment with a solution of periodic acid or of a periodate, notably of sodium. Application to gels, implants, lenses, films, spheres, etc., of collagen.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies demonstrating reactivity to genus-specific epitopes present on outer membrane proteins of bacteria of the genus Legionella and hybridomas for secreting the antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: A polypeptide transforming growth factor found in porcine platelets, having activity in the TGF-.beta. assay and a molecular weight of about 25 kDa. The factor is a heterodimer, one chain of which has an N-terminal sequence very different from human platelet TGF-.beta., and the other chain of which has an N-terminal sequence identical to that of human platelet TGF-.beta.. The factor is purified using gel filtration and reverse phase HPLC.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aryl-diazide-sulfonic acids by a series of sequential in-situ process steps. The process comprises the nitrosation of a hydroxyarylsulfonic acid; conversion of the nitroso-derivative to a sulfamate which is then diazotized to the diazide. Temperature and pH are maintained in predetermined ranges to maintain the reaction products in solution without the formation side-products or the need to isolate intermediates.The process of the invention is particularly useful in the preparation of light-sensitive materials such as naphthoquinonediazide sulfonic acids which are used in the preparation of photoresist compositions. The invention provides a high purity product at a high material efficiency, high equipment utilization, low effluent discharge, and reduced cost.

Abstract: The dye of the formula: ##STR1## which is suitable for use in aqueous inks, especially for ink jet printing.

Abstract: Ground chitin is rendered dispersible in aqueous medium to form stable dispersions on mild shearing, by pretreating the chitin with an aqueous oxidizing bleach solution. the dispersions, and paper-like structures prepared from them by papermaking techniques, are useful for treating and binding wounds.Operable bleaches include peroxygen bleaches and labile halogen bleaches. Peroxygen bleaches include hydrogen and alkali metal peroxide, alkaline earth and alkali metal perborate, percarbonate, peroxymonosulfate, and bromate. The labile halogen bleaches include alkali metal and alkaline earth hypohalites, and dihalo-s-triazinetriones.

Abstract: Polyol polyesters having reduced color content are prepared by base-catalyzed transesterification of lower (i.e., C.sub.1 -C.sub.3) alkyl fatty esters having a carbonyl content of less than about 200 ppm with polyols. The esters can be prepared by a pretreatment comprising distilling the said alkyl fatty esters (in a liquid state), preferably with a base, and discarding both the top cut in an amount that is about 5% or less and at least about 2% of the still bottoms.

Abstract: Platinum(amine) complexes, when covalently linked to a water-soluble, biodegradable or biostable polymer, exhibit high antitumor activity at low dosages of platinum against L1210 and solid tumors. The complexes are platinum square planar complexes and octahedral structures of the formulae ##STR1## wherein A.sub.2 represents either 2 ammonia ligands, 2 monodentate amine ligands or a single bidentate amine ligand; P is either a biodegradable or a biostable but biocompatible polymer having pendent anionic groups which form covalent linkages with Pt; o is a positive integer and X is an anionic ligand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a solid composition of lactulose in a simple way. According to the invention lactulose syrup is mixed with Fiberform.RTM., i.e. a fibre product based on the husks of corn grains having a fibre content of more than 80%. The mixture is spread, dried, crushed and optionally sieved.

Abstract: A process for producing a 2-cephem or 3-cephem derivative compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted amino radical and R.sub.4 represents hydrogen or a radical selected from the group consisting of carboxy, protected carboxy, ester, acid amide, acid anhydride, acid halide, acid azide and carboxy salt, and the dotted line indicates the alternate bond structure providing 3-cephem or 2-cephem, which comprises:reacting a halogenated derivative selected from the group consisting of a halogenated penam derivative having the formula: ##STR2## a halogenated cepham derivative of the formula: ##STR3## wherein X represents a halogen atom, R.sub.3 represents a radical selected from the group consisting of carboxy, protected carboxy, ester, acid amide, acid anhydride, acid halide, acid azide and carboxy salt, and R.sub.1 is as defined above, or mixtures thereof with a dehydrohalogenoic acid reagent.

