Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparation of hydroxymethyl aryl monocarboxylic acid compounds by reduction of arylene dicarboxylic acid compounds in the presence of a rhenium catalyst and an aqueous solvent.
Abstract: Disclosed is a process for purification of p-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid containing 4-carboxybenzaldehyde, p-toluic acid and terephthalic acid impurities.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 30, 1982
Date of Patent:
May 8, 1984
Assignee:
Standard Oil Company (Indiana)
Inventors:
John A. Donohue, James O. Knobloch, Bruce Petty-Weeks, Steven A. Cerefice
Abstract: Novel heat-curable acetylene-terminated monomers are provided which exhibit an optically anisotropic melt phase at a temperature which enables it to undergo melt processing in the formation of molded articles, etc. The monomers are capable of being heat-cured at temperatures in excess of the melt processing temperatures to produce a thermoset self-reinforced composite.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 19, 1982
Date of Patent:
April 3, 1984
Assignee:
Celanese Corporation
Inventors:
Anthony B. Conciatori, Eui W. Choe, Gerald Farrow
Abstract: This invention is a process for producing a carboxylate ester which involves contacting mixtures of alcohol and aldehyde in vapor phase with a reduced silver-cadmium-zinc-zirconium catalyst composition.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 26, 1982
Date of Patent:
April 3, 1984
Assignee:
Celanese Corporation
Inventors:
Richard H. Summerville, deceased, James E. Summerville, Jr., administrator
Abstract: The compound 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)1-propanol 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate is described. The substance is prepared by reacting 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid chloride with 2 (4-isobutylphenyl)1-propanol; preferably in the presence of an acid acceptor. The compound exhibits valuable analgesic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic properties.
Abstract: A novel family of diesters, methyl p-(.omega.-acetoxyalkoxy) benzoate wherein the alkoxy group has a chain length of 2 to 6, the method of preparation of the diesters, polymerization of the diesters and their use to form methyl p-(.omega.-hydroxy-n-alkoxy) benzoate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 8, 1982
Date of Patent:
February 21, 1984
Assignee:
Ethicon, Inc.
Inventors:
Shalaby W. Shalaby, Edgar S. Schipper, Donald F. Koelmel
Abstract: A process for the preparation of resorcinol derivatives of the general formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is carbalkoxy, nitrile, alkyl or H and R.sup.2 to R.sup.5 are H or lower alkyl, by reacting the corresponding cyclohexane-1,3-dione (II) with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalytic amount of a copper compound and of from 1 to 10 moles of a hydrogen halide, or from 0.5 to 5 moles of thionyl chloride per mole of II, in an alkanol having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, tetrahydrofuran or methyl tert.-butyl ether as the solvent, at from 0.degree. to 150 C., without the addition of a significant amount of water to the reaction mixture. Some of the resorcinol derivatives prepared are useful scents with fragrance notes of the character of the odoriferous substance of natural oak moss.
Abstract: Carboxylic acid-containing compounds are esterified by reacting at elevated temperatures with organic esters of trichloroacetic acid in the presence of an initiator.
Abstract: Milbemycin and avermectin macrolides are synthesized by the cyclized linking of separately synthesized northern and southern hemisphere intermediates. The northern hemisphere intermediate is a spiroketal alkenyl aldehyde, and the southern hemisphere intermediate is an aryl alkenyl phosphine oxide anion.
Abstract: Disclosed is a new family of Liquid Crystalline Materials for use in optical display devices having the general formula: ##STR1## The members of the family of materials are characterized by having a broad nematic operating range in conjunction with low viscosity and exhibit fast response times to a controlled electrical field in the lower temperature regions of their nematic operating range and may be mixed with other members of the family or with other liquid crystalline materials and/or homologous non-liquid crystalline materials.
Abstract: The present invention relates to 2-arylpropyl ether or thioether derivatives represented by the following general formula [I]: ##STR1## wherein Ar stands for an aryl group, R stands for a methyl or ethyl group, Y stands for an oxygen or sulfur atom, and B stands for a group represented by the following formula [II]: ##STR2## or the following general formula [III]: ##STR3## wherein Z stands for an oxygen or sulfur atom or a carbonyl or methylene group, R.sup.1 stands for a hydrogen or halogen atom or a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxy group, and n is an integer of from 1 to 5 with the proviso that when n is 2 or more, the groups R.sup.1 may be the same or different, and also to processes for the preparation or these ethers of thioethers and a use of these ethers or thioethers.These compounds of the present invention have excellent insecticidal and acaricidal activities while the toxicity of these compounds are very low.
