Abstract: A bromine/nitro moiety linked into the backbone of an ester or other compound over a wide range of occurrence rates provides antimicrobial, bio-resistant and fungal resistant properties for metal working fluids (MWF)s and other coatings. The moiety can be have the bromo and nitro groups linked to the same or different carbon atoms. The present invention also relates to urethanes, urea, amides, imides, carbonates, ethers, siloxanes, and many other types of linkages essential to MWF bases.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for modulating quorum sensing in microbes. The compounds are AI-2 analogs and as such have structures similar to 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione that can act as agonists/antagonists of quorum sensing. The compounds are useful for modulating quorum sensing in bacteria and can be used in methods for prophylaxis or therapy of bacterial infections and for reduction of biofilms.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitroso derivatives including carboxylic acid and phosphoric acid esters of hydroxy nitroso compounds that donate nitroxyl (HNO) under physiological conditions. The compounds and compositions of the invention are useful in treating and/or preventing the onset and/or development of diseases or conditions that are responsive to nitroxyl therapy, including heart failure, ischemia/reperfusion injury and cancer.

Abstract: Biodegradable flavoring agent compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol are provided, and the 1,3-propanediol in the composition is biologically derived. The compositions exhibit a lower anthropogenic CO2 emission profile. Also provided are biodegradable flavoring agent compositions comprising an ester of 1,3-propanediol. In these compositions, the ester can have at least 3% biobased carbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyethylene glycol esters and blends of the polyethylene glycol esters with polyethylene glycol ethers, together with in particular cosmetic and/or dermatological preparations containing them, methods for the production thereof and use thereof.

Abstract: Novel synthetic routes, which are highly applicable for industrial preparation of therapeutically beneficial oxidized phospholipids are disclosed. Particularly, novel methods for efficiently preparing compounds having a glycerolic backbone and one or more oxidized moieties attached to the glycerolic backbone, which are devoid of column chromatography are disclosed. Further disclosed are novel methods of introducing phosphorous-containing moieties such as phosphate moieties to compounds having glycerolic backbone and intermediates formed thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the production of sterically hindered diol ethers and diacyl ethers of formula

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for modulating quorum sensing in microbes. The compounds are AI-2 analogs and as such have structures similar to 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione that can act as agonists/antagonists of quorum sensing. The compounds are useful for modulating quorum sensing in bacteria and can be used in methods for prophylaxis or therapy of bacterial infections and for reduction of biofilms.

Abstract: Biodegradable detergent compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol are provided, and the 1,3-propanediol in the composition is biologically derived. The compositions exhibit a lower anthropogenic CO2 emission profile. Also provided are biodegradable detergent compositions comprising an ester of 1,3-propanediol. In these compositions, the ester can have at least 3% biobased carbon.

Abstract: Compounds derived from acetone are provided. Particularly, the compounds are derivatives of hydroxyacetone, including dimers of both 1-hydroxyacetone and 1,3-dihydroxyacetone. The hydroxy moieties on the core hydroxyacetone molecule serves as an attachment point for a variety of moieties (e.g., ethers, esters, phosphorous containing, or nitrogen containing) that are selected to provide the compound with a particular property. Applications of the compounds include plasticizers, supersurfactants, and additives for health care products, such as shampoo and perfume.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing glycol diester by reacting a linear aliphatic carboxylic acid and a glycol monoester in the presence of a Lewis acid type catalyst is provided. In the method, after introducing the glycol monoester, the linear aliphatic carboxylic acid and the Lewis acid type catalyst into a reactor, the reaction occurs to produce reaction products and water in the reactor; an excess of the linear aliphatic carboxylic acid forms an azeotrope with water during the reaction to be sent to a condenser through a distillation column; the linear aliphatic carboxylic acid and water passed through the condenser are divided into an organic layer and an aqueous layer in an oil water separator; and the organic layer is returned to the distillation column through a material cycling line and water in the aqueous layer is removed through a water removal line.

Abstract: A process is proposed for preparing C5 acetate for Vitamin A synthesis by hydroformylation of 3,4-diacetoxybut-1-ene (3,4-DABE), according to which a 3,4-DABE is used which is obtained by acetoxylation of 1,3-butadiene with acetic acid and air in the presence of a catalyst and removing by distillation the 3,4-DABE formed in this case as by-product.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the preparation of carboxylic acid esters of alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers by the acid catalyzed esterification of the monoalkyl ether with a carboxylic acid. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid and alcohol are reacted in a reactor/column and the resulting ester product is distilled into an overhead decanter/extractor as a single phase. A small amount of solvent, preferably a hydrocarbon is added to the mixture causing the resulting distillate to separate into two phases, one phase containing the desired product, the other containing primarily water. The process described is applicable to both batch and continuous operation and is not constrained by the difficulty of separating closely boiling azeotropes and results in substantially higher production rates than achieved by current processes.

