Abstract: There are disclosed compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl; R.sub.8 is selected from the group consisting of --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --wherein n is 2 to 20, ##STR2## R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or lower alkoxy, and ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl; R.sub.8 is selected from the group consisting of --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --wherein n is 2 to 20, ##STR4## and R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or lower alkoxy and racemates thereof.There are also disclosed processes and intermediate utilized to produce the end products.The end products have utility as agents exhibiting both .alpha. and selective .beta. adrenergic blocking action.

Abstract: Cellulose acetate is produced from methanol, carbon monoxide and cellulose in an integrated series of steps wherein acetic anhydride produced in a first step by the carbonylation of methyl acetate is used to acetylate cellulose to produce cellulose acetate and to co-produce acetic acid is converted to ketene, the ketene is reacted with methanol to produce methyl acetate which is then fed to the first step and carbonylated to produce additional quantities of acetic anhydride.

Abstract: Cellulose acetate is produced from methanol, carbon monoxide and cellulose in an integrated series of steps wherein acetic anhydride produced in a first step by the carbonylation of methyl acetate is used to acetylate cellulose to produce cellulose acetate and to co-produce acetic acid, the co-produced acetic acid is dehydrated and the dehydrated acetic acid reacted with methanol to produce methyl acetate which is then fed to the first step and carbonylated to produce additional quantities of acetic anhydride.

Abstract: Equimolar amounts of vinyl acetate and phenol may be prepared by oxidation of ethyl benzene. The catalytic oxidation, of ethyl benzene, when carried out in the presence of acetic anhydride, forms phenyl acetate and ethylidene diacetate. Pyrolysis of these two intermediates yields vinyl acetate and phenol.In a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that persulfate promoters such as potassium persulfate, persulfuric acid, or Caro's dry acid are particularly effective promoters for this oxidation reaction.

Abstract: An ammonium salt of an alkanoic acid having about 1-10 carbon atoms per molecule is prepared by reacting ammonia with an excess of the alkanoic acid in an aqueous system in a tubular reactor.An ammonium salt of an alkanoic acid having about 12-18 carbon atoms per molecule is prepared by reacting ammonia with the alkanoic acid in a tubular reactor. The reaction can be conducted in the presence or absence of water.

Abstract: The trisubstituted (2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)phosphonium hydroxide inner salts and their hydrolyzed derivatives are novel latent catalysts for promoting reaction between vicinal epoxides and phenols and/or carboxylic acids (or anhydrides). Precatalyzed epoxy resins are easily prepared using such catalysts.

Abstract: A process for producing isocyanates along with hydrogen fluoride and metal carboxylates by reacting a metal salt of an N-organic carbamic acid, RNHCO.sub.2 M, and an acyl fluoride.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of organic carboxylic acids which comprises converting a formic acid ester expressed by the general formulaHCOORwherein R stands for a chain or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radical which may have an aliphatic unsaturation, an aryl radical, an aralkyl radical or a heterocyclic radical,At an elevated temperature under raised pressure of carbon monixide to an organic carboxylic acid expressed by the general formulaRCOOHwherein R is as defined above.