Abstract: Process for the preparation of phenylpropanones having formula: ##STR1## R and R.sub.1, equal or different, being C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups or being coincident in the CH.sub.2 group of a heterocyclic ring, wherein the corresponding allylbenzenes are catalytically epoxidized by means of H.sub.2 O.sub.2, in a biphase system comprising an aqueous phase containing H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and an organic phase containing said allylbenzenes, a solvent immiscible with said aqueous phase and a catalyst having formula Q.sub.3 XW.sub.4 O.sub.24 (Q being a quaternary cation containing hydrocarbylic groups having on the whole from 20 to 70 C atoms, and X being P or As) and wherein the thus obtained epoxides are isomerized by heating at 90.degree.-150.degree. C., in the presence of catalytic amounts of LiI.

Abstract: 2,3-Epoxy-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1-butanone, an epoxy ketone of formula ##STR1## possesses useful fragrance characters and, consequently, it can be used advantageously in the manufacture of perfume, perfume bases and perfumed products. It develops a flowery and fruity odor.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2-alkyl cyclopent-2-enones having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is as defined hereinafter. An .alpha.-olefin having the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 R is oxidized to the corresponding epoxide. The epoxide is reacted with an alkylating agent having the formula Na.sup.+ [CH(COOR").sub.2 ].sup.-, wherein R" is an ethyl, an isopropyl, or an isobutyl radical. An .alpha.-carbalkoxy-.gamma.-alkyl lactone is obtained, which, through saponification and decarboxylation, yields a .gamma.-alkyl lactone having the formula: ##STR2## which is reacted with a protic acid, thereby obtaining, by cyclization, the desired 2-alkylcyclopent-2-enone. The obtained products are intermediates for the production of pharmaceutical products and of drugs for veterinary use, in particular prostaglandin.

Abstract: The synthesis of substituted dioxolanes by direct oxidation of olefins over a molybdenum 8-hydroxyquinoline catalyst in the presence of water is described. An organic solvent such as chlorobenzene may also be employed. Water is essential to the reaction to make the dioxolanes, otherwise olefin oxides are produced. Hence, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane and 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane were prepared from propylene oxidation, and three isomers of 2,4,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxolane were prepared from 2-butene oxidation.

Abstract: A process for the production of alkylene carbonates, such as propylene carbonate, is disclosed. The process involves reacting the desired olefin with a thallic oxide or a weak acid thallic salt with carbon dioxide in an aqueous, organic solvent containing, halogen-free system.

Abstract: A process for converting a desired olefin to the corresponding olefin oxide, such as propylene oxide, and/or ketone comprising reacting a mixture of the olefin, thallic oxide, carbon dioxide and water in a substantially organic solvent-free reaction zone; withdrawing a product stream from the reaction zone, the stream comprising the olefin and ketone product; separating and collecting the olefin oxide and ketone product from the stream; contacting the reduced thallous values present in the mixture with molecular oxygen and an effective catalyst to back oxidize the thallous values to their original thallic form; separating and recycling back to the reaction mixture the regenerated thallic values.

Abstract: An olefinically unsaturated substrate is reacted with a transition metal nitro complex, having the transition metal bonded to the nitrogen of the nitro radical, in the presence of a thallium(III) compound as cocatalyst to cause the production of oxirane products, rather than aldehydes or ketones. The process is applicable to the production of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, epichlorohydrin, epoxidized fatty acids and oxiranes from various other internal and terminal olefins.