Abstract: Chiral fungicides and compositions containing the same are provided. Also provided are methods for using the compositions of the present invention for inhibiting the growth of fungi, including phytotoxic fungi. The use of a single isomer in treating particular plant species and against particular fungi allows for selective inhibition of fungal growth with reduced fungicidal phytotoxic effects.

Abstract: 2-Aminopropane is used as the amine donor in the stereoselective synthesis of a chiral amine from a ketone with a transaminase. In a typical embodiment, (S)-1-methoxy-2-aminopropane is prepared by bringing methoxyacetone into contact with a transaminase in the presence of 2-aminopropane as an amine donor until a substantial amount of methoxyacetone is converted to (S)-1-methoxy-2-aminopropane and 2-aminopropane is converted to acetone. In a second embodiment, L-alanine is prepared by bringing pyruvic acid into contact with a transaminase in the presence of 2-aminopropane as an amine donor.

Abstract: N,N-disubstituted amines in which the amino nitrogen atom is bound to the carbon atom of an aromatic ring disubstituted in the positions ortho to the carbon atom, are prepared by allowing a primary amine and a compound in which an ortho, ortho-disubstituted aromatic compound carrying a nucleofuge substituent, to react in a basic environment in the presence of a catalytic palladium(0) complex and a ligand, the ratio of palladium complex to ligand being greater than at least 1:1. A typical embodiment involves the reaction of 2-methyl-6-ethylphenyl-trifluoromethylsulfonate and (S)-1-methoxy-2-aminopropane in the presence of bis(dibenzylideneacetone)palladium, tri-tert.-butylphosphine, and sodium tert.-butoxide to yield (S)-N-(1-methoxyprop-2-yl)-2-methyl-6-ethylphenylamine.

Abstract: Compositions for controlling growth of plant species, and methods for using the compositions, are disclosed. The compositions contain a single-isomer enantiomeric S-benzyl thiocarbamate and are particularly useful in controlling annual weeds associated with rice, soybeans and corn.

Abstract: L-alanyl-L-proline is stereoselectively prepared catalytically hydrogenating an N-(2-iminopropionyl)-L-proline in the presence of a metal hydrogenolysis catalyst and at a pH of less than about 4. Also disclosed are improved processes for production of N-pyruvyl-L-proline in which L-proline and a 2,2-disubstituted propionyl halide are allowed to react at a pH of at least 9 to produce an L-proline intermediate which is hydrolyzed at a pH range of from about 6.5 to about 8.5 to yield N-pyruvyl-L-proline.

Abstract: One chiral form of a 1-aryl-2-aminopropane is produced in preference to its enantiomer by allowing a 1-arylpropan-2-one to react with a 1-amino-1-phenylethane of predominantly one chiral form and reducing the resultant 1-(1-arylprop-2-ylideneimino)-1-phenylethane to yield phenylethane and a mixture of 1-aryl-2-aminopropanes in which one chiral form thereof is present in preference to its enantiomer. The mixture of 1-aryl-2-aminopropanes then is subjected to the action of an omega-amino acid transaminase which converts one of the two chiral forms of 1-aryl-2-aminopropane into the corresponding arylpropanone which can be separated from the remaining chiral form of the 1-aryl-2-aminopropane.

Abstract: L-Alanyl-L-proline is stereoselectively prepared catalytically hydrogenating an N-(2-iminopropionyl)-L-proline in the presence of a metal hydrogenolysis catalyst and at a pH of less than about 4. Also disclosed are improved processes for production of pyruvylproline in which L-proline and a 2,2-disubstituted propionyl halide are allowed to react at a pH of at least 9 to produce an L-proline intermediate which is hydrolyzed at a pH range of from about 6.5 to about 8.5 to yield N-pyruvyl-L-proline.

Abstract: Amines in which the amino group is on a secondary carbon atom which is chirally substituted can be enantiomerically enriched by the action of an omega-amino acid transaminase which has the property of preferentially converting one of the two chiral forms to a ketone. The process also can be used to stereoselectively synthesize one chiral form from ketones substantially to the exclusion of the other.

Abstract: Amines in which the amino group is on a secondary carbon atom which is chirally substituted can be enantiomerically enriched by the action of an omega-amino acid transaminase which has the property of preferentially converting one of the two chiral forms to a ketone. The process can be used to stereoselectively sythesize one chiral form from ketones substantially to the exclusion of the other. An aqueous solution of chiral amines after being brought into contact with an omega-amino acid transaminase and an amino acceptor is treated with a water-immiscible organic solvent, the aqueous and organic phases are separated, and the aqueous phase can be recirculated for further contact with the transaminase.

Abstract: Pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acids are prepared by the action of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate-3,4-dioxygenase on 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acids in a liquid medium which lacks active decarboxylase and which has a pH from 4 to 9, an ionic strength below about 1 molar, and a low concentration of metal cations and complex anions. In close temporal proximity, the 2-hydroxy-3-carboxymuconic acid semialdehyde which forms is allowed to react with a source of ammonia or a primary amine, avoiding substantial decarboxylation.

Abstract: Amines in which the amino group is on a secondary carbon atom which is chrially substituted can be enantiomerically enriched by the action of an omega-amino acid transaminase which has the property of preferentially converting one of the two chiral forms to a ketone. The process also can be used to stereoselectively synthesize one chiral form from ketones substantially to the exclusion of the other.