Abstract: Cis .alpha..alpha./.beta..beta.-3-amino-[2-(2-furyl)eth-1-yl]-1-methoxycarbony lmethyl-azetidin-2-one is resolved via optically active malic acid.

Abstract: Cis .alpha..alpha., .beta..beta.-3-amino-4-[2-(2-furyl)vinyl-1-yl]-1-methoxycarbonylmethyl-aze tidin-2-one is resolved via optically active di-p-toluoyl tartaric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing precursors of picenadol, (.+-.)3-(1,3.alpha.-dimethyl-4.alpha.-propyl-4.beta.-piperidinyl)phenol, hydrochloride, a known analgesic. Certain of the compounds prepared by the present process are novel as well.

Abstract: Antiviral and antitumor compounds are disclosed of general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z is H, OR' or NH.sub.2, wherein R' is H, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, aryl, CHO, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.16)alkanoyl or O.dbd.P(OH).sub.2, Y is CH or N, and X is selected from the group consisting of H, N(R.sub.2), SR, OR' or halogen, wherein R is H, lower(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, aryl or mixtures thereof, and the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkoxy orC.sub.1 -C.sub.3 haloalkoxy; R.sub.3 is hydrogen; C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl substituted by halogen, hydroxy or by cyano; cyclopropyl; or cyclopropyl mono- to tri-substituted by methyl and/or by halogen; and R.sub.4 is C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl orC.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl mono-to tri-substituted by methyl and/or by halogen, have valuable microbicidal and insecticidal properties. The novel active ingredients can be used in plant protection for preventing an attack on cultivated plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms or by harmful insects, and for controlling these pests.

Abstract: A heteroaromatic nitrile is prepared in high conversion and yield by catalytically reacting an alkyl-substituted heteroaromatic compound with molecular oxygen and ammonia in the presence of a catalyst having the following composition:Mo(P).sub.x (A).sub.y (B).sub.z (O).sub.w (I)wherein x, y, z and w represent atomic ratios of phosphorus, an element A defined below, an element B defined below and oxygen to molybdenum, respectively and(i) x and z are both 0 (zero), y is from 0.1 to 5, and A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of cerium and tungsten, or(ii) x is from 0.1 to 7, y is from 0 to 5, z is from 0 to 5, A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of cerium, manganese and tungsten, and B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of thallium, titanium, niobium and aluminum, or(iii) x is from 0.5 to 7, y is from 0 to 5, z is from 0.01 to 2.

Abstract: A bleaching composition comprises:(A) hydrogen peroxide and/or a hydrogen peroxide addition compound such as a percarbonate; and(B) at least one activator which is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound in which a halogen atom is substituted for the hydrogen atom of the secondary amino group or a non-heterocyclic N-halo-hindered amine compound, the hydrolysis constant of the activator being within the range of 1.times.10.sup.-10 to 5.times.10.sup.-6 (at 25.degree. C.). Examples of the activator include 1-chloro-piperidine, 1-chloro-2-methyl-piperidine, 1-chloro-isonipecotic acid, 1-chloro- -hexamethyleneimine and 1-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactam. The bleaching-detergent composition may also contain the components (A) and (B) together with a surfactant. These compositions exhibit an excellent effect concerning bleaching at low temperature, but hardly affect the colors of colored and patterned clothes.

Abstract: A process is provided for obtaining sulfophenyl quarternary ammonium or phosphonium substituted carbonic acid esters. The important step in this process involves reacting a phenyl quaternary ammonium or phosphonium substituted carbonic ester with oleum that contains from 0.5 to 33% sulfur trioxide. Amounts in excess of 33% sulfur trioxide lead to increased reaction times and, eventually, unacceptable product conversons.