Abstract: The subject polymers are novel homopolymers and copolymers. The homopolymers are characterized by relatively high T.sub.g of about 120.degree. C. relative to their T.sub.m of about 250.degree. C., whereby they can readily be fabricated into fibers, films and like structures from the melt, and retain strength above 100.degree. C. The copolymers have T.sub.g 's intermediate between those of the homopolymers of the constituent monomers, and can be fabricated as for the subject homopolymers.Novel processes of obtaining the monomer, p-(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)benzoic acid, are disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 7, 1982
Date of Patent:
July 12, 1983
Assignee:
Allied Corporation
Inventors:
Herbert K. Reimschuessel, Bruce T. DeBona
Abstract: Phosphonium compounds of the formula(R).sub.3 P.sup..sym. --CH.sub.2 --X--CH.dbd.CH--R.sub.1 --Y.sup..crclbar.in which R is preferably alkyl having 1 to 4 C atoms, cyclohexyl or phenyl, R.sub.1 is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radical, especially a phenyl radical, X is phenylene, 4,4'-biphenylene or 1,4- or 2,6-naphthylene and Y.sup..crclbar. is SO.sub.3.sup..crclbar., SO.sub.2.sup..crclbar. or COO.sup..crclbar., a process for their preparation and a process for the preparation of asymetrically substituted fluorescent brightening agents of the formulaZ--CH.dbd.CH--X--CH.dbd.CH--R.sub.1 --Y.sup..crclbar. M.sup..sym.in which R.sub.1, X and Y.sup..crclbar. are as defined above, M.sup..sym. is a cation and Z is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or 2-phenyl-triazol-4-yl radical, by reacting a bis-phosphonium compound of the formula ##STR1## in which Q.sup..crclbar. is an anion, with an aldehyde of the formula M.sup..sym. Y.sup..crclbar. --R.sub.
Abstract: Aromatic polyvinylethers and active hydrogen compound reaction products thereof have been found to provide fast heat curable molding compositions when used with various heat activated curing catalysts, for example, diaryliodonium salts in combination with aromatic polyvinylether soluble copper compounds, or dialkylhydroxyarylsulfonium salts in combination with certain organic oxidants.
Abstract: Carboxylic acid-containing compounds are esterified by reacting at elevated temperatures with an organic ester of trichloroacetic acid and an electrophilic halide in the presence of an initiator.
Abstract: The invention relates to an esterification process employing as a heterogeneous catalyst an inorganic oxide, e.g. silica, to which there is bonded by reaction with surface hydroxyl groups a sulphonic acid-functionalized silane.
Abstract: Anisotropic compounds with negative or positive DCA and .DELTA.n.ltoreq.0.2 have the formula (1) ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 l are independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbon atoms respectively, or one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can represent cyclical fragment of formulae (1a) or (1b); ##STR2## the bridges Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2 and Z.sup.3 are identical or different and means covalent bonds or carboxyl or oxycarbonyl groups; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, respectively; X.sup.1 and X.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, nitrile or nitro, wherein at least one of X.sup.1 and X.sup.4 is not hydrogen when R.sup.2 represents a cyclical fragment of formula (1a) or (1b) and Z.sup.2 is a carboxyl group or Z.sup.3 is an oxycarbonyl group, respectively. Liquid crystal compositions are also disclosed.
Abstract: 11-Desoxy-16-aryloxy-.omega.-tetranorprostaglandins are disclosed. The novel prostaglandins of this invention have been found to have activity profiles comparable to the parent prostaglandins but they exhibit a greater tissue specificity of action.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 22, 1979
Date of Patent:
December 21, 1982
Assignee:
Pfizer Inc.
Inventors:
Jasjit S. Bindra, James F. Eggler, Michael R. Johnson, Thomas K. Schaaf
Abstract: Phenolic compounds are etherified by contacting at elevated temperature with a mixture of methyl trichloroacetate and either a primary alkyl halide or an aromatic halide containing strongly electron-withdrawing groups in the presence of an initiator.
Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## are prepared and are used as ultraviolet light and weathering stabilizers for polymers, preferably polypropylene. In the formula R is alkoxyphenyl, dialkoxyphenyl or alkylene dioxyphenyl, the alkoxy groups have 1 to 8 carbon atoms and the alkylene group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, q is 1 to 6, and Z is ##STR2## where R' is H or a 1 to 4 carbon alkyl, R.sup.7 is hydrogen or ##STR3## where R.sup.8 is hydrocarbyl, m is 1 to 4, n is 0 or 1 and m+n is 1 to 4; ##STR4## where R.sup.12 is lower alkyl and G is H or ##STR5## and where at least one of the n's is zero. ##STR6## where s is 1 to 3 and t is from 0 to 2, the total of s and t being not over 3; ##STR7## where u is 2 to 4; ##STR8## where v and w are each 1 to 4 and p is 2 to 4; ##STR9## where R" and R"' are 1 to 8 carbon atom alkyl or where R.sup.11 and R.sup.111 together with the oxygen atoms attached thereto and the adjacent carbon atoms of the benzene ring form a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring and R.sup.
Abstract: Mono-, di- and tri-esters of 3-(hydroxy or hydroxymethyl)-4-hydroxy-alpha-(aminomethyl)benzyl alcohols, obtained by methods involving reduction of the corresponding mono- and di-ester ketones, are useful for producing sympathomimetic effects, such as bronchodilation, of long duration with low cardiovascular stimulating effect, in warm-blooded mammals.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 30, 1978
Date of Patent:
June 22, 1982
Assignee:
Sterling Drug Inc.
Inventors:
Hiroaki Minatoya, Benjamin F. Tullar, Walter D. Conway
Abstract: The invention relates to polyethers having an an average molecule weight of 3000 to 5000 and having a propylene oxide proportion of 60 to 80% and an ethylene oxide proportion of 20 to 40%. Also included in the invention are compositions containing said polyethers and methods for the use of said polyethers and compositions, particularly for their anti-lipidaemic effect.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 31, 1979
Date of Patent:
May 18, 1982
Assignee:
Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
Inventors:
Siegfried Linke, Mithat Mardin, Hans P. Krause, Rudiger Sitt
Abstract: This invention is directed to 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthyl or indanyl stilbene derivatives which are useful as tumor inhibiting agents, in the treatment of neoplasms, dermatological conditions and rheumatic illnesses.
Abstract: The invention relates to methyl- or methoxy-substituted 2-cynnamoyloxy-benzoic acids or to cynnamylesters of methyl- or methoxy-substituted 2-hydroxybenzoic acids, endowed with an interesting antiinflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial activity; and to a process for preparing said compounds.
Abstract: Phosphonium compounds of the formula(R).sub.3 P.sup..sym. --CH.sub.2 --X--CH.dbd.CH--R.sub.1 --Y.sup..crclbar.in which R is preferably alkyl having 1 to 4 C atoms, cyclohexyl or phenyl, R.sub.1 is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radical, especially a phenyl radical, X is phenylene, 4,4'-biphenylene or 1,4- or 2,6-naphthylene and Y.sup..crclbar. is SO.sub.3.sup..crclbar., SO.sub.2.sup..crclbar. or COO.sup..crclbar., a process for their preparation and a process for the preparation of asymetrically substituted fluorescent brightening agents of the formulaZ--CH.dbd.CH--X--CH.dbd.CH--R.sub.1 Y.sup..crclbar. M.sup..sym.in which R.sub.1, X and Y.sup..crclbar. are as defined above, M.sup.61 is a cation and Z is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or 2-phenyl-triazol-4-yl radical, by reacting a bis-phosphonium compound of the formula ##STR1## in which Q.sup..crclbar. is an anion, with an aldehyde of the formula M.sup..sym. Y.sup..crclbar. --R.sub.
Abstract: An improved process for producing meta-phenoxy benzoic acids and their lower alkyl esters in improved yields and with higher selectivity by reacting an alkali metal phenate with a lower alkyl ester of meta-halobenzoic acid in the presence of a copper sulfate catalyst.
Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs are disclosed that have the .alpha.-chain terminating with the group --CH(OR')OR" wherein R' and R" are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanoyl or optionally substituted benzoyl, the substituents selected from the group C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, halo and trifluoromethyl. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents, gastric secretory and platelet aggregation enhibitors and bronchodilators.
Abstract: The process for the manufacture of but-2-en-1-ol compounds by isomerizing but-3-en-1-ol compounds in the presence of a palladium catalyst and of hydrogen is improved by modifying the palladium catalyst with selenium or tellurium.The but-2-en-1-ols manufactured according to the invention are either solvents or valuable starting materials for the manufacture of solvents, dyes, surface coatings, paints and pesticides.
