In one embodiment this invention provides smoking compositions which contain a novel oxalate ester flavorant-release additive. Under cigarette smoking conditions, a combustible filler additive such as methyl 2-pyrazinyl-2-propanyl oxalate: ##STR1## pyrolyzes and releases 2-isopropenylpyrazine flavorant as a volatile component of the cigarette smoke. ##STR2##

In one embodiment this invention provides smoking compositions which contain a novel oxalate ester flavorant-release additive. Under cigarette smoking conditions, a combustible filler additive such as a methyl 4-oxo-.beta.-ionyl oxalate ##STR1## pyrolyzes and releases megastigma-5,7,9-trien-4-one as a natural flavorant component of the cigarette smoke. ##STR2##

This invention provides a process for the production of a carbonate diester which involves heating an oxalate diester in a liquid medium containing an alcoholate catalyst to yield carbonate diester and carbon monoxide.

In one aspect, the invention provides curable fluoropolymer compositions comprising fluoropolymer, onium, and alkyl or aryl oxalate-blocked compound as a crosslinking agent. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making curable fluoropolymer compositions and provides alkyl or aryl oxalate-blocked compounds.

In one embodiment this invention provides smoking compositions which contain a novel oxalate ester flavorant-release additive. Under cigarette smoking conditions, a combustible filler additive such as methyl 2-pyrazinyl-2-propanyl oxalate or di(2-pyrazinyl-2-propanyl) oxalate pyrolyzes and releases 2-isopropenylpyrazine flavorant as a volatile component of the cigarette smoke. ##STR1##

Hydrolyzed copolymers (A) maleic anhydride with (B) at least one more ethylenically unsaturated monomer other than acrylic acid or methacrylic acid or with a mixture of (B) and (C) acrylic acid or methacrylic acid are employed in a process to inhibit calcium oxalate formation and deposition.

A novel nucleic acid sequence encoding Aspergillus phoenices oxalate decarboxylase (APOXD) has been determined, as well as the encoded amino acid sequence. The gene and its encoded protein are useful in degrading oxalate, in diagnostic assays of oxalate, and as a selectable marker.

Sodium oxalate is supersaturated solution in Bayer spent liquor stabilized by the presence of humic material is precipitated by the treatment with an adsorbent which adsorbs the humic material to give an insoluble product, thus removing it from solution and destabilizing the solution with respect to precipitation of sodium oxalate. The preferred adsorbent is activated carbon. The activated carbon can be dispersed in the spent liquor as a fine powder or the spent liquor can be passed through a co...

A novel nucleic acid sequence encoding Aspergillus phoenices oxalate decarboxylase (APOXD) has been determined, as well as the encoded amino acid sequence. The gene and its encoded protein are useful in degrading oxalate, in diagnostic assays of oxalate, and as a selectable marker.

A method is disclosed for controlling the precipitation of soluble sodium oxalate in Bayer process liquor which comprises adding a surface active quaternary ammonium compound to the Bayer process liquor and then subsequently adding a mixture of a hydrophobic oil and at least one surfactant.