Abstract: Polypropylene heterophasic copolymers are produced having increased impact strength through the use of controlled rheology techniques by the addition of a peroxide at conditions which increase the deactivation or half life of the peroxide. The increased half life slows down the vis-breaking process and allows better dispersion of rubber particles within the polymer. In this way, copolymers having a high melt flow can be prepared while obtaining high impact strength and lower stiffness values, without the need for additional elastomeric modifiers.

Abstract: A method for making a hydrophilic and lubricious coating, the coating so made and a medical device including such coating, wherein the coating includes a hydrophilic polymeric unit layer cross-linked with a plasma deposited double bond monomer. The hydrophilic polymeric unit can include ethylene oxide with one or more primary or secondary alcohol groups or glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid, and the double bond monomer includes monomers containing at least one double bond, preferably a C═C, C═N or C═O bond, including N-trimethylsilyl-allylamine, ethylene, propylene and allyl alcohol. The invention also provides products containing such coatings and their uses in medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: A copolymerized polyester resin composition comprising the following polyethylene terephthalate resin (A) and a polybutylene terephthalate resin (B), wherein the proportion of the resin (A) is from 50 to 95 wt %, and the proportion of the resin (B) is from 5 to 50 wt %, based on the total amount of the resins (A) and (B): Resin (A): a copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate resin, having a dicarboxylic acid component containing terephthalic acid as the main component and a diol component containing ethylene glycol as the main component copolymerized, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component contains isophthalic acid in an amount of from 3 to 30 mol % based on the total dicarboxylic acid component, and the diol component contains a cyclohexane dimethanol in an amount of from 3 to 40 mol % based on the total diol component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resin composition containing an aromatic episulfide which exhibits excellent moldability, heat resistance and optical properties. The composition comprises an aromatic episulfide compound (A) having two or more reactive groups represented by the following formula (1) (wherein X is O or S with S accounting for 50 mol % or more of X on the average and R1-R4 are independently hydrogen, halogen or an alkyl group with 1-4 carbon atoms) in its molecule, a glycidyl compound (B) composed of an aromatic glycidyl ether compound having two or more glycidyl groups in its molecule or a glycidyl ester compound having two or more glycidyl groups in its molecule, an acid anhydride (C) and a curing catalyst (D) as essential components and shows the following molar ratios of &bgr;-epithiopropyl group (a), glycidyl group (b) and acid anhdyride group (c); [(b)+(a)]/(c)=1.35-3.5, (a)/(c)=0.5-2.2 and (b)/(c)=0.5-1.9.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of aqueous dispersions of latex particles having a heterogeneous morphology by a semicontinuous emulsion polymerization, comprising the emulsion polymerizing of ethylenically unsaturated (co)monomers, accompanied by, the addition of cationic and/or anionic and/or nonionic emulsifiers and/or protective colloids as stabilizers, which are directly used as such or synthesized in situ, the semicontinuous emulsion polymerization being performed in the presence of the stabilizer or stabilizers with a monomer mixture, which a) contains at least one nonionic, ethylenically unsaturated monomer with a glass transition temperature Tg above about 30° C. in a quantity of about 10 to 70 wt. %, based on the total weight of ethylenically unsaturated (co)monomers and b) at least one hydrophilic, ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a quantity of about 5 to 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of ethylenically unsaturated (co)monomers.

Abstract: A process for preparing a vinyl chloride paste resin comprising the steps of homogenizing a vinyl chloride monomer in an aqueous medium together with an oil-soluble polymerization initiator to form a first aqueous dispersion, and subjecting the first dispersion to a micro-suspension polymerization wherein a second aqueous dispersion containing a vinyl chloride monomer and a surface active agent is added to the reaction system in such a manner that the addition is started after starting the polymerization but by the time the polymerization conversion of the initially charged monomer reaches 30%, and is terminated by the time the polymerization conversion of the initially charged monomer reaches 95%. The process has an improved productivity since the heat removing area of a jacket of a reactor is prevented from lowering during the polymerization to increase the amount of heat removed and since the polymer yield per unit volume of the reactor is increased.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization process is disclosed. The process comprises polymerizing olefins in the presence of a supported indenoindolyl catalyst system and an organoboron or organoaluminum-treated solid. The supported indenoindolyl catalyst system comprises a support, an organometallic complex comprising a Group 3 to 10 transition or lanthanide metal, M, and at least one indenoindolyl ligand that is &pgr;-bonded to M, and an activator. Performing the process in the presence of the organoboron or organoaluminum-treated solid surprisingly leads to an increased activity compared to polymerization processes performed without the treated solid.

