Abstract: Novel bis(platinum) (IV) complexes coupled via diamine bridging agents are taught as well as methods for their preparation. These complexes are to be used as pharmaceutical agents, e.g., for the treatment of cancer and parasitic diseases.

Abstract: Methods and diagnostic compositions are disclosed for enhancing magnetic resonance imaging which utilize a paramagnetic metal cluster. Magnetic resonance contrast media containing Z+[Mn.sub.12 X.sub.12 (OYR).sub.16 (L).sub.4 ], where OYR is an oxyacid such as benzoic acid, acetic acid, methyl sulphonic acid, methyl phosphonic acid; L is a neutral donor such as water, alcohol, pyridine, or other amines; X is a chalcogen, such as O or S; and Z is a pharmaceutically acceptable counterion are disclosed. Z may also be a paramagnetic counter ion, such as a high spin metal cluster. The paramagnetic cluster may optionally be complexed or conjugated to a carrier compound capable of altering the paramagnetic metal cluster's biodistribution, increasing its selectivity of tumor localization, and amplifying its proton relaxivity.

Abstract: A method for racemizing an optically active carboxylic acid, or ester thereof, of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl; R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are different and are hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched haloalkyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl substituted cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkoxy, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryloxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkylthio, C.sub.2 to C.sub.8 cycloalkylthio, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 arylthio, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 arylcarbonyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl, trifluoromethyl, halo, C.sub.4 to C.sub.5 heteroaryl, C.sub.10 to C.sub.14 aryl, or biphenyl unsubstituted or substituted with methyl or halo, comprising heating said optically active carboxylic acid or ester thereof in the presence of water at a temperature of from about 75.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: Unsaturated cyclohexylacetic acid derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## where U is.dbd.NOCH.sub.3, .dbd.CHOCH.sub.3, .dbd.CH.sub.2, .dbd.CH--CH.sub.3, .dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3, .dbd.N--NH--CH.sub.3 or .dbd.CH--S--CH.sub.3,n is from 0 to 10,A is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl, andX is a single bond when n is 0, and oxygen, sulfur or a single bond when n is not 0, and the plant-compatible acid addition products and base addition products thereof, and fungicides and insecticides containing these compounds.