Abstract: Cyanopyridines of the formula ##STR1## are prepared by reacting acrolein and an alkanal ##STR2## or its acetal or ketone of the formula ##STR3## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be identical or different and are each hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or aryl and R.sup.4 is alkyl and n is 0-11, with ammonia in the presence of a zeolite as a catalyst. The reaction is preferably carried out in the gas phase.

Abstract: A process for production of 2-pyrazolin-5-ones having the formula (I): ##STR1## which comprises cyclizing hydrazone derivatives having the formula (II): ##STR2## in the presence of a base; wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 each represents a specific group; compounds having the formula (I) as well as compounds having the formula (II) and a process for production thereof.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of 1,4-diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrroles of the formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently of one another are phenyl, biphenyl or naphthyl radicals or aromatic O-heterocyclic, S-heterocyclic or N-heterocyclic radicals, by reacting 1 mole of a dicyclohexyl succinate, dialkyl succinate, monoalkylmonophenyl or diphenyl succinate, alkyl in the succinic acid ester radical being C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl and phenyl being phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or two halogen atoms or one or two C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy groups, with 2 moles of a nitrile of the formula II or III or with 1 mole of a nitrile of the formula II and 1 mole of a nitrile of the formula III ##STR2## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.

Abstract: Bis(indolyl)ethylenes of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 denotes hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl,R.sub.2 denotes hydrogen, alkyl or aryl,R.sub.3 denotes hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, COOH or aryl andR.sub.4 denotes hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy or halogen, andthese substituents, in turn, can carry non-ionic radicals or a carboxyl group, are obtained by reaction of indoles of the formula ##STR2## with carboxylic acids of the formulaR.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 --COOH (III)their chlorides, esters, for example alkyl esters, or anhydrides in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride.

Abstract: Thiophene ethers having relatively large side chains can be easily obtained by reacting 2-, 3-, 2,3-, 2,4- or 3,4-C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -alkoxythiophenes in the presence of an acid catalyst with a compound containing an OH group. The novel thiophene ethers are suitable as monomers for electrically conducting polymers.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for purifying chemiluminescent water-soluble 1,2-dioxetane derivatives suitable for use as reporter molecules in a variety of biological analytical systems, including enzyme-linked immunoassays, nucleic acid probe techniques, and structural determinations. The methods are based upon high pressure, medium pressure or low pressure liquid chromatography using as the stationary phase alkaline pH-stable compositions with the chromatographic characteristics of reversed-phase adsorbents, at alkaline pH values, and in the absence of acid-forming compounds or compounds with an unshared pair of electrons. Desalting of substantially pure water soluble 1,2-dioxetane derivatives may be accomplished by the same chromatographic systems or by molecular sieve chromatography systems, but in the absence of salt buffers. Under some circumstances, purification and desalting may be combined in a single chromatographic step.

Abstract: Highly pure thiotetronic acid is produced from 4-alkoxy-2(5) thiophenones.

Abstract: An alkylene oxide, e.g. ethylene oxide, is prepared from the corresponding alkylene carbonate, e.g. ethylene carbonate, in the presence of an effective amount of a quaternary arsonium halide. The quaternary arsonium halides are also effective catalysts for the reverse reaction, that is, to form alkylene carbonates from the corresponding epoxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved titanium dioxide rutile-based catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the rutile form a discontinuous monolayer amount of at least one source of a Group IA metal oxide; (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the Group IA metal oxide source into the corresponding Group IA metal oxide; (c) depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating; and (d) calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: A method for producing a lactone by hydrogenating a dicarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid anhydride and/or a dicarboxylic acid ester in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the hydrogenation reaction is conducted in the liquid phase in the presence of (1) ruthenium, (2) an organic phosphine and (3) a compound of a metal selected from the group consisting of Groups IVA, VA and IIIB in the Periodic Table.According to the present invention, for the production of a lactone by hydrogenating a dicarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid anhydride and/or a dicarboxylic ester, the reaction is conducted in a homogeneous liquid phase reaction by using the ruthenium, organic phosphine and compound of a metal selected from the group consisting of Groups IVA, VA and IIIB, of the present invention as the catalyst, whereby the desired lactone product can be obtained at high selectivity under a mild condition as compared with the conventional methods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and intermediates for the preparation of benzopyrans such as racemic-6-acetyl-7-[5-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)pentyloxy]-3,4-d ihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Enantiomerically pure glycerol derivatives, e.g. S-1,2-O-isopropylidene, S-1,2-O-benzylidene, and R-1,2-O-dibenzyl glycerol, have been prepared from 1,2R-O-protected erythritols in high yields. The latter compounds are easily obtained from erythorbic acid and are useful building blocks in the synthesis of a host of optically active compounds having biological activity.

