The present invention relates to a process for the one-pot hydrogenation and dehydration or isomerization of an organic compound, and to a catalyst composition for this process comprising transition metal particles having particle size below 50 nm supported on a material comprising at least one fluorinated polymer (P), wherein polymer (P) bears SO.sub.2X functional groups, X being selected from X and OM, X being selected from the groups consisting of F, Cl, Br and I; and M being selected from the group consisting of H, and alkaline metal and NH.sub.4.

Reinforcing bars include load transfer connectors. A link plate includes openings that mate with the load transfer connectors to overlie the splice between reinforcing bars being spliced. A cover plate may be fastened over the link plate.

Reinforcing bars include load transfer connectors. A link plate includes openings that mate with the load transfer connectors to overlie the splice between reinforcing bars being spliced. A cover plate may be fastened over the link plate.

Novel selective synthesis route to introduce primary alkyl groups on aromatic compounds is disclosed. The synthesis route is based on electrophilic aromatic substitutions of thionium ion species that are generated in-situ from aldehydes and thiols, affording benzyl sulfide that can be reduced with triethylsilane.

Novel selective synthesis route to introduce primary alkyl groups on aromatic compounds is disclosed. The synthesis route is based on electrophilic aromatic substitutions of thionium ion species that are generated in-situ from aldehydes and thiols, affording benzyl sulfide that can be reduced with triethylsilane.

There is provided the use as reducing agents of alpha-hydroxycarbonyl compounds capable of forming cyclic dimers. There is also provided corresponding methods of reducing reducible compounds, particularly reduction-activated prodrugs. Examples of the alpha-hydroxycarbonyl compounds used are dihydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde, glyceraldehyde, erythrose, xylulose, erythrulose or 3-hydroxy-2-butanone.

Disclosed are compounds of Formula I, including all stereoisomers and salts thereof,

##STR00001##

wherein Q.sup.1, Q.sup.2 and R are as defined in the disclosure.

Also disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula I, comprising contacting a compound of Formula II

##STR00002## with a compound of Formula III

##STR00003## optionally in the presence of a catalyst or a base to form a compound of Formula I. Further disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula IV,

##STR00004##

comprising reductively cyclizing a compound of Formula I in the presence of a reducing agent.

Disclosed are compounds of Formula I, including all stereoisomers and salts thereof,

##STR00001##

wherein Q.sup.1, Q.sup.2 and R are as defined in the disclosure.

Also disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula I, comprising contacting a compound of Formula II

##STR00002## with a compound of Formula III

##STR00003## optionally in the presence of a catalyst or a base to form a compound of Formula I. Further disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula IV,

##STR00004##

comprising reductively cyclizing a compound of Formula I in the presence of a reducing agent.

Reinforcing bars include load transfer connectors. A link plate includes openings that mate with the load transfer connectors to overlie the splice between reinforcing bars being spliced. A cover plate may be fastened over the link plate.

Reinforcing bars include load transfer connectors. A link plate includes openings that mate with the load transfer connectors to overlie the splice between reinforcing bars being spliced. A cover plate may be fastened over the link plate.