Abstract: Polyolefins, preferably polyethylene, having a density of about 0.86 to about 0.93 g/mL, and having methyl branches and at least branches of two other different lengths of six carbon atoms or less, form heat seals at exceptionally low temperatures, thereby allowing good seals to be formed rapidly. This is advantageous when heat sealing these polyolefins, for example in the form of single or multilayer films.

Abstract: Transition metal superoxides of formula M(O2)n, where M is a transition metal and n is equal to the valence of M, may be used as initiators for free radical polymerization, optionally, under conditions of living polymerization, with or without chain transfer agents. Polymers produced have a narrow molecular weight distribution and low polydispersity indexes when chain transfer agents and/or molecular weight controlling agents are used.

Abstract: A negative-chargeability control resin containing a specific vinyl copolymer imparts stable chargeability to toner. The vinyl copolymer is obtainable by copolymerizing a monomer composition which contains at least i) a vinyl monomer (A) as exemplified by N-acryloylmorpholine, N-isopropylacrylamide, N-methylmethacrylamide, N-butoxymethylacrylamide or N-t-butylacrylamide, or a vinyl monomer (B) as exemplified by vinyl butyrate, vinyl 2-ethylhexanoate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl monochloroacetate pivarate, and ii) a vinyl monomer (C) having as a functional group a carboxyl group or a carboxyl group made into salt structure.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyacrylates, characterized in that the monomer mixture for preparing the polyacrylates is composed of at least 70% by weight of at least one acrylic monomer of the general formula where R1 is H or CH3 and R2 is H or an alkyl chain having 1-20 carbon atoms, the monomers are polymerized in the presence of at least one free-radical initiator by free-radical polymerization with at least one thioester as polymerization regulator, the average molecular weight of the polyacrylates is in the range from 250,000 g/mol to 1,000,000 g/mol, and the molecular weight distribution of the polyacrylates, Mw/Mn, is <4.

Abstract: Novel cross linked polymer films prepared from poly4-[(4-cardanylazo]benzoic acid and poly4-[(4-acryloylcardanylazo]benzoic acid are disclosed. The invention also relates to novel monomers 4-[(4-cardanylazo] benzoic acid and 4-[(4-acryloylcardanylazo] benzoic acid and polymers thereof as well processes for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to high performance RIM (reaction injection molded) poly(urethane)urea elastomers, and to a process for their production. These elastomers comprise the reaction product of an allophanate-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate prepolymer having an NCO group content of about 5 to about 30%, with an isocyanate-reactive component comprising a high molecular weight amine-terminated polyether polyol, an aromatic diamine chain extender, and, optionally, a chain extender or crosslinker selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amine terminated polyether polyols and aliphatic hydroxyl terminated polyether polyols, optionally, in the presence of an internal mold release agent, a surfactant and a filler.

Abstract: A thermal responsive, water soluble polymer. The polymer comprises the co-polymerization product of: (a) 5˜95 wt % of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIP); (b) 0.1˜80 wt % of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (VPD); and optionally, (c) 0.1˜30 wt % of acrylic acid (AA). As the proportion of component (b) VPD increases, the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) and water solubility of the polymer increases. On the other hand, as the proportion of component (c) AA increases, the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) decreases and the COOH reactive groups increases, which impart high reactivity to the copolymer. By adjusting the proportion of the monomers, a broad range of LCST can be manipulated from about 20 to 80° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to as process for the preparation of highly-branched polyols by polymerization of glycidol in the presence of a hydrogen-active starter compound with basic catalysis, wherein glycidol is added in dilute solution and the solvent used for the dilution is continuously distilled off. The polyols thus prepared are colorless, contain as the core unit solely the starter compound used and have polydispersities of less than 1.7.

Abstract: This invention relates to solvents which may be used to extract polymers that are made of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel production process for an ethylene oxide resin, in which, when the ethylene oxide resin is obtained, it is arranged that the resin should contain no antistatic agent, and further its water content is also easily controlled in not more than a definite amount, and the thermal damage of the above resin is prevented, and besides, the reduction of the cost can also be actualized. The production process for an ethylene oxide resin, according to the present invention, comprises the step of carrying out devolatilization of a solvent from a polymerization reaction liquid containing the solvent, thereby obtaining the ethylene oxide resin; with the production process being characterized by arranging that: after the devolatilization, the resin should have a solvent concentration of 0.01 to 30 weight % and a water content of not more than 200 ppm, and the resin should contain no antistatic agent.

Abstract: A novel plant steroid receptor, BIN1, is provided, as well as polynucleotides encoding BIN1. The function of BIN1, an extracellular steroid-binding receptor, is provided as well as its primary binding affinity with brassinolide. BIN1 polypeptide is useful in promoting increased plant yield and/or increased plant biomass.