Abstract: A novel substituted-arylacetic acid ester of the formula, ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each hydrogen or a halogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, cyano, nitro, methylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkanoyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkanoyloxy, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxycarbonyl group, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, taken together, may form methylenedioxy, a C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 alkylene or butadienylene (--CH.dbd.CH--CH.dbd.CH--) ring; R.sub.3 is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkenyl, propargyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl or cyclopropylmethyl group; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or a halogen atom, methyl or ethyl group; R.sub.5 is allyl, propargyl, 3-butenyl, 3-butynyl, phenyl or benzyl group; and A is oxygen or sulfur atom or --CH.dbd.CH-- group, which possesses various useful insecticidal and acaricidal activities and can be prepared by reacting a substituted-arylacetic acid of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.
Abstract: Zwitterionic surfactant compounds are made readily biodegradable in the environment by the inclusion of a biochemically and/or hydrolytically labile chemical linkage located between the cationic and anionic charge centers of the compounds and anywhere from the second to the tenth atom distant from the cationic charge center. The biodegradable linkage is preferably an ester or amide. The alkoxylated zwitterionic surfactants herein exhibit outstanding particulate soil removal performance and are also effective in removing oily soils from fabrics, in addition to being readily biodegradable. Also described are detergent compositions containing the zwitterionic surfactants, and, optionally containing cosurfactants and detergent builders.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 22, 1980
Date of Patent:
November 17, 1981
Assignee:
The Procter & Gamble Company
Inventors:
George E. Wentler, Joseph McGrady, Eugene P. Gosselink, William A. Cilley
Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a carboxylic acid ester of .beta.-formyl-crotyl alcohol by rearrangement of the corresponding carboxylic acid ester of 2-formyl-2-hydroxy-but-3-ene or of an acetal or acylate thereof in the presence of copper or a copper compound, followed, where relevant, by hydrolytic cleavage of the acetal or acylate, more especially in the preparation of 4,4-dimethoxy-3-methyl-crotyl acetate, the yield is improved by carrying out the rearrangement in the presence of copper (I) chloride as the catalyst and ensuring that low-boiling by-products formed during the rearrangement are removed.The products are of great importance as starting materials for an industrial synthesis of vitamin A and its derivatives.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 31, 1979
Date of Patent:
November 17, 1981
Assignee:
BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Inventors:
Harald Laas, Axel Nissen, Bernd Meissner
Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs are disclosed that have the .alpha.-chain terminating with the group --CH(OR')OR" wherein R' and R" are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanoyl or optionally substituted benzoyl, the substituents selected from the group C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, halo and trifluoromethyl. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents, gastric secretory and platelet aggregation enhibitors and bronchodilators.
Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs are disclosed that have the .alpha.-chain terminating with the group --CH(OR')OR" wherein R' and R" are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanoyl or optionally substituted benzoyl, the substituents selected from the group C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, halo and trifluoromethyl. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents, gastric secretory and platelet aggregation inhibitors and bronchodilators.
Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs are disclosed that have the .alpha.-chain terminating with the group --CH(OR')OR" wherein R' and R" are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanoyl or optionally substituted benzoyl, the substituents selected from the group C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, halo and trifluoromethyl. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents, gastric secretory and platelet aggregation enhibitors and bronchodilators.
Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs are disclosed that have the .alpha.-chain terminating with the group --CH(OR')OR" wherein R' and R" are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanoyl or optionally substituted benzoyl, the substituents selected from the group C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, halo and trifluoromethyl. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents, gastric secretory and platelet aggregation enhibitors and bronchodilators.
Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs are disclosed that have the .alpha.-chain terminating with the group --CH(OR')OR" wherein R' and R" are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanoyl or optionally substituted benzoyl, the substituents selected from the group C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, halo and trifluoromethyl. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents, gastric secretory and platelet aggregation enhibitors and bronchodilators.
Abstract: The Ullman reaction for the preparation of diaryl ethers by coupling aryl halides with metal phenolates is conducted in the presence of at least one tertiary amine sequestering agent having the formula:N--CHR.sub.1 --CHR.sub.2 --O--CHR.sub.3 --CHR.sub.4 --O--.sub.n R.sub.5 ].sub.
Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs are disclosed that have the .alpha.-chain terminating with the group --CH(OR')OR" wherein R' and R" are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanoyl or optionally substituted benzoyl, the substituents selected from the group C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, halo and trifluoromethyl. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents, gastric secretory and platelet aggregation enhibitors and bronchodilators.
Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs are disclosed that have the .alpha.-chain terminating with the group --CH(OR')OR" wherein R' and R" are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanoyl or optionally substituted benzoyl, the substituents selected from the group C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, halo and trifluoromethyl. These compounds are useful as hypotensive agents, gastric secretory and platelet aggregation inhibitors and bronchodilators.
Abstract: Benzenoid ethers/thioethers are prepared by reacting an activated halobenzene with an anionic reactant, RA.sup.- M.sup.+, in the presence of at least one tertiary amine sequestering agent having formula:N--CHR.sub.1 --CHR.sub.2 --O--CHR.sub.3 --CHR.sub.4 --O--.sub.n R.sub.5 ].sub.
Abstract: The invention concerns novel pesticidal esters of the pyrethrin or pyrethroid type in which the methylene group bonded to the ester carbonyl and/or ester oxygen bears a fluorine substituent. The compounds of the invention are active against insect pests including flies, moths, aphids and beetles and acarina pests including ticks.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 8, 1979
Date of Patent:
August 11, 1981
Assignee:
ICI Australia Limited
Inventors:
Donald W. G. Harney, Peter G. Lehman, Joseph C. Rundle
Abstract: Derivatives of hexafluoropropene dimer expressed by the following general formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.f represents (CF.sub.3).sub.2 C.dbd.C(CF.sub.2 CF.sub.3) or (CF.sub.3).sub.2 CH--CF(CF.sub.2 CF.sub.3) and R represents a hydrocarbon residue of a carboxylic acid having one free site capable of reacting with the dimer. A process for preparing the derivatives is also disclosed in which the dimer is contacted with the carboxylic acid in an inert solvent in the presence of a catalyst. Metal, amine or ammonium salts of the acid may be also used for the reaction, in which case the reaction is feasible in the absence of a catalyst.
Abstract: Polyprenyl derivatives having the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be the same or different and each represents hydrogen atom, hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group having 1-8 carbon atoms, an aliphatic acyloxy group having 2-18 carbon atoms, an aromatic acyloxy group or an araliphatic acyloxy group having 2-3 carbon atoms in the aliphatic acyl moiety, R.sup.3 represents hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1-8 carbon atoms, an aliphatic acyl group having 2-18 carbon atoms, an aromatic acyl group or an araliphatic acyl group having 2-3 carbon atoms in the aliphatic acyl moiety, n is an integer of 1-4 and, when n is an integer of 2-4, R.sup.2 's may be the same or different; provided that, when n is 1 or 2, at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 's is hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an aliphatic acyloxy group, an aromatic acyloxy group or an araliphatic acyloxy group. These derivatives are useful as medicines for treating peptic ulcer.
Abstract: Novel taurine derivatives of general formula (I) ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.1 is nicotinoyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl or acetylsalicyloyl and R.sup.2 is as defined for R.sup.1 or is --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OR.sup.1) have antilipemic and choleretic activities. The compound in which R.sup.2 .dbd.--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OR.sup.1 and R.sup.1 is acetylsalicyloyl exhibits high antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity and is essentially free of the unfavorable effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the stomach.
Abstract: Phenolic ethers are prepared starting from phenol or a phenolic derivative and an alkyl carbonate which are reacted at a comparatively low temperature (below 160.degree. C.) and with good yield and selectivity by using a catalytic system composed by a base, preferably a tertiary amine, and by an iodide, either organic or inorganic.
Abstract: Carboxylic acids and/or esters are prepared by converting the ##STR1## moiety in a 1-substituted 2,2-trihaloethanol, or derivative wherein X represents halogen and R is hydrogen or an acyl group to an organic acid and/or ester grouping of the formula ##STR2## wherein R' is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in the process which comprises reacting the 1-substituted 2,2,2-trihaloethanol or acylated derivative with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a complex of a transition metal having an atomic number from 21-30, 39-48 or 57-80 and at least one molecule of a ligand containing trivalent nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic or antimony. This reaction is carried out in a reaction medium comprising an alcohol or aqueous alcohol having 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally containing an alkali metal, said alcoholic solvent also serving as a reactant source when carboxylic acid esters are formed.