Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a multicarboxylate, such as an alkyl alkoxy dicarboxylate, in enhanced oil recovery processes. Embodiments relate to an aqueous stream and the use thereof. The aqueous stream includes a compound having the chemical formula: R1—R2—R3, wherein R1 includes a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, cyclic or non-cyclic, hydrophobic carbon chain having an oxygen atom linking R1 and R2; R2 includes an alkoxylated chain comprising ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or a combination thereof; and R3 includes a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon chain and 2-5 —COOH or —COOM groups wherein M is a monovalent, divalent, or trivalent cation. R3 includes 2-12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The need for an all-purpose hard surface cleaning composition which provides improved removal of greasy soap scum and water-marks, especially on inclined surfaces, is met by formulating an alkaline composition with an alkyl pyrrolidone, and a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of: an amine oxide surfactant; a betaine surfactant; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of Sevoflurane CF3—CH(OCH2F)—CF3 which comprises (a) manufacturing a substituted malonic acid derivative of formula (I): R1OOC—CH(OCH2X)—COOR2 or of formula (II): R3HNOC—CH(OCH2X)—CONHR4, wherein X is OH or a leaving group which can be substituted by nucleophilic substitution and wherein R1, R2 R3, R4, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from the group consisting of H, an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, an aralkyl group, and an aryl group; and (b) further reacting said malonic acid derivative as intermediate for the manufacture of Sevoflurane CF3—CH(OCH2F)—CF3.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-arm polyethylene glycol derivative having a narrow molecular weight distribution. A multi-arm polyethylene glycol derivative represented by the formula (1): m[Z—Yn?CH2CH2O??X—O-L-O—X??OCH2CH2?nY—Z]m??(1) wherein, L represents a group selected from a linear or branched alkylene, arylene, or cycloalkylene group having two or more carbon atoms and combinations thereof, which may have an ether bond in a chain; X represents a dehydroxylation residue of a linear sugar alcohol having 5 or 7 carbon atoms; m is the number of polyethylene glycol chains bonded to X and represents 4 or 6; n is the average addition molar number of oxyethylene groups and n represents an integer of 3 to 600; Y represents a single bond or an alkylene group which may have an ester bond, a urethane bond, an amide bond, an ether bond, a carbonate bond, a secondary amino group, a urea bond, a thioether bond or a thioester bond in a chain or at an end; and Z represents a chemically reactive functional group.

Abstract: The invention relates to (per)fluoropolyether block copolymers comprising: A) a fluoropolyoxyalkylene segment (chain Ra) comprising one or more units of formula (CHXCF2CF2O)— in which X is hydrogen or fluorine; B) a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene segment (chain Rf), that is to say a segment comprising recurring units having at least one catenary ether bond and at least one fluorocarbon moiety, said (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene segment being different from chain Ra and having a molecular weight higher than 400 g/mol. These copolymers are endowed with improves lubricant properties or with improved water and oil-repellence properties.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to ionic liquids and ionic viscoelastics formed between [1] a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more cations; and [2] a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more anions. Another embodiment of the invention is the use of the inventive ionic liquids and ionic viscoelastics, formed between a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more cations and a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more anions, to form a crosslinked network. In certain embodiments, the ionic liquids formed can be viscous liquids, viscous liquid formed networks, or viscoelastic networks/gels. In certain embodiments, the ionic material of the invention may be used for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, lubricants, additives, gas separation, liquid separation, membranes, fuel cells, sensors, batteries, coatings, heat storage, liquid crystals, biocompatible fluids, solvents, and electronic materials.

Abstract: Provided are saturated partially fluorinated alkoxy carboxylic acids or salts thereof and methods of preparation.

Abstract: The invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a carboxyalkylether which lowers triglycerides and elevated HDL, and a statin which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, thereby reducing LDL, said composition being useful for treating vascular diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric corrosion inhibiter for a metal substrate of formula (R1)aA(R2X)b, where a=0-3, b=1-6, A is a bridge structure unit, R1 is identical to or different from H or an aliphatic, aromatic, olefinic, cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic or polyheterocyclic radical, R2 is identical to or different from a polymeric basic structure, X is identical to or different from a functional group selected from the groups comprising: carboxylic acids; dicarboxylic acids; polycarboxylic acids; carboxylic acid anhydrides; carboxylic acid chlorides; carboxylic sulfonic acids; and also esters, amides and imides of the aforementioned groups, the molar mass of the polymer lies between 200 and 10,000, preferably 400 and 6,000. The invention further relates to the use of a polymeric corrosion inhibiter for the treatment of metal surfaces and to a method for producing a polymeric corrosion inhibiter.