Abstract: A polypeptide is provided that has a secondary structure characterized by at least three beta-sheet/beta-turn structures, and that is not a naturally occurring fibrous protein. Such polypeptides, illustrated by one modeled on elastin, are useful in prosthesis.

Abstract: There is provided an isolated immunoglobulin comprising two heavy polypeptide chains sufficient for the formation of a complete antigen binding site or several antigen binding sites, wherein the immunoglobulin is further devoid of light polypeptide chains.

Abstract: The presented invention relates to monoclonal antibodies useful in sensitive and specific immunological assays for the identification of prions in various tissues and body fluids, the production of such monoclonal antibodies by means of immunization of PrP0/0 mice by means of a new recombinant fragment of PrP and the use of the antibodies, e.g. for therapeutic and preventive treatments of humans and animals suffering from prion diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for synthesis of organic compounds, and in particular to compounds useful as protecting and linking groups for use in the synthesis of peptides, oligosaccharides, glycopeptides and glycolipids. The invention provides protecting and linking groups that are useful in both solid phase and solution synthesis, and are particularly applicable to combinatorial synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods for the synthesis of the therapeutic dinucleotide, P1,P4-di(uridine 5′-tetraphosphate), and demonstrates applicability to the production of large quantities. The methods of the present invention substantially reduce the time period required to synthesize diuridine tetraphosphate, preferably to three days or less. The novel tetrammonium and tetrasodium salts of P1,P4-di(uridine 5′-tetraphosphate) (Formula I) prepared by these methods are stable, soluble, nontoxic, and easy to handle during manufacture. wherein: X is Na, NH4 or H, provided that all X groups are not H.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the Medicine, in particular with the chemical synthesis of oligosaccharide mixtures derived of ribose-ribitol-phosphate, which are used as active principle in vaccines for the prevention of infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), as well as with the vaccines containing said oligosaccharide mixtures. The oligasaccharide mixtures obtained by chemical synthesis of the present invention, comprise repeating units of formulae (phosphate-ribosa-ribitol)n or (ribose-ribitol-phosphate)n of at least 5 compounds of structure A or B, which represent the repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b and differ only by n, being n a value contained between 4 and 25 (n≧4 y≦25), and wherein R1 or R2 is a spacer for conjugation to a carrier, with the condition of R1=spacer if R2=H, or R2=spacer if R1=H.

Abstract: A method of making an oxochlorin comprises the steps of oxidizing a chlorin to produce a mixture of hydroxychlorin and oxochlorin, and then oxidizing the hydroxychlorin in said mixture, preferably with DDQ, to produce a mixture consisting essentially of oxochlorin. The step of oxidizing a chlorin is carried out by exposing the chlorin to alumina, typically in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as air or alumina. The oxidizing steps may be carried out in an organic solvent such as toluene. The chlorin is preferably a C-methylated chlorin, and is preferably metalated.

Abstract: Couplers for hair coloring compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair are compounds of the formula (1): where R1 and R2 are each individually selected from a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C3 alkyl group, a C1 to C5 mono or dihydroxyalkyl group; phenyl or benzyl optionally substituted with an alkoxy group, or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a piperazine, piperidine, imidazole, or morpholine ring.

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I) wherein A is O, S, CHR1 or NR2, R1 and R2 are H, lower alkyl, X1 and X2 are H, halogen, nitro, cyano, etc., Y1 is H, lower alkyl, Z1 and Z2 are H, halogen, cyano, hydroxy, lower alkyl, etc., and n is an integer of 2 to 4, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a process for preparing the same, a pharmaceutical composition containing the same as an active ingredient, and an intermediate therefor. The compounds (I) of the present invention show a potent PDE IV inhibitory activity as well as an excellent bronchodilating activity, and hence, they are widely useful as a PDE IV inhibitor in the treatment or prophylaxis of allergic inflammatory diseases or organ inflammatory diseases, especially in the treatment or prophylaxis of pulmonary diseases accompanied by airway obstruction such as asthma.

