Abstract: As the liquid crystal substance in electro-optical devices or as the stationary phase in gas chromatography is employed a compound of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each is C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 --, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 O--, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 COO-- or C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 OCOO--, n being an integer of from 1 to 10, and R.sub.3 is Cl--, Br--, CH.sub.3 --, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 --, CH.sub.3 CO-- or CH.sub.3 OOC--.

Abstract: Esters of alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic carboxylic acids (especially alkyl-substituted salicylic acids) and the like, in which the alkyl substituent contains at least about 10 carbon atoms, are useful as dispersant additives for lubricants and fuels. Particularly useful are esters in which the substituent is derived from propylene, 1-butene or isobutene and has a molecular weight of about 150-1750, and in which the alkyl moiety is derived from pentaerythritol. Such esters are preferably prepared by the reaction of the corresponding organic hydroxy compound with a vic-hydroxyalkyl ester of the salicylic acid.

Abstract: In the preparation of glycol esters by the oxidation of an olefin in the presence of a catalyst comprising tellurium, wherein the accumulation of foreign metals in association with the tellurium catalyst component has an adverse effect upon the reaction, such foreign metals are maintained at low levels while the tellurium catalyst values are recovered for recycling in high yield by purging a portion of a high-boiling residual fraction produced in the distillation treatment of the reaction mixture and treating the purged portion with water and/or an aqueous alkaline solution.