Abstract: A process for producing glycidylthio ethers of the formula I ##STR1## which process comprises reacting epichlorohydrin with a mercaptan of the formula IIR--SH (II)in which R can be a radical ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently of one another are each C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 -alkyl, and together contain no more than 22 C atoms, and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are in addition hydrogen, or wherein R is C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 -cycloalkyl, phenyl or naphthyl unsubstituted or substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, or is benzyl or furfuryl, or wherein R is C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 -alkylene which is substituted by --SH and which can be interrupted by 1 or 2 ether-O atoms, in an equimolar amount, without organic solvent and in the presence of a base, the reaction being performed by the phase-transfer catalysis process, wherein a phase-transfer catalyst is used, at a temperature of -30.degree. C. to +20.degree. C.

Abstract: The novel antiseptic mercurial derivatives according to the invention have at least one benzene ring and comprise: a) at least one radical HgX in which X is selected from F,Cl,Br, I, OH, CH.sub.3 COO, CN, SCN, NO.sub.3, OB(OH).sub.2, b) and, bonded to a benzene ring, at least one group--OR or--COOR in which R is a functional group capable of intervening in a reaction of polymerization or of polyaddition. The preferred derivative is 2-chloromercuri 4-tertiobutyl phenol allyl-ether. They may intervene in grafting reactions for the protection of a polymeric support, or in reactions of copolymerization.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an improved process for producing trialkoxysilanes comprising (i) an activation step where elemental silicon and a copper catalyst are activated, (ii) a reaction step where an alcohol is contacted with elemental silicon and the copper catalyst to allow it to react with the elemental silicon and (iii) a purification step where reaction product obtained is separated and/or refined, which is characterized in that a halide is introduced into the reaction system and/or mixture in one or more of the above steps (i) to (iii). With the introduction of a halide, the lowering in the selectivity of trialkoxysilanes can be prevented, and the percentage of elemental silicon reacted can be increased. In addition, the trialkoxysilanes contained in the reaction product can be stabilized.

Abstract: Indicators for the detection of thio groups are disclosed together with processes for the preparation of such indicators.

Abstract: Aryl sulfonylureas as new compositions and included in a two-part herbicide system comprising at least one or more thiolcarbamate, thiolcarbamate sulfoxide or haloacetanilide herbicide, and as the second part a non-phytotoxic antidotally effective amount of aryl sulfonylurea as an antidote therefor of the formula ##STR1## in which X is oxygen or sulfur; n is an integer; R is lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, lower alkyl sulfonyl;R.sup.4 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, phenyl and chlorophenyl;R.sup.2 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, alkoxyalkyl and phenyl;R.sup.1 is lower alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, 1-phenylpropenyl, benzyl, chlorobenzyl, haloalkenyl, phenyl and alkyl substituted phenyl; andAR is phenyl, benzyl, naphthyl, pyridyl or styryl; and the inorganic base salts sodium, potassium, ammonium and other inorganic salts; and organic base salts thereof.