Abstract: There are provided a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein X and X′ are —N(COOCR3R2OCOR1)—, —O— or the like, R1 is alkyl substituted with carbamoyl, lower alkylcarbamoyl, carbamoyloxy, lower alkylcarbamoyloxy, acetylamino or the like, R2 and R3 are hydrogen or the like, Y and Y′ are lower alkyl, lower alkenyl or the like, ring A, ring B and ring C are optionally substituted aromatic carbocycle or optionally substituted heterocycle, W1, W2 and/or W3 are a bond or the like, and V1 and V2 are a single bond or the like, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate thereof, as well as a pharmaceutical composition containing the present compound.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of arylpyridine compounds by aryl-aryl cross-coupling reactions between a halopyridine and an arylmagnesium halide carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of a zinc salt and a catalytic amount of palladium. The zinc salt is preferably selected from ZnCl2, ZnBr2 and/or Zn(OAc)2, while the palladium is preferably used in the form of Pd(PPh3)4 or Pd(OAc)2 +4 PPh3. The reaction can also be carried out in the presence of bidentate phosphines, such as, for example, 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphine)propane or 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphine)-butane. It is thus possible to obtain molar yields higher than 97% (calculated relative to the halopyridine) and a catalyticity of more than 2000.

Abstract: A novel means for DNA compaction is provided. The object is accomplished by providing a fullerene derivative having 1 to 4 nitrogen-containing hydrophilic side chain(s) or its salt for DNA compaction. DNA compaction can be achieved effectively, and application to gene therapy is also expected.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel amino acid, neo-tryptophan, as well as polypeptides containing this novel amino acid such as neurotensin analogs. In addition, the invention provides neo-tryptophan derivatives, serotonin-like neo-tryptophan derivatives, and polypeptides containing such derivatives. The invention also provides methods for making neo-tryptophan, neo-tryptophan derivatives, serotonin-like neo-tryptophan derivatives, and compositions containing these compounds. Further, the invention provides methods for inducing a neurotensin response in a mammal as well as methods for treating a mammal having a serotonin recognition molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for industrially producing highly pure (2R, 3S)- or (2S, 3R)-N-carbamate-protected &bgr;-aminoepoxide (crystal) or (2R, 3S)- or (2S, 3R)-N-carbamate-protected &bgr;-aminoalcohol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing at least one of alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols from lower alkanes and/or lower alkenes. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a lower alkane/alkene supply; an oxygen supply for providing a source of oxygen; and a metal oxide catalytic reactor. The metal oxide catalytic reactor includes a reactor chamber; and a catalyst in the chamber for reacting the lower alkane/alkene supply with the source of oxygen to convert the lower alkane/alkene by selective partial oxidation to at least one of the alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a separator, downstream from the reactor, separates the alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols from the total product stream and the unconverted reactants.

Abstract: Water-soluble or water-dispersible branched or unbranched cationic epoxy compounds comprise a backbone having covalently attached thereto two or more epoxy moieties and one or more of the same or different organoonium moieties. The backbone comprises at least 25 weight % oxygen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing transition metal compounds having hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic ligands, which is characterized in that the unsaturated monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic transition metal compound together with hydrogen is introduced continuously or all at once under pressure into a static mixer in the presence of a suitable solubilizer and a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides transition metal complexes of N,N′,N″-trialkyl-cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane and related compositions and methods of synthesis and use in vitro and in vivo, such as a therapeutic agent or a delivery/imaging agent.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a compound of antiplasmid effect having the general formula I wherein Q means: &bgr;-picolinyl-methoiodide or 1-methyl-4-piperidyl or 3-(4′-fluorophenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-2-sila-propyloxy or 2-dimethyl-amino-ethyl-methoiodide group and Y means: 2,2-dimethyl-2-sila-hexyloxy or 3-(4′-fluorophenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-2-sila-propyloxy or 5-(4′-fluorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-4-sila-pentyloxy or 3-trimethylsilil-propyloxy group. The subject of the invention is the method for producing of the above compound. The subject of the invention is also the pharmaceutical composition of antiplasmid effect, which contains the above composition and the method of producing thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing branched olefins comprising 0.5% or less quaternary aliphatic carbon atoms, which process comprises dehydrogenating an isoparaffinic composition over a suitable catalyst which isoparaffinic composition comprises paraffins having a carbon number in the range of from 7 to 35, of which paraffins at least a portion of the molecules is branched, the average number of branches per paraffin molecule being at least 0.7 and the branching comprising methyl and optionally ethyl branches, and which isoparaffinic composition may be obtained by hydrocracking and hydroisomerization of a paraffinic wax; a method of using olefins for making an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant, in particular a surfactant sulfate or sulfonate, comprising converting the branched olefins into the surfactant; and an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant which is obtainable by the method of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new manufacturing method for phosphonate esters, which have utility as a carbon-carbon binding formation agent, as well as a synthesis intermediate for biologically active substances such as medical drugs and agri-chemicals. Specifically the present invention relates to a new industrially advantageous manufacturing method for phosphonate esters in which the phosphonate esters of the subject can be efficiently obtained with a high yield rate through a simple operation while having barely any side reaction or sub-product. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a manufacturing method for phosphonate esters in which secondary phosphonate esters and alkene compounds are reacted in a transition metal catalyst. In addition the present invention relates to a new manufacturing method for allylphosphonate esters in which secondary cyclic phosphonate esters and 1,3-diene compounds are reacted in a palladium catalyst.

