Abstract: A method of using vitamin D derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is .dbd.CH.sub.2 or H,H;Y is a moiety--CH(CH.sub.3)--(A).sub.n --C(O)--OR.sup.1 (a)--CH(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2 --O--C(O)--R.sup.2 (b)or--C(O)--OR.sup.1 (c);A is --CH.dbd.CH-- or CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --R.sup.1 is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylmethyl, --CH.sub.2 R.sup.3 or --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 R.sup.3 ;R.sup.2 is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or R.sup.3 ;R.sup.3 is hydroxy-lower alkyl, hydroxy-cycloalkyl or trifluoromethyl-hydroxy-lower-alkyl;n is 0 or 1;and the dotted bond in the five membered ring is optional;in the treatment of dermatological conditions, in particular keratinization disorders such as psoriasis, as well as acne and photodamaged skin, is described.Vitamin D derivatives of the formula I above, wherein X, Y, A, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and n are as set forth above; with the proviso that X is H,H when Y is --CH(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2 --OC(O)--C(OH)(CH.sub.3).sub.

Abstract: Lactic acid menthyl ester can be stabilized by addition of alkali metal carbonate and/or bicarbonate and/or alkaline earth metal carbonate and/or bicarbonate.

Abstract: An optically active phenol useful in the preparation of liquid crystalline compounds which is represented by the formula (V): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 represents an alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen atoms; Z' represents ##STR2## wherein q represents a number of 1 to 5 and * indicates asymmetric carbon atom; l represents a number of 2; t represents a number of 1 to 5; s represents a number of 0 or 1.

Abstract: The protected cyclobutanone of the formula ##STR1## is treated with a dialkylaluminum chloride, an alkylaluminum dichloride, a trialkylaluminum compound, diphenylsilane in the presence of tris(triphenylphosphine) rhodium (I) chloride, or iridium tetrachloride to yield the corresponding diprotected cyclobutanol. This compound is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of antiviral agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optically active carboxylic acid or acid halide compounds of formula III: ##STR1## Wherein R.sub.2 represents an optically active alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen atoms; R' represents a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom; k is 0 or 1; and n represents an integer of 1 to 6.

Abstract: Antihypercholesterolemic activity is exhibited by compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein: X is hydrogen, alkali metal or ammonium;Y is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl; ##STR2## R is hydrogen, alkyl, ammonium, alkylammonium, or alkali metal (such as Na, Li, or K); andn is 1 or 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to dihalogenobenzene derivatives of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --Z.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --(Z.sup.2 --A.sup.3).sub.n --R.sup.2wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, A.sup.1, A.sup.2, A.sup.3, Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2 and n are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optically active phenols of formula (V) which are useful as precursors for esters used in liquid crystalline crystalline mixtures: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 represents an optically active alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen atoms; k represents a number of 0 or 1; n represents a number of 1 to 6.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid esters and formamide are efficiently obtained by reacting carboxylic acid amides and formic acid esters, or by reacting carboxylic acid amides, alcohols and carbon monoxide in the presence of a dehydrated condensate of carboxylic acid amide with an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide catalyst.

Abstract: Derivatives of ML-236B carboxylic acid, its salts and esters and corresponding lactone have a hydroxy group at the 3"-position and optionally also at the 6'-position. These derivatives may be prepared by the enzymatic hydroxylation of a corresponding ML-236B compound employing an enzyme produced by a microorganism of the genus Streptomyces or Amycolata, especially Streptomyces sp. SANK 62285, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62385, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62485, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62585, Amycolata autotrophica SANK 62781, Amycolata autotrophica subsp. canberrica SANK 62882 or Amycolata autotrophica subsp. amethystina SANK 62981. These derivatives have the ability to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract: A UCN-1028D derivative represented by the formula: ##STR1## has protein kinase C inhibitory activity and is expected to be used as an active ingredient in anti-tumor agents, etc.