Abstract: Provided are saturated partially fluorinated alkoxy carboxylic acids or salts thereof and methods of preparation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to ionic liquids and ionic viscoelastics formed between [1] a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more cations; and [2] a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more anions. Another embodiment of the invention is the use of the inventive ionic liquids and ionic viscoelastics, formed between a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more cations and a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more anions, to form a crosslinked network. In certain embodiments, the ionic liquids formed can be viscous liquids, viscous liquid formed networks, or viscoelastic networks/gels. In certain embodiments, the ionic material of the invention may be used for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, lubricants, additives, gas separation, liquid separation, membranes, fuel cells, sensors, batteries, coatings, heat storage, liquid crystals, biocompatible fluids, solvents, and electronic materials.

Abstract: Provided are novel symmetrical and asymmetrical bifunctional photodecomposable bases (PDBs) with dicarboxylate anion groups that show increased imaging performance. Also provided are photoresist compositions prepared with the bifunctional dicarboxylated PDBs and lithography methods that use the photoresist compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing ether carboxylates.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of Sevoflurane CF3—CH(OCH2F)—CF3 which comprises (a) manufacturing a substituted malonic acid derivative of formula (I): R1OOC—CH(OCH2X)—COOR2 or of formula (II): R3HNOC—CH(OCH2X)—CONHR4, wherein X is OH or a leaving group which can be substituted by nucleophilic substitution and wherein R1, R2 R3, R4, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from the group consisting of H, an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, an aralkyl group, and an aryl group; and (b) further reacting said malonic acid derivative as intermediate for the manufacture of Sevoflurane CF3—CH(OCH2F)—CF3.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amphiphile of the formula (I) as described hereinafter. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the amphiphile and to a composition comprising the amphiphile and a sparingly water-soluble active ingredient. It further relates to a process for producing the composition by contacting the amphiphile and the active ingredient, and to the use of the amphiphile for solubilizing a sparingly water-soluble active ingredient in aqueous solutions. The invention also relates to the use of the amphiphile in an agrochemical formulation comprising the amphiphile and a pesticide for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or unwanted vegetation and/or unwanted insect or mite infestation and/or for regulating the growth of plants, and finally to plant propagation material comprising the amphiphile.

Abstract: Methods for preparing water soluble, non-peptidic polymers carrying carboxyl functional groups, particularly carboxylic acid functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers are disclosed, as are the products of these methods. In general, an ester reagent R(C?0)OR?, wherein R? is a tertiary group and R comprises a functional group X, is reacted with a water soluble, non-peptidic polymer POLY-Y, where Y is a functional group which reacts with X to form a covalent bond, to form a tertiary ester of the polymer, which is then treated with a strong base in aqueous solution, to form a carboxylate salt of the polymer. Typically, this carboxylate salt is then treated with an inorganic acid in aqueous solution, to convert the carboxylate salt to a carboxylic acid, thereby forming a carboxylic acid functionalized polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing ether carboxylates.

Abstract: Halogenated aliphatic carboxylic acids, salts and/or oligomers or polymers thereof, which exhibit a devitalizing effect of neoplastic tissues, are disclosed. Methods and uses that utilize these compounds for the treatment of medical conditions associated with a neoplastic tissue are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods and uses that utilize these compounds for reducing or abolishing blood and lymph as well local dissemination of malignant neoplastic cells during a surgical removal thereof, thereby preventing recurrences and distance metastases, and/or inducing immune response to potentially malignant, pre-malignant and/or malignant cells. Further disclosed are novel oligomeric forms of halogenated aliphatic carboxylic acids, pharmaceutical compositions containing same and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a lipid of general formula (I) or (II): wherein X1, X2 and R1 to R5 are as defined herein. Such lipids are used to form complexes with a biologically-active material such as a nucleic acid, peptide or small molecule for delivering the biologically-active material to cells. The complexes may incorporate an integrin-binding peptide and, when the biologically-active material is DNA, thereby constitute a LID complex.