Abstract: A bis(aminostyryl)naphthalene compound represented by the general formula [I] or the like below. General formula [I] (where R2 and R3 each denotes an unsubstituted aryl group; R1 and R4 each denotes an aryl group having a specific substituent such as methoxy group; and R5 and R6 each denotes a cyano group or the like.) A process for producing a bis(aminostyryl)naphthalene compound represented by the general formula [I] by condensation of, for example, 4-(N,N-diarylamino)benzaldehyde with diphosphonic ester or diphosphonium. The bis(aminostyryl)naphthalene compound emits intense yellow or red light. The process permits efficient production of the bis(aminostyryl)naphthalene compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing S-aryl cysteine. Specifically, the present invention provides enantioselective method for preparing S-aryl cysteine starting from cystine, cysteine or serine amino acid. The methods of the present invention provides S-aryl cysteine in enantiomeric excess of greater than about 96%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the simultaneous coproduction of ethyl acetate and isopropyl acetate. The esterification reaction comprises contacting acetic acid with a mixed alcohol stream of ethanol and isopropanol. Exemplified is a purified, Fischer Tropsch derived mixture of ethanol and isopropanol. The esterification reaction occurs in the presence of an acidic catalyst in a liquid phase reaction system. The resultant crude reaction step product is separated and purified by distillation to produce acetate ester products having greater than 99.5 wt % purity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of polyisocyanates containing isocyanurate groups by trimerizing a portion of the isocyanate groups of hexamethylene diisocyanate using N,N,N-trialkyl-N-benzyl-quaternary ammonium hydroxides as the trimerization catalyst, terminating the trimerization reaction at the desired degree of trimerization by adding a catalyst poison and/or by thermally deactivating the catalyst and removing unreacted hexamethylene diisocyanate to a residual content of at most 0.2% by weight, characterized in that a) the hexamethylene diisocyanate used as starting material is freed from carbon dioxide to a residual content of less than 20 ppm (weight) and b) the catalyst is used in a quantity of less than about 0.03% by weight, based on the weight of the hexamethylene diisocyanate used.

Abstract: A process that can be used for manufacturing a tetraalkylonium perfluoroalkylsulfonate is provided. The process comprises contacting a tetraalkylonium halide with a metal perfluoroalkyl sulfonate to produce a mixture; allowing the second mixture to produce an aqueous upper layer and a separate lower liquid layer; separating the lower liquid layer from the upper aqueous layers to produce a product layer; optionally washing the product layer with 1 to 10 volumes of water, based on the volume of the product layer at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 100° C. to produce a washed product layer; and drying the product layer or washed product.

Abstract: A process for the production of an aromatic carboxylic acid comprising contacting in the presence of a catalyst, within a continuous flow reactor, one or more precursors of the aromatic carboxylic acid with an oxidant, such contact being effected with said precursor(s) and the oxidant in an aqueous solvent comprising water under supercritical conditions or near supercritical conditions close to the supercritical point such that said one or more precursors, oxidant and aqueous solvent constitute a substantially single homogeneous phase in the reaction zone, wherein the contact of at least part of said precursor with said oxidant is contemporaneous with contact of said catalyst with at least part of said oxidant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the synthesis of 1-(aminomethyl)cyclohexyl-acetic acid of formula (I) via the new intermedier 1-(nitromethyl)cyclohexyl-acetic acid derivative of formula (II), wherein R represents hydrogen, benzyl group, diphenylmethyl group or C1-C4 alkyl or alkoxy aromatic ring substituted derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing sulfonyl amide salts useful as imidizing agents in the preparation of sulfonyl imides.

Abstract: A process to prepare an improved fluid rare earth phosphate catalyst composition useful in preparing alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms is provided. The catalyst is prepared by dissolving a rare earth salt in a C9-C30 active hydrogen containing organic compound and then adding phosphoric acid to the organic compound rare earth mixture.

Abstract: An improved method is described for making 9-deoxy-PGF1-type compounds. In contrast to the prior art, the method is stereoselective and requires fewer steps than the known methods for making these compounds. The invention also relates to novel intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the 9-deoxy-PGF1-type compounds.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of alcohols by catalytic hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds, the catalyst used is 0.01 to 50% by weight of rhenium and 0 to 20% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the catalyst, of at least one further metal chosen from Zn, Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Fe, Cr, V on oxidatively pretreated activated carbon as support.