Abstract: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors of formulae (I) and (II) are disclosed.

Abstract: A traction fluid comprising at least one compound selected from diesters or monoesters represented by general formulas ##STR1## wherein: A is an ester linkage ##STR2## n.sub.1 and n.sub.2 are independently integers having a value of from 0 to 5 inclusive;R.sub.1 is hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl; andR.sub.2 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl group.

Abstract: Seco-mevinic acid derivatives are provided which has the structure ##STR1## including all stereoisomers thereof, wherein Z is ##STR2## R is H, alkali metal or lower alkyl, R.sup.1 is H, lower alkyl, aryl, lower alkoxy, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl or heterocyclic; R.sup.2 is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl, and X is O or NR.sup.5 wherein R.sup.5 is H or lower alkyl, and are HMG CoA reductase inhibitors and thus are useful as antihypercholesterolemic agents and in treating atherosclerosis. New intermediates for preparing the above seco-mevinic acid derivatives are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) and (II): ##STR1## are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically active aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.2 represents an alkoxyalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, which alkyl group may be substituted with a halogen atom; represents a number of 1 or 2; m represents a number of 0 or 1; and * indicates asymmetric carbon atom) and a process for producing such derivatives through the following reaction steps: ##STR2## The optically active aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives represented by the above-described formula (I) are useful as a liquid crystal material and can be also utilized as an intermeidate for the preparation of pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and the like.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid esters, industrially important compounds, are obtained by reacting carboxylic acid amides and formic acid esters, or carboxylic acid amides, alcohols and carbon monoxide in the presence of metal alcoholate.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel optically active benzene derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, which group may contain a halogen; Z represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; l and n each represents a number of 0 or 1; and * indicates asymmetric carbon atom, anda process for preparing the above optically active benzene derivative which comprises debenzylating an optically active benzyl derivative represented by the formula (II): ##STR2## wherein, R, Z, l, n and * have the same meanings as defined above, and A represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxyl group or a halogen atom.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid esters, industrially important compounds, are efficiently obtained by reacting carboxylic acid amides with formic acid esters in the presence of an inorganic solid acid catalyst.

Abstract: Paramethyl-substituted hindered phenols are selectively oxidized by contacting with an oxidizing agent at elevated temperatures in the presence of a heterogeneous oxidative coupling catalyst. In the absence of an optional nucleophile the products comprise carbon-carbon oxidative coupling products. In the presence of a nucleophile, addition products result that may be further oxidized by continued exposure to the oxidizing agent to yield substituted p-hydroxybenzaldehydes.

Abstract: Cyclohexane derivatives of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group which has 1-12 C atoms and in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by O, --CO--O-- or --OCO--,A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 each independently of one another are trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted 1,4-phenylene, and one of the groups A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 can also be a single bond,X is --CN, halogen, OH, --COOR.sup.1, --OOCR.sup.1, --COR.sup.1, --OR.sup.1 or R.sup.1 andR.sup.1 is an alkyl group which has 1-12 C atoms and in which one or two CH.sub.2 groups can also be replaced by O, but excluding direct links between two O atoms,with the proviso that, in the case of X=CN, A.sup.2 is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or fluorine-substituted, 1,4-phenylene, are suitable as components of liquid-crystalline phases.

Abstract: Dispirotetradecanes of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently of each other alkyl containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms wherein one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may also be replaced by --O--, --CO--, --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --O--COO-- and/or --CH.dbd.CH-- (trans), one of the radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 also being H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO.sub.2, NCS,A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are each independently of each other trans-1,4-cyclohexylene wherein one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by --O-- and/or --S--, or 1,4-phenylene wherein one or more CH groups may also be replaced by N, with it also being possible optionally for A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 to be substituted laterally or axially by F, Cl, CN, CH.sub.3,Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are each independently of each other --C--O--, --O--CO--, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 -- or a single bond,m and n are each 0, 1 or 2,(m+n) 0, 1 or 2,X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.3 and X.sup.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 denote alkyl, OH, CF.sub.3 or cyanoethyl, A preferably denotes --COOH, R.sub.3 denotes inter alia alkoxycarbonylalkoxy, fairly high-molecular (>C.sub.12) alkoxy, alkylcarbonylalkoxy or nitrobenzyloxy, are valuable herbicides and growth regulators.