Abstract: Developable bottom antireflective coating compositions are provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing amphiphilic compounds having at least two hydrophilic and at least two hydrophobic groups by reacting an olefinic substrate having at least two double bonds with an organic hydroperoxide to form an oxirane ring, opening, the oxirane ring with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a molybdenum compound as a first catalyst component and a second catalyst component selected from the group consisting of boron trifluoride, alumina, 1,8-diazzabicyclo-(5.4.0)-undec-7-ene, 1,4-diazabicyclo-(2,2,2)-octane.

Abstract: Alcohol and water solvates of 6-(5-carboxy-5-methyl-hexyloxy)-2,2-dimethylhexonoic acid monocalcium salt are crystalline and have the formula (I), wherein R1 is H or lower alkyl, and x is a number from 0 to 10, and are useful for treating dyslipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glyoxylic compound comprising one or more active ingredient. By the present invention, a delayed release of the active ingredient is provided upon contact of the compound with an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ether compounds, compositions comprising ether compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias, dysproteinemias, and glucose metabolism disorders comprising administering a composition comprising an ether compound. The compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are also useful for treating and preventing Alzheimer's Disease, Syndrome X, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-related disorders, septicemia, thrombotic disorders, obesity, pancreatitis, hypertension, renal disease, cancer, inflammation, and impotence. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a (a) dicarboxylated surfactant, (b) a method for its preparation and (c) application in industrial and personal care applications. The compounds of the present invention are made by reacting epoxy succinic acid and a salt of an alkyl non-ionic surfactant. The resulting compounds are quite stable and offer excellent emulsification properties.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of ether carboxylic acids or alkali metal or ammonium salts thereof with low residual alcohol content, which comprises firstly converting a mono- or polyhydric alcohol into the corresponding alkoxide using a substoichiometric amount between 5 and 95 mol % of a basic compound, and then reacting the alkoxide with alkylene oxides, and, if necessary after distilling off the residual alcohol which remains, alkylating the highly alkaline reaction mixture, which comprises more than 5 mol % of alkoxylated alkoxides, directly with a chloroacetic acid derivative, and, if necessary, converting the alkylated product into the free ether carboxylic acid by acidification with mineral acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production process for an ether carboxylate salt in which process the ether carboxylate salt is obtainable with a good yield, and the amount of expensive catalyst, as used, can be saved, and the recovery of the catalyst is easy. The production process for an ether carboxylate salt comprises the etherification step of reacting a hydroxyl-group-containing organic compound and a carboxyl-group-containing organic compound in an aqueous medium in the presence of a catalyst containing a rare earth element, wherein the carboxyl-group-containing organic compound is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of carboxyl-group-containing unsaturated organic compounds and carboxyl-group-containing epoxy compounds. This process is characterized in that the pH of the aqueous medium is in the range of 9˜13, but not including 9, and in that the amount of the catalyst, as used, is in the range of 0.0001˜0.

Abstract: Hydrogenated fluoromodified polymers obtainable by reaction among hydrogenated polymers and the modifier having a polyether structure:RfO(CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O).sub.m (CF.sub.2 O).sub.n --CF.sub.2 --A.sub.q --T.sub.p (I)wherein A is a linking bridge bound to the end group --CF.sub.2 -- of the perfluoropolyether chain, T represents one or more reactive functional groups; p and q are integers, p ranges from 1 to 4, q is an integer from 0 to 1; m and n are integers such that m/n is comprised between 0.2 and 5, Rf is a perfluoroalkyl from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Mesogens are provided based on substituted unsaturated carboxylic acids such as acrylic and methacrylic acid. Substitution of a variety of hydrophobic tails onto the carboxylic acid or acid derivative via the vinyl carbon proximal to the carbonyl of the carboxylic acid results in mesogens that are capable of forming thermotropic and single-phase lyotropic mesophases over a broad range of compositions. The mesophases can be polymerized to lock in the ordered phases.

