Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for absolute asymmetric synthesis by irradiation with circularly polarized light, which comprises providing a photochemically reversible reaction system in which the starting material is a mixture of enantiomers or diastereomers not photochemically or thermally converted into each other; and irradiating the reaction system with right- or left-circularly polarized light to excite the starting material alone or both of the starting material and the product, thereby concentrating one of the enantiomers or diastereomers in the starting material and one of the enantiomers or diastereomers in the product that corresponds to the enantiomer or diastereomer not concentrated in the starting material.

Abstract: Cyclopentenylheptanoic acid derivatives having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl and --(A)-- is: ##STR2## wherein M is hydrogen or triorganosilyl group, are prepared by reacting a compound having the formula: ##STR3## ps wherein X is halogen, with a compound having the formula: The derivatives belong to the pharmacologically-active class of compounds called "prostaglandins".

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a heptanoic acid derivative represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 stands for an acyloxy group, a halogen atom, or a hydrogen atom, which comprises reacting a cyclooctene derivative represented by the formula ##STR2## wherein Y stands for --R.sup.1, --COR.sup.1 or --SiR.sup.2.sub.3, wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group and R.sup.2 is an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, with a compound represented by the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sup.3 has the same meaning as indicated above and X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 each is a halogen atom, is described along with uses for such compounds.

Abstract: An electrical conducting solid electrode on the surface of which cytochrome c.sub.3 is immobilized in an amount ranging from 20%-100% of the monolayer coverage, said electrode thereby provided with the electrocatalytic capability of the direct four-electron reduction of dioxygen to water, and its uses.