Abstract: A process for the hydrodechlorination of carbon tetrachloride to produce chloroform and methylene chloride utilizes a supported platinum catalyst that is subjected to chloride pre-treatment. The platinum catalyst may be promoted with small amounts of metals such as tin. By-product production is decreased and duration of catalyst activity is improved by the process of this invention.

Abstract: The highly chlorinated methanes, e.g., carbon tetrachloride, are improvedly dechlorinated by reacting same with hydrogen in the presence of oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas, e.g., air, and a catalytically effective amount of a metal of the copper or precious metal Groups of the Periodic Table, typically in the form of a fixed or fluidized bed thereof, and advantageously in the gaseous phase.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of deuterated methylene chloride. The process comprises contacting methylene chloride with an aqueous phase containing deuteroxide ions in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst.

Abstract: Organic haloformate, e.g., chloroformate, compounds are converted to their corresponding halides, e.g., chlorides, by heating the haloformate, e.g., between 90.degree. C. and 150.degree. C., in the presence of a catalytic amount of a carbon catalyst for a time sufficient to convert the haloformate to the corresponding halide.

Abstract: Organic chloroformate compounds are decomposed to their corresponding chlorides by heating the chloroformate, e.g., between 100.degree. and 175.degree. C., in the presence of a catalytic amount of solid poly(vinylpyridine), e.g., poly(4-vinylpyridine), for a time sufficient to convert the chloroformate to the corresponding chloride.

Abstract: Selective hydrogenation process is provided employing as catalyst a composition consisting essentially of elemental palladium on calcium carbonate support with lead acetate and an aromatic amine oxide. Very high selectivities to cis-olefinic compounds from acetylenic compounds is achieved employing the catalyst of the invention.

Abstract: Deamination of aromatic primary amines by diazotization and hydrogen replacement of the diazo group is accelerated in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Yields of at least about 85% are typical, with reaction times of usually about one hour or less.

Abstract: (2R,6R)-1-Chloro-2,6,10-trimethyl-undecane I, (R)-(+)-.beta.-chloro-isobutyric acid II, (S)-(+)-1-bromo-3-chloro-2-methylpropane IV and (2R)-(+)-1-chloro-2,6-dimethyl-heptane V are novel optically active units for the synthesis of the side chain of (R,R,R)-.alpha.-tocopherol. In the process according to the invention, the optically active C.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of anhydrous alkyl iodides. To this end, carboxylic acid alkyl esters of the formula R.sup.1 COOR.sup.2, in which R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl radical having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 stands for an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, are reacted with iodine and hydrogen and optionally with carbon monoxide in the presence of compounds of noble metals comprised of rhodium, iridium, palladium or ruthenium as catalyst, and of a heterocyclic aromatic compound, in which at least one hetero atom is a quaternary nitrogen atom, or of a quaternary organophosphorus compound as a promoter, and optionally also in the presence of a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and/or its anhydrides. The reaction is effected under practically anhydrous conditions at temperatures of from 350 to 420 K. and under a total pressure of up to 30 bars.

Abstract: A process for asymmetrically hydrogenating through the use of microorganisms a double bond connected to tertiary carbon atom in an olefinic aliphatic compound to produce a tertiary, optically active aliphatic compound useful as an intermediate for optically active Vitamins E and K.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of hydrogen iodide, lithium iodide and methyl iodide by the reaction under anhydrous conditions of hydrogen and iodine in a non-alcoholic solvent using a homogeneous rhodium catalyst. Lithium iodide and/or methyl iodide are obtained by including lithium acetate and/or methyl acetate in the reaction medium.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofuran is prepared by reacting a 1,4-dihalobutane with water in the vapor phase in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of at least one solid acidic elemental oxide and/or solid acidic mixed elemental oxide, or acidic ion exchange resin which is stable under reaction conditions.