Abstract: Mesogens are provided based on substituted unsaturated carboxylic acids such as acrylic and methacrylic acid. Substitution of a variety of hydrophobic tails onto the carboxylic acid or acid derivative via the vinyl carbon proximal to the carbonyl of the carboxylic acid results in mesogens that are capable of forming thermotropic and single-phase lyotropic mesophases over a broad range of compositions. The mesophases can be polymerized to lock in the ordered phases.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyoxyalkylenecarboxylic acid which comprises: (A) a step of obtaining a salt of a polyoxyalkylenecarboxylic acid by reacting a polyoxyalkylene compound having hydroxyl group at one or both ends of the molecule with a salt of a halogenated acetic acid or a salt of a halogenated propionic acid in an amount of 4 to 50 mol per 1 mol of the polyoxyalkylene compound and an alkali metal hydroxide in an amount of 8 to 70 mol per 1 mol of the polyoxyalkylene compound in the presence of an organic solvent at 80.degree. to 150.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a solid catalyst which enables a person to simply and efficiently carry out an etherification reaction; and a process by which an ether compound is simply and efficiently produced using the solid catalyst. The solid catalyst is a first solid catalyst comprising at least one rare earth element, or is a second solid catalyst comprising a metallic compound which includes a metal atom and a nonmetal atom bonded to the metal atom, wherein the metallic compound has molecular orbitals including: at least one orbital (L) having an energy of E.sub.L (eV) which satisfies E.sub.LUMO .ltoreq.E.sub.L .ltoreq.(E.sub.LUMO +0.05) wherein E.sub.LUMO is an energy (eV) of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital around the metal atom; and at least one orbital (H) having an energy of E.sub.H (eV) which satisfies (E.sub.HOMO -0.02).ltoreq.E.sub.H .ltoreq.E.sub.HOMO wherein E.sub.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,2'-oxydisuccinate from undissolved solid, powdered or comminuted maleate and malate species added to a slurry of alkaline earth metal hydroxide is disclosed which cooperatively controls pH, temperature, time and ratio of reactants to effectively avoid substantial phase separation.

Abstract: Dialkyl ethers lower Lp(a) and triglycerides, and elevate HDL-cholesterol, and are thereby useful for treating vascular diseases and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: A novel process is described for reacting a perfluoroalkyl iodide with an olefinic compound, which comprises carrying out a free-radical addition reaction of the perfluoroalkyl iodide to the olefin in the presence of azoic or peroxy initiator and a water-soluble salt selected from the group consisting of sulfites, bisulfites, metabisulfites and dithionites. The adducts are obtained in high yield and purity and are useful for the preparation of oil- and water repellent products for use on paper, textiles, metal, wood and the like, or as precursors for fluorinated surfactants.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-reflective material comprising a salt of a carboxyl-terminated fluorinated alkyl polyether compound with a water-soluble amino compound. A resist pattern is defined by forming anti-reflective layer of the anti-reflective material on a photoresist layer, exposing the photoresist layer to a desired pattern of light, removing the anti-reflective layer, and developing the photoresist layer. A fine resist pattern having improved dimensional and alignment accuracies can be defined in a simple, efficient, reproducible manner without substantial environmental pollution. The invention is advantageously utilized in photo-lithography using photoresists.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of carboxylic acids which contain ether groups by the catalytically accelerated addition of alcoholic hydroxyl groups from mono- or polyhydric alcohols to tertiary-alkyl esters of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acids, and followed with acid hydrolysis of the tertiary-alkyl .beta.-ethercarboxylate obtained as intermediates in this way.

Abstract: This invention pertains to perfluoropolyethers and perhalogenated chlorofluoropolyethers that can be prepared by fluorinating addition polymers made by polymerizing epoxides.

Abstract: A process for the purification and recovery of 2,2'-oxydisuccinate moieities from a reaction mixture containing maleate, malate, fumarate, and alkaline earth metal is disclosed which reduces the pH to about 3.8 to 4.2 with sulfuric acid and then produces the calcium salt of the 2,2'-oxydisuccinate by heating and precipitation.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of enriched reaction mixtures containing 2,2'-oxydisuccinate (alkaline earth metal salts) is disclosed, by pH reduction and removal of alkaline earth metal malates.

Abstract: At least 99% pure 2,2'[oxybis (methylene)]bis-2-propenoic acidCH.sub.2 .dbd.C(COOH)CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 C(COOH).dbd.CH.sub.2is prepared by hydrolyzing an ester thereof in an aqueous basic medium and then acidifying the resultant salt.

Abstract: A process for isolating and purifying oxadimethacrylics of the general formula ICH.sub.2 .dbd.C(A)CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 C(B).dbd.CH.sub.2 Iwhere A and B are selected from the group consisting of --COOR.sup.1, --COR.sup.1, --CONR.sup.2 R.sup.3 and --CN and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each defined as follows:R.sup.1 is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, N-alkylaminoalkyl, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or arylalkyl,R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or substituted cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or arylalkyl,comprises precipitating or crystallizing them from their solutions that contain at least one liquid hydrocarbon compound.