Abstract: A method and composition for the immunization of healthy useful plants against plant diseases containing as active ingredients compounds of formula ##STR1## in which: X is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, methyl, methoxy, HOOC or MOOC;Y is hydrogen, halogen, SO.sub.3 H, SO.sub.3 M, nitro, hydroxy or amino, M being the molar equivalent of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ion that is formed from a corresponding base or basic compound; andZ is cyano or --CO--A;A represents either --OH or --SH, the hydrogen atom of which may also be replaced by the molar equivalent of an inorganic or organic cationic residue,or wherein A represents any other organic residue which has a molecular weight of less than 900 and which may also contain one, or more than one, hetero atom, including the salts of the phytophysiologically tolerable 7-carboxylic acid or 7-thiocarboxylic acid with primary, secondary or tertiary amines or with inorganic bases.

Abstract: Novel fluorinated, acrylamide monomers are prepared from 2-alkenyl azlactones reacted with fluorinated alcohols. The novel monomers have the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.6 are independently hydrogen or methyl;R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently can be an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl group, or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 taken together with the carbon to which they are joined can form a carbocyclic ring containing 4 to 12 ring atoms;R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl;a is 0 or 1;b is 1 or 2;X is a single bond, CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2, and CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 ; andR.sub.F is a substantially perfluorinated alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl group when b is 1 and perfluorinated alkylene when b is 2.Novel polymers and copolymers can be prepared from the monomers of the invention.

Abstract: Citrate esters are formed utilizing organic titanates as a catalyst allowing excess alcohol to be removed. Four citrate esters have been found which provide advantageous plasticizing properties to PVC compositions which include superior toxicity test results and superior soapy water extraction test results. The four citrate esters are: acetyltri-n-hexyl citrate, n-butyryltri-n-hexyl citrate, acetyltri-n-(hexyl/octyl/decyl) citrate, and acetyltri-n-(octyl/decyl) citrate. Articles formed from the PVC plasticized mixtures are extremely useful in the medical or health care field as they demonstrate a low order of toxicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel monoesters and diesters of 9,10-endoethano-9,10-dihydroanthracene-11,11-dicarboxylic acid.These novel monoesters and diesters correspond to the following structural chemical formula (II): ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and can represent H, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alicyclic group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, defined in their cis or trans variety, or an alkynyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, the said groups optionally being substituted by one or more functional groups such as ether, epoxide, halogeno, cyano, ester, aldehyde, ketone, aryl etc., where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 cannot be H or ethyl simultaneously. These addition products constitute valuable intermediates for the preparation of methylidenemalonates in high yields and with a high purity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of N-phosphono-methyl-imino-diacetic acid from the calcium salt of imino-diacetic acid in a simplified synthesis. The process comprises in that the imino-diacetic acid calcium salt is heated with concentrated hydrochloric acid in a molar ratio of 2-3:1 at a temperature between 50.degree.-100.degree. C., the obtained imino-diacetic acid hydrogen-chloride is separated then dissolved in water and is reacted with phosphorous acid in a molar ratio of 1.0-1.2:1 calculated for imino-diacetic acid hydrogen chloride and with the aqueous solution of formaldehyde in a molar ratio of 1.0-1.4:1 under stirring, and the obtained product is isolated.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the continuous production of 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) and alkali metal salts thereof, in which dialkylphosphite, and ethene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester, are reacted in the presence of a basic catalyst to form phosphonosuccinic acid tetraalkyl ester, the ester thus obtained is directly reacted with alkyl-acrylate, in the presence of an alkaline catalyst and the reaction product thus obtained is directly hydrolyzed to PBTC or alkali metal salts thereof.

Abstract: A process for the optical resolution of 2-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-acetylaminophenylthio)-propionic acid sodium salt by seeding of a supersaturated solution of said salt with one of the enantiomers.

Abstract: A salt forming compound represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl or benzyl, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl, R.sub.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl or benzyl, X is hydroxyl or amino, and Y is hydroxyl or hydrogen and is not hydrogen when X is hydroxyl, usable in a toner for developing electrostatic latent images, e.g. comprising 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of the salt forming compound and 100 parts by weight of a resin.