Abstract: 2,2-dinitro-1,3-propanediol-diformate is a novel low sensitivity, energetic plasticizer that is useful in explosive and propellant compositions. 2,2-dinitro-1,3-propanediol-diformate can be made by reacting 2,2-dinitro-1,3-propane diol with acetic formic anhydride in the presence of pyridine and at least one solvent.

Abstract: Process for the esterification of organic acids with alcohols in a reactor of the chromatographic type in which the heterogeneous solid phase is capable of acting both as an esterification catalyst and as a means exhibiting preferential adsorption towards one of the reaction products (typically water). The process to which the present invention relates is particularly improved compared with conventional technology owing to the use, as the means for regenerating the catalyst, of a desorbent to which has been added a second compound, generally the anhydride of the acid used in the esterification reaction, which, by chemical reaction, completes the removal of the adsorbed water.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of polytetramethylene ether glycol diesters of the formula R—CO—O(—CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-O)n-COR1 in which R and R1 are identical or different and are an alkyl radical or a derivative thereof, by polymerization of tetrahydrofuran in the presence of a fixed-bed polymerization catalyst and a carboxylic acid anhydride. Through use of neutral or weakly basic magnesium-aluminium hydrosilicates instead of the known acidic montmorillonite, zeolite or kaolin catalysts, polymers with more uniform properties and a narrower molecular weight distribution are obtained at a higher rate of polymerization, even when technical-grade tetrahydrofuran is used.

Abstract: Fluorine-containing polyfunctional (meth)acrylate represented by the formula (1), a monomer composition containing the (meth)acrylate, a low refractivity material prepared by curing the monomer composition, and a reflection reducing film provided with the low refractivity material. wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or different groups, and each stands for a hydrogen atom, an acryloyl group, or a methacryloyl group, at least one of R1 and R2 and at least one of R3 and R4 stand for an acryloyl group or a methacryloyl group, R stands for a fluoroalkylene group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and 2 or more fluorine atoms.

Abstract: 1,2-Bis-adducts of stable hindered nitroxide compounds with substituted ethylenes are prepared by reacting two equivalents of nitroxyl compound with an ethylenically unsaturated compound such as styrene or an acrylate ester. These adducts are very effective inhibitors to prevent the premature polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers when such monomers are distilled, processed or stored.

Abstract: A cationic amphipathic compound of formula (I), ##STR1## wherein A is a single bond, an NH--R' grouping or (a), wherein --R'-- is a straight or branched, optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.1-22 aliphatic chain optionally interrupted by one or more O, S or N heteroatoms and one or more saturated, unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radicals; each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which are the same or different, is a higher acyl or alkyl grouping; each of R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9, which are the same or different, is a (CH.sub.2).sub.n alkylene radical where 1.ltoreq.N.ltoreq.6; each of R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6, which are the same or different, is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C.sub.1-22 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or acyl radical optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from), S and N, or one or more saturated, unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radicals, or else at least two of the groupings R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the synthesis of 3-(1-acetoxy-1-methylethyl)-6-oxo-heptanal; 3-(1-acetoxy-1-methylethyl)-2-formyl-1-methyl-cyclopentanol; 5-[2-hydroxy-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-methyl-2-cyclopentyl]-3-methyl- penta-2,4-dien-1-ol and 2,7,11-trimethyl-13-[2-hydroxy-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-methyl-cyclop entyl]-trideca-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaenal which are useful as intermediates for the synthesis of lycopene metabolites.

Abstract: This Invention discloses the use of ascorbic and citric acid, their salts, ethers, acid esters and mixtures thereof in a method for the prevention of peroxide formation, and/or for decomposing peroxides already formed in polyethers. Hereby, the polyethers are made reactive to hydrosilylation by silanes and hydrosiloxanes. When the polyether treatment is done with mixtures of ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate and allyl polyethers, the hydrosilylation product contains reduced levels of propanal. The copolymers prepared using the treated polyethers are efficient stabilizers of flexible polyurethane foams and rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams.

Abstract: Reaction products of polyolefins having predominantly a terminal double bond and a number average molecular weight of from 250 to 10,000, which possess an aliphatic hydrocarbon skeleton which is straight-chain or carries C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl side chains, with from 1 to 10 mol, per equivalent of double bond, of one or more vinyl esters I ##STR1## are obtainable by reacting the stated polyolefins with the vinyl esters I in the presence of a free radical initiator at from 80 to 200.degree. C., it being possible for these reaction products subsequently to have been hydrolyzed to the corresponding alcohols or converted into the corresponding amines by reductive amination with amines II ##STR2## .

