Abstract: Processes for preparing a single enantiomer of an .alpha.,.alpha.-disubstituted-.alpha.-hydroxy acetic acid, especially cyclohexylphenylglycolic acid (CHPGA), is disclosed. The processes employ cyclic 1,2-aminoalcohols as chiral auxiliaries by forming diastereomeric esters of aminoalcohols or diastereomeric amides of oxazolidines. ##STR1## Intermediates useful in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optically active phenylcyclohexylglycolate esters is described. The process utilizes carboxylic acid activation to couple (R)- or (S)-cyclohexylphenylglycolic acid (CHPGA) with 4-N,N-diethylamino butynol or other propargyl alcohol derivatives. The preparation of the hydrochloride salt is also described. In addition, a resolution process employing tyrosine methyl ester enantiomers for preparing a single enantiomer of CHPGA from racemic CHPGA is disclosed.

Abstract: The (R,R)-, (S,S)-, (R,S)-, (R,S)- isomers of 3-amino-4-hydroxy-.alpha.-[[[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]amino]methy l]-benzenemethanol (D) ##STR1## are disclosed, as well as an efficient method for their stereoselective synthesis. A method and composition are also disclosed utilizing desformoterol (D) as a bronchodilator, having high selectivity for .beta..sub.2 receptors.

Abstract: A synthesis of fluoxetine is disclosed. The process begins with a lower alkyl ester of 3-benzoylpropionic acid, which is reduced in the presence of a chiral ligand to produce the corresponding .gamma.-hydroxy ester, and the ester is cleaved. The free acid is then condensed with the alcohol to form a .gamma.-lactone, which is treated with ammonia to provide the .gamma.-hydroxy amide. The amide undergoes a Hoffman rearrangement to provide a 2-oxo-1,3 oxazine, which is reduced to 3-(methylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanol. The alcohol is deprotonated and reacted with a 4-chloro- or 4-fluoro benzotrifluoride to provide fluoxetine free base.

Abstract: Processes for preparing compounds having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1a is protected carboxy, carboxy, hydroxymethyl, protected hydroxymethyl, or methyl are disclosed. Processes of the invention begin with a starting material of the general formula II ##STR2## and elaborate the product by reductive amination of an aldehyde of formula IVa ##STR3## with .alpha.,.alpha.-diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol.