Hoffmann-la Roche Inc.

Claude Furbringer

Horst Pauling

Joseph Foricher

Karlheinz Pfoertner

Paul Beyeler

The invention is directed to a process for the catalytic oxidation of an isoprenoid containing at least one allylic hydrogen atom, which process comprises reacting the isoprenoid with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in an inert solvent in the presence of a N-hydroxydicarboxylic acid imide of the formula ##STR1## wherein A-B stands for CH.sub.2 -CH.sub.2, CH.dbd.CH, an aromatic hydrocarbon residue or a group derived from one of these groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms is/are replaced by alkyl or halogen, to produce a primary of secondary hydroperoxide. The process of the invention is suitable for the manufacture of steroids, vitamins, odorant substances, carotinoids and the like.

Process for the catalytic oxidation of isoprenoids having allylic groups

A degradation product of ascorbic acid or isoascorbic acid obtained by heating the acid at a temperature between about 70.degree. C. and about 210.degree. C. until partial or complete decomposition of the acid occurs, useful in admixture with various nitrate-containing oxidation agents as an explosive and propellant material for a wide range of specific applications.

Preparation of explosives containing degradation products of ascorbic or

The carbonyl compounds 5,6-carbonyl-ascorbic acid and 5,6-carbonyl-erythorbic acid been found useful for the preparation of explosive and propellant materials by admixing them with nitrate-containing oxidation agents and optionally further ingredients.

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Riehen, Switzerland

Claude Furbringer