Abstract: Use of fluorinated polymers based on fluoropolyethers for the preparation of crosslinkable high dry formulations comprising a fluorinated part R.sub.F and optionally an hydrogenated part R.sub.H, not containing groups capable of linking by means of hydrogen bonds to basic acceptors, an hydrogenated part Rh.sub.1 and Rh.sub.2, wherein Rh.sub.1 is equal to or different from Rh.sub.2, and Rh.sub.1 and/or Rh.sub.2 being linking bonds containing at least a functional group capable of linking by means of hydrogen bonds with basic acceptors, the bonds joining the fluorinated part to the hydrogenated part being of ether C--O simple type, the terminals T'.sub.a and T" being such as to render the structure mono-, bi- or polyfunctional, and subsequent crosslinking of the fluorinated polymer, the monofunctional products being always in admixture with a resin having even a higher functionality than the described type; the preferred fluorinated products have the formula:T"--(Rh.sub.2).sub.y (R.sub.H).sub.x --R.sub.F --(R.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the synthesis of penciclovir and famciclovir by 9-substituting 2-amino-6-chloropurine (ACP) with an appropriate side chain precursor, followed by conversion of the 6-chloro moiety to a hydroxy moiety (i.e. to form a guanine) or hydrogen (to form a 2-aminopurine), respectively; and 2-acetoxymethyl-4-halo-butyl-1-yl acetates.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical instruments and similar devices make use of hydrogen peroxide vapor released from a substantially non-aqueous organic hydrogen peroxide complex, such as a urea-peroxide complex. Optionally, a plasma can be used in conjunction with the vapor. A method for preparing substantially non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide complexes is also provided. These complexes are useful as a source of peroxide vapor in hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilizers and as a component of self-sterilizing packaging materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of the formula ##STR1## characterized in that the radical X in sulphones of the formulaX--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.m --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 OH (2)is replaced by ##STR2## or a compound of the formula ##STR3## is added to the sulphone of the formulaCH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --OH (3),the substituents having the meanings given in the description.

Abstract: The subject invention involves a method for treating hyperproliferative conditions in mammalian epithelial cells comprising administering to the mammal a composition containing a safe and effective amount of a lysophosphatidic acid compound or derivative having the structure ##STR1## or a cyclic derivative thereof having the structure ##STR2## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: a) --Y-- is --0-- or --CH.sub.2 --;b) --Z is --XH, --H or halo;c) each --X-- is independently --0-- or --S--; andd) --R is unsubstituted or substituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain alkyl having from 11 to about 23 carbon atoms.

Abstract: High purity 2-nitroimidazole derivatives having excellent radiosensitivity and high safety and useful as a drug to be used along with radiotherapy of various cancers can be prepared at a high yield from inexpensive diester of tartaric acid according to the following reaction formua, ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be the same or different and each individually represents an aliphatic group or an aromatic group, and X represents a halogen atom.

Abstract: The invention relates to two classes of prepolymers containing a perfluoropolyethereal chain and carboxylic end groups, suitable as cross-linking agents for epoxy prepolymers. The first class contains anhydride-derived end groups; the second lactone-derived end groups; prepolymers therefrom are also disclosed. Additional non-fluorinated curing agents may also be added.

