A continuous process for the preparation of propylene oxide, comprising (a) reacting propene, optionally admixed with propane, with hydrogen peroxide in a reaction apparatus in the presence of acetonitrile as solvent, obtaining a stream S0 containing propylene oxide, acetonitrile, water, at least one further component B, optionally propene and optionally propane, wherein the normal boiling point of the at least one component B is higher than the normal boiling point of acetonitrile and wherein the decadic logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficient (log K.sub.ow) of the at least one component B is greater than zero; (b) separating propylene oxide from S0, obtaining a stream S1 containing acetonitrile, water and the at least one further component B; (c) dividing S1 into two streams S2 and S3; (d) subjecting S3 to a vapor-liquid fractionation in a fractionation unit, obtaining a vapor fraction stream S4 being depleted of the at least one component B; (e) recycling at least a portion of S4, optionally after work-up, to (a).

A continuous process for the preparation of propylene oxide, comprising (a) reacting propene, optionally admixed with propane, with hydrogen peroxide in a reaction apparatus in the presence of acetonitrile as solvent, obtaining a stream S0 containing propylene oxide, acetonitrile, water, at least one further component B, optionally propene and optionally propane, wherein the normal boiling point of the at least one component B is higher than the normal boiling point of acetonitrile and wherein the decadic logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficient (log K.sub.ow) of the at least one component B is greater than zero; (b) separating propylene oxide from S0, obtaining a stream S1 containing acetonitrile, water and the at least one further component B; (c) dividing S1 into two streams S2 and S3; (d) subjecting S3 to a vapor-liquid fractionation in a fractionation unit, obtaining a vapor fraction stream S4 being depleted of the at least one component B; (e) recycling at least a portion of S4, optionally after work-up, to (a).

Embodiments provide a process for purifying an alkylene oxide composition, which comprises (1) obtaining a crude alkylene oxide composition comprising an ionic component; (2) passing the crude alkylene oxide composition through a molecular sieve; and (3) obtaining a purified alkylene oxide composition. A purified alkylene oxide composition suitable for a subsequent process can be obtained.

Embodiments provide a process for purifying an alkylene oxide composition, which comprises (1) obtaining a crude alkylene oxide composition comprising an ionic component; (2) passing the crude alkylene oxide composition through a molecular sieve; and (3) obtaining a purified alkylene oxide composition. A purified alkylene oxide composition suitable for a subsequent process can be obtained.

Provided is an epoxy reactive diluent, wherein the content of a compound represented by Formula 1 below is 85% by weight or more based on a total weight of an epoxy reactive diluent composition:

##STR00001## wherein n is 0, 2, 4 or 6.

Provided is an epoxy reactive diluent, wherein the content of a compound represented by Formula 1 below is 85% by weight or more based on a total weight of an epoxy reactive diluent composition:

##STR00001## wherein n is 0, 2, 4 or 6.

The present invention relates to a method for oxidizing beta-caryophyllene with oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen, which avoids the use of catalysts, enzymes and solvents. Furthermore, the present invention provides a mixture comprising certain caryophyllene oxides as well as their use as a flavor and/or fragrance. The present invention also relates to products and semi-finished products comprising the mixture according to the invention.

The present invention relates to a method for oxidizing beta-caryophyllene with oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen, which avoids the use of catalysts, enzymes and solvents. Furthermore, the present invention provides a mixture comprising certain caryophyllene oxides as well as their use as a flavor and/or fragrance. The present invention also relates to products and semi-finished products comprising the mixture according to the invention.

In alternative embodiments, provided are processes comprising the continuous isolation and purification of cannabinoids and further isomerization of the purified cannabidiol to Δ.sup.8tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ.sup.8THC) and Δ.sup.9tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ.sup.9THC). In alternative embodiments, provided are processes for converting Δ8-THC into Δ.sup.9-THC. In alternative embodiments, provided are processes for the industrial scale continuous isolation and purification of cannabinoids and further isomerization of the purified cannabidiol to Δ.sup.9-THC.

In alternative embodiments, provided are processes comprising the continuous isolation and purification of cannabinoids and further isomerization of the purified cannabidiol to Δ.sup.8tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ.sup.8THC) and Δ.sup.9tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ.sup.9THC). In alternative embodiments, provided are processes for converting Δ8-THC into Δ.sup.9-THC. In alternative embodiments, provided are processes for the industrial scale continuous isolation and purification of cannabinoids and further isomerization of the purified cannabidiol to Δ.sup.9-THC.