Abstract: The invention comprises compositions and methods for the treatment of psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic method of optically active starting materials for various medicaments, which are represented by Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy protecting group; * is an asymmetric carbon; R.sup.2 ' is hydrogen or an optionally substituted lower alkyl; and Q is --CH.dbd.P(Ph).sub.3, --CH.sub.2 P(O)(OMe).sub.2, or --CH.sub.2 S(O)Me, in high optical purity on a large scale.In more detail, the present invention provides intermediates and a method for the production thereof for synthesizing optically active compounds which are able to inhibit activities of HMG-CoA reductase and are, therefore, useful for inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition in contact with a corrodable metal surface, comprising a functional fluid and, as corrosion inhibitor, a compound having the formula 1A ##STR1## as well as salts or esters thereof, wherein R.sup.3 is C.sub.9 -C.sub.20 linear or branched alkyl, phenyl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 alkylphenyl;R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl;X is CH.sub.2, O or S;Y is O or S; andZ is--(CH.sub.2).sub.n -in which n is 1,2,3,4 or 5, or Z is--CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)-.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved processes for the preparation of oxydisuccinate by reacting in an alkaline reaction medium the salts of maleic acid and malic acid in the presence of a calcium ion catalyst wherein unreacted maleic acid salts are recovered from the reaction medium as sodium hydrogen maleate by lowering the pH of the reaction product to a range of from about 4 to 6. The precipitated sodium hydrogen maleate salts are recycled to the synthesis reaction as salts of malic acid by hydration in the presence of a hydration catalyst to prepare additional amounts of product.

Abstract: This invention relates to perfluoroether compounds, and to a general method for creating such compounds. It has been found that such compounds may be created by a three-step method which may be performed using a wide variety of ester starting materials. The first step of the three-step process comprises partial fluorination of a selected polyester compound. This may be performed by contacting the selected polyester with fluorine gas under predetermined conditions until a desired level of partial fluorination is achieved.The second step of this three-step process involves indirect fluorination to convert the partially fluorinated polyester into partially fluorinated polyether compounds. This step may be conducted by contacting the partially fluorinated polyester with SF.sub.4.The third step of the three-step synethetic process comprises direct fluorination of the partially fluorinated polyether compound at conditions which essentially complete the perfluorinated polyether compound.

Abstract: Polymers are produced from 4 and 5 member cyclic ethers, which polymers have hydroxyl functionalities of 4.

Abstract: Heteroatom containing R.sub.f -neopentyl compounds having formula III or IV ##STR1## wherein R.sub.f is a straight chain perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, E is branched or straight chain alkylene of 2 to 10 carbon atoms or said alkylene interrupted by one to three groups selected from the group consisting of --NR--, --S--, --COO--, --OOC--, SO.sub.2 --, --CONR--, --NRCO--, --SO.sub.2 NR--, and --NRSO.sub.2 --, or terminated at the R.sub.f end with --CONR-- or --SO.sub.2 NR--, where R.sub.f is attached to the carbon or sulfur atom, or R.sub.f is trifluoroethylene, and for formula III, X is --S--, --SO.sub.2 --, or --NR--, or for formula IV, X is --CONR--, or --SO.sub.2 NR--, or a direct bond where R.sub.f is attached to the carbon or sulfur atom, and where R is independently hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or hydroxyalkyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and one or both of T.sub.1 and T.sub.

Abstract: R is a straight or branched chain C.sub.4 -C.sub.30 alkyl group, a straight or branched chain C.sub.4 -C.sub.30 alkyl group interrupted by one, two or three oxygen atoms or substituted by one, two or three hydroxy groups, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl group, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl group substituted by one, two or three C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl groups, a C.sub.7 -C.sub.13 aralkyl group or a C.sub.7 -C.sub.13 aralkyl group which is substituted by a hydroxyl group;R.sub.1 is H or a straight- or branched chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group;R.sub.2 is H, a straight or branched chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group or CO.sub.2 H;R.sub.3 is H, a straight or branched chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, --CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 H or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 H;R.sub.4 is H, a straight or branched chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or CO.sub.2 H;R.sub.5 is H, a straight or branched chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 H or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.