Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a carboxylic acid amide from a carbonyl compound and hydrocyanic acid, comprising the steps of A) reacting a carbonyl compound with hydrocyanic acid to produce a hydroxycarboxylic acid nitrile, B) hydrolysis of the hydroxycarboxylic acid nitrile obtained in step A) in the presence of a catalyst comprising manganese dioxide, wherein a molar excess of carbonyl compound is used in relation to the hydrocyanic acid to react the carbonyl compound with hydrocyanic acid according to step A), and the reaction mixture obtained in step A) is not purified by distillation before the hydrolysis according to step B) is carried out. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing alkyl(meth)acrylates from polymers, moulding compounds and moulded bodies, wherein a method for producing a carboxylic acid amide from a carbonyl compound and hydrocyanic acid is carried out in accordance with the method described above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a carboxylic acid amide from a carbonyl compound and hydrocyanic acid, comprising the steps of A) reacting a carbonyl compound with hydrocyanic acid to produce a hydroxycarboxylic acid nitrile, B) hydrolysis of the hydroxycarboxylic acid nitrile obtained in step A) in the presence of a catalyst comprising manganese dioxide, wherein a molar excess of carbonyl compound is used in relation to the hydrocyanic acid to react the carbonyl compound with hydrocyanic acid according to step A), and the reaction mixture obtained in step A) is not purified by distillation before the hydrolysis according to step B) is carried out. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing alkyl(meth)acrylates from polymers, moulding compounds and moulded bodies, wherein a method for producing a carboxylic acid amide from a carbonyl compound and hydrocyanic acid is carried out in accordance with the method described above.

Abstract: This invention provides a comprehensive solution which comprises the production of a bed of ash-containing hot char via the pyrolysis of coal which generates a hydrogen rich gas that, subsequent to its cleanup, can be synthesized into chemicals and/or transportation fuels, while the hot char is used to: (i) reduce SO2 and NOX to elemental sulfur and to elemental nitrogen, respectively; (ii) react hot char with CO2 to reduce it to CO, a valuable chemical that can be converted into fertilizer or into a fuel gas that can be used for electric or thermal power generation; (iii) trap particulate matter in the bed of char to join the ash in the char to form a combined ash which is eventually converted to inert slag; and (iv) filter the mercury through a portion of the char to prevent it from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A novel optically active quarternary ammonium salt with an axial chirality is provided. The quarternary ammonium salt can act as a phase-transfer catalyst to convert glycine derivatives into optically active &agr;-amino acid derivatives by stereoselectively alkylating the glycine derivatives. Furthermore, according to the present invention, intermediates useful for producing the novel quarternary ammonium can be produced.

Abstract: Process for producing ammonium-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butyrate, mixtures containing the same in liquid form and their use. In order to produce ammonium-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio-n-butyrate and mixtures containing the same with a remarkable fluidity and a very low oligomer proportion by a process based on exclusively “liquid” steps, the reaction mixture is treated with a water-immiscible or partially water-miscible inert solvent, until a first organic extract and a first aqueous raffinate are obtained, and the first organic extract is decomposed into a second organic extract and a second aqueous raffinate by treating it with ammonia and phase separation. Re-extraction of MHA as MHAAS is carried out in the second aqueous raffinate, causing salt formation, and MHAAS is isolated from the second aqueous raffinate. This compound is useful as feedstuff supplement and as methionine substitute.

Abstract: A process for preparing lactamide with a high conversion and a high selectivity without the deterioration of a catalytic activity in a short time, which comprises subjecting lactonitrile to a hydrating reaction in the presence of (A) a catalyst including an oxide of manganese as a main component, (B) an oxidizing agent and (C) hydrogen cyanide or hydrogen cyanide and a compound represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl group, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 hyroxyalkyl group, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 aminoalkyl group or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 halogenoalkyl group.

Abstract: There is herein disclosed a process for preparing a lactamide by hydrating lactonitrile in the presence of a catalyst mainly comprising a manganese oxide, and a nitrogen-containing compound such as ammonia or diethylamine. According to this process, the lactamide can be obtained from lactonitrile in a high yield, while the high activity of the catalyst is maintained for a long period of time.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of oxamide is based on the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen cyanide with oxygen or air in a strong excess in a solution of copper nitrate in water-acetic acid.The process is carried out in a vertical tubular reactor, with continuous recycling of part of the suspension of oxamides from the bottom to the top of the reactor.

Abstract: A process which comprises contacting and catalytically reacting under essentially anhydrous conditions in the liquid phase an amide with a nitrile according to the equation:RCONH.sub.2 +R.sup.1 CN.revreaction.RCN+R.sup.1 CONH.sub.2where R and R.sup.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel phenoxy- and phenylthio-acetyl derivatives of (4-amino-2,6-dimethylphenylsulphonyl)nitromethane and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are inhibitors of the enzyme aldose reductase and are of value, for example, in the treatment of certain peripheral effects of diabetes and galactosemia. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing one of the derivatives and processes for the manufacture and use of the derivatives.

Abstract: A method of removing copper from oxamide obtained through a process which involves the use of copper catalysts, by contacting it with an aqueous solution of a suitable complexing agent, which is capable of forming copper-containing water-soluble complexes and imparts to the aqueous solution a pH comprised between 2 and 8, optionally repeating the contacting step and, finally, recovering the purified oxamide by solid-liquid separation techniques.The claimed process affords oxamide containing less than 25 ppm of copper.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the purification of the diamide of oxalic acid obtained by means a process wherein copper catalysts are used, by means of the washing with aqueous solutions of an ammonium salt of an organic or inorganic acid, operating at a pH value comprised within the range of from 2 to 8, and at a temperature comprised within the range of from 40.degree. to 150.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of N-alkyl-substituted carboxylic acid amides by reaction of a component which forms a carbonium ion with a nitrile, the improvement residing in carrying out the process in the presence of an acid which is inert under distillation conditions and separating the reaction mixture by distillation.