Abstract: The process of producing alkoxylated thiodiglycol sulfoxide derivatives and thiodiglycol sulfone derivatives corresponding to formula I ##STR1## wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 may be the same or different and represent a hydroxyl-substituted aklyl radical containing 8 to 30 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of an alkyl monocarboxylic acid containing 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and X.sub.1 or X.sub.2 may be hydrogen, R represents hydrogen or methyl, z is 1 or 2, n is 0 to 25 and m is 1 to 25, by reacting an alkoxylated thiodiglycol with a C.sub.8 14 C.sub.30 .alpha.-olefin expoide or a C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 monocarboxylic acid in a molar ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:2, and oxidizing the mono- and bis- ethers or mono- and bis- esters formed to the sulfoxide or sulfone derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of 2,2-dimethyl-5-(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)-pentanoic acid of Formula (I) ##STR1## which comprises reacting an ester of the general Formula (X) ##STR2## wherein X represents halogen and Z stands for a straight or branched chain C.sub.1-8 alkylene group optionally substituted by one or two 2,2-dimethyl-5-halopentanoyloxy group(s), wherein halo represents chlorine or bromine, and in which alkylene group one or two methylene group(s) may be optionally replaced either by hetero atom(s) or by a bivalent heterocyclic group--with an alkali salt of 2,5-dimethylphenol of Formula (II) ##STR3## or with an ester of the latter formed with a lower alkanoic acid, and hydrolizing the aryloxy-substituted ester of the general Formula (XI) thus obtained. Furthermore the invention relates to intermediate compounds of the general Formula (X), wherein X and Z are as stated above, and to a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of carboxylic acid esters from carboxylic acids and alcohols which is characterized in that neutral phosphites containing oxetane groups are used as esterification catalysts.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyethers is disclosed in which an oxetane monomer, or a mixture of an oxetane monomer and an oxolane monomer, and a carboxylic acid anhydride are contacted with a bleaching earth catalyst. The process yields ester-terminated polyethers which may be saponified to obtain hydroxy-terminated polyether polyols.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing high purity dibromoneopentyl glycol which comprises: (a) charging a vessel with pentaerythritol, a first portion of aqueous HBr and a catalyst; (b) maintaining the liquid contents in the vessel at a temperature from 80.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. for 1 to 3 hours; (c) adding a second portion of aqueous HBr to provide a total HBr to pentaerythritol molar ratio of 1:3 to 1:6; (d) after the foregoing aqueous HBr addition, raising the temperature of the liquid content of the vessel to 120.degree. C. to 180.degree. C.; and (e) sweeping the headspace of the vessel during at least (b), (c) and (d) with an inert gas and removing the sweep gas and any vapors formed during the process from the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating a first product which contains monobromopentaerythritol, dibromoneopentyl glycol and tribromoneopentyl alcohol to yield a second product having a dibromoneopentyl glycol content, on a weight percent basis, greater than that of the first product. The process features forming a stirrable mass from the first product and a solvent system in which, at a temperature within the range of from about 0.degree. C. to about 40.degree. C., the monobromopentaerythritol and the tribromoneopentyl alcohol are more soluble than the dibromoneopentyl glycol and in which at least 85% of the dibromoneopentyl glycol in the mass is insoluble; maintaining the reaction mass within the aforementioned temperature range to realize an insoluble portion and a solvent and solute portion; and separating the insoluble portion and the solvent and solute portion without substantial precipitation of the solute from the solvent and solute portion.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## where A is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, phenyl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.12 -aralkyl and l is 0 or 1, R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, m is 1, 2 or 3 and Y is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of surface-active hydroxysulfonates are obtained by reaction of unsaturated fatty alkenyl or fatty alkenyl polyalkoxyl esters, for example of oleyl acetate or oleyl polyethoxyl acetate, with sulfur trioxide, introduction of the reaction product into aqueous alkali metal, alkaline-earth or ammonium hydroxide and heating of the solutions until the ester and sultone groups present have been hydrolyzed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a new method for killing and controlling worms (Helminths), new formulations for killing and controlling worms in animals, new chemical compounds, and a new synthesis of northern hemisphere intermediates for the synthesis of milbemycin and avermectin macrolides.

Abstract: Novel asymmetric thioethers of the formula ##STR1## in which the general symbols have the following meanings: a is an integer of from 1 to 7,R.sup.o represents hydrogen or C.sub.1-7 -alkanoyl,R.sup.1 represents C.sub.1-3 -alkyl which may be substituted at the terminal carbon atom by a free or acylated hydroxy group, by a halogen atom having an atomic number of at most 17, or by methoxy, or represents C.sub.1-3 -perfluoroalkyl,R.sup.2 represents an optionally unsaturated aliphatic radical having from 5 to 15 carbon atoms,A represents ethylene or alternatively, if R.sup.1 represents a halogenated radical and/or B represents phenylene or ethylene, a single bond or vinylene,B represents a single bond, ethynylene or phenylene,R.sup.3 represents hydroxy, C.sub.

Abstract: Discloses (1) reacting a 3-(hydrocarbylthio) propionaldehyde with a compound ##STR1## (2) reacting latter compound with CO and R"YH where y is O or S to make (3) hydrolyzing this compound; (4) certain new 1-acyloxy-3-methylthiopropenes and (5) the methyl ester of 2-acetoxy-4-(methylthio)thiobutanoic acid.

