Abstract: This invention is concerned with an improved process for the synthesis of hydroxysulfone, which is a key intermediate in the synthesis of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, especially dorzolamide. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are known to be effective in treating elevated intraocular pressure or glaucoma.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for the preparation of (1S,2R)-1,2-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene having the Formula (I): ##STR1## which comprises the steps of (a) hydrogenating the compound of Formula (II) to form cis-(1R, 2S)-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene having the Formula (V): ##STR2## (b) reacting the dihydroxy compound of Formula (V) with a sulphonyl halide of formula R.sup.1 SO.sub.2 Z wherein R.sup.1 is methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, phenyl or p-tolyl, and Z is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine to give a bis-sulphonyl ester of formula (X): ##STR3## and (c) treating the bis-sulphonyl ester (X) with an alkali metal carbonate or alkali metal hydroxide to give the compound of Formula (I).

Abstract: A process for the separation of at least one isomer from a mixture of isomers of a tetrahydropyran-2-one, having at least two chiral centers which comprises selective reaction of at least one isomer with a reagent catalyzed by a hydrolase enzyme whereby at least one isomer is preferentially converted into a distinct chemical species from the other isomers so that it is susceptible of separation by an appropriate chemical or physical separation process in which the tetrahydropyran-2-one is of Formula (1): ##STR1## wherein: Z is --H or a protecting group susceptible of reaction with the reagent under the influence of the enzyme; andY is formyl or protected formyl.

Abstract: Novel substituted cis-1,2-dihydroxy-cyclohexadiene compounds, useful as intermediates in the production of compounds for use as intermediates in the production of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, and a microbial process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A process for the separation of at least one isomer from a mixture of isomers of a tetrahydropyran-2-one, having at least two chiral centres, which comprises selective reaction of at least one isomer with a reagent catalysed by a hydrolase enzyme whereby at least one isomer is preferentially converted into a distinct chemical species from the other isomers so that it is susceptible of separation by an appropriate chemical or physical separation process in which the tetrahydropyranone is of Formula (1): ##STR1## wherein: Z is --H or a protecting group susceptible of reaction with the reagent under the influence of the enzyme; andY is optionally substituted hydrocarbyl.

Abstract: A process for the separation of at least one isomer from a mixture of isomers of a tetrahydropyran-2-one, having at least two chiral centers which comprises selective reaction of at least one isomer with a reagent catalyzed by a hydrolase enzyme whereby at least one isomer is preferentially converted into a distinct chemical species from the other isomers so that it is susceptible of separation by an appropriate chemical or physical separation process in which the tetrahydropyran-2-one is of Formula (1): ##STR1## wherein: Z is --H or a protecting group susceptible of reaction with the reagent under the influence of the enzyme; andY is formyl or protected formyl.