Abstract: A method for preparing a water soluble lubricating additive having the generic structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl group having from 1 to 34 carbon atoms; R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independent alkylene groups having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms; x is either 1 or 2; y is either 0 or 1 when x=1 and is 0 when x=2; m is either 0 or 1 and n=2 to 30 is disclosed, wherein a sulfur-containing alcohol is initially reacted with an organic carboxylic acid to produce an alkylmercapto ester which is then further reacted with an alkylene oxide to produce the lubricating additive. The water-soluble lubricating additives produced in this manner are useful as lubricating additives for water-based fluids used in metalworking operations.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a new method for killing and controlling worms (Helminths), new formulations for killing and controlling worms in animals, new chemical compounds, and a new synthesis of northern hemisphere intermediates for the synthesis of milbemycin and avermectin macrolides.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a process for preparing aliphatic anhydrides comprising contacting a divinyl ether with carboxylic acid in the presence of a catalytic amount of a strong acid. The invention is further a process for preparing alkylidene dicarboxylates, which are intermediates in the above preparation of aliphatic anhydride.

Abstract: Perfluoropolyether oligomers or block polymers, having a backbone with one or a plurality of perfluoropolyether segments each consisting essentially of (1) at least one perfluoroisopropyleneoxy unit, (2) a bis(perfluoromethyleneoxy-terminated) unit, and (3) a perfluoroethylidene unit terminating each segment, the backbone of the perfluoropolyether being terminated with COF and/or a functional or nonfunctional derivative thereof, said perfluoropolyethers being made by reacting a perfluoroaliphatic diacid fluoride with hexafluoropropylene epoxide to produce an acid fluoride-terminated perfluoropolyether adduct or oligomer which then can be photopolymerized to yield an acid fluoride-terminated perfluoropolyether block polymer. These oligomers and block polymers are useful as high temperature lubricants, hydraulic fluids, gaskets, adhesives and coatings as well as co-reactants wtih urethane in forming propellant binders.

Abstract: Catalysts and a method of using said catalysts for the alkoxylation of a variety of materials is disclosed. Catalysts so described produce alkoxylates having a very sharp alkoxylate distribution. The catalysts are supported and unsupported dialkoxy and dialkyl metal fluorides and halides and alkyl metal difluorides and dihalides.

Abstract: Hydroxyl-containing liquid polymers having an aliphatic polymeric backbone and sulfide linkages near the terminal portions of the polymer molecule are prepared by polymerizing (1) at least one of selected vinylidene monomers having at least one terminal CH.sub.2 .dbd.C< group per monomer molecule, together with (2) at least one hydroxyl-containing disulfide in the presence of (3) ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein Rf is a C.sub.3 -C.sub.21 fluorine-containing group; R is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 acyl group; Q is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group having not more than twenty-one carbon atoms; and n is an integer of 1 to 10 lowers the surface tensions of water and/or organic liquids and the interfacial tensions between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitroalkanol derivatives of the general formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a C.sub.2-12 alkenyl or alkadienyl group, a C.sub.4-12 alkoxyalkyl or alkoxyalkenyl group having one or more C.sub.1-3 alkyl substituents, a C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group, a furyl group, a nitrofuryl group, or a phenyl group having optionally one or more identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, halogen, nitro, C.sub.1-4 alkylenedioxy and C.sub.1-4 alkenoyloxy groups,R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 each represent hydrogen or they form together a valence bond,R.sub.3 is a C.sub.1-12 alkanoyloxy group, a benzoyloxy group having optionally one or more halogen substituents or hydrogen atom, andR.sub.5 is a C.sub.1-12 alkyl group or a phenyl group having optionally one or more halogen substituents,with the proviso that if R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 each stand for hydrogen, R.sub.1 is other than unsubstituted phenyl and R.sub.3 may represent only a C.sub.

Abstract: 3,4-Diacetoxybutene-1 can be easily isomerized into 1,4-diacetoxybutene-2 by contacting it with a cation exchange resin. This method is capable of providing an excellent reaction result and is free of the problem of corrosion of apparatus as well as the problem of formation of by-products. When acetic acid is present in said isomerization operation, the reaction rate is increased. Further, combination of this isomerization method with separation of 1,4-diacetoxybutene-2 from 3,4-diacetoxybutene-1 by distillation enables production of high-purity 1,4-diacetoxybutene-2 at a high efficiency.

Abstract: Energetic diols of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is --H, --NO, --NO.sub.2, --CN, or --CH.sub.2 COOH, and diesters of the formula ##STR2## wherein R is --H, --NO, --NO.sub.2, --CN, --CH.sub.2 COOCH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 COOCH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3, or --CH.sub.2 COOCH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.3 and R' is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, chloroalkyl, aryl, fluoroaryl, chloroalkyl, aralkyl, fluoroaralkyl, chloroaralkyl, or alkene group.