Abstract: Liquid crystal phases containing at least one optically active compound of the formula IR.sup.1 --X.sup.1 --CHR.sup.o (CH.sub.2).sub.p X.sup.2 --R.sup.2 Iwherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 independently of one another are each --CO--O-- or --O--CO--, one of X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 may also be --O--, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are each a group --(A.sup.1 --Z).sub.m --(A.sup.2).sub.n -Y, whereinA.sup.1 and A.sup.2 in each case independently of one another are a 1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, pyrazine-2,5-diyl, pyridine-2,5-diyl, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl or 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)-octylene group, it also being possible for this to be monosubstituted or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, CN and/or alkyl groups with up to 12 C atoms, and it being possible for 1 or 2 non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups in the alkyl groups to be replaced by O atoms,Z is --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O--, --CH.dbd.N--, --N.dbd.CH--, --N.dbd.N--, --N(O).

Abstract: Six-membered ring compounds of the formula I ##STR1## wherein A is a benzene or cyclohexane ring,X.sup.1 to X.sup.6 independently of one another in each case are H, --OR, --COOR, --SR, --SOR, --SO.sub.2 R or, if A is a cyclohexane ring, also --O--COR, andR is in each case an alkyl group which has up to 15 C atoms and in which one or two CH.sub.2 groups can be replaced by O atoms, at least three of the substituents X.sup.1 to X.sup.6 being other than H,can be used as constituents of discotic liquid-crystal phases for liquid-crystal display elements.

Abstract: Cyclohexane derivatives of formula IR.sup.1 --Cy--CH.sub.2 --Q--(Cy).sub.m --O--(CO).sub.n --CH.sub.2 --R.sup.2 IwhereR.sup.1 denotes alkyl with 1 to 12 C atoms in which also one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by --O--, --CO--, --O--CO--, --CO--O-- or --CH.dbd.CH--,R.sup.2 denotes H, alkyl with 1 to 12 C atoms in which also one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by --O--, --CO--, --O--CO-- or --CO--O--,Cy denotes trans-1,4-cyclohexyleneQ denotes --CH.sub.2 -- or --O--,m denotes 1 or 2, andn denotes 0 or 1,are suitable as components of liquid-crystalline phases.

Abstract: Bicyclooctane derivatives of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --R.sup.2 IwhereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are each an alkyl group which has 1-12 C atoms and in which it is also possible for one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by O atoms and/or CO groups and/or --O13 CO groups and/or --CO--O groups and/or --CH.dbd.CH-- groups, one of the radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 being also --A.sup.3 --R.sup.3,A.sup.1 is a 1,4-cyclohexylene group which is unsubstituted or substituted in the 1-position and/or 2-position and/or 3-position and/or 4-position by alkyl which has in each case 1-5 C atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted or fluorinated, and in which it is also possible for one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by one or two different groupings from the group --O--, --CO--, --CH.dbd.CH--, --S--, --SO-- or --SO.sub.2 --, or is substituted by F, Cl, Br, CN and/or CHO,A.sup.2 is a 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2] octylene group,--A.sup.3 --R.sup.3 is --Cy--R.sup.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 denote alkyl, CF.sub.3, benzyl cyclohexyl, cyanoethyl, phenyl or OH and A denotes, inter alia, the groups --CO--, CHOH or CH--NH.sub.2 and --COR.sub.3 denotes a carboxyl, carboxylic ester or carboxamido group, are active herbicides.

Abstract: A process is proposed for the isolation and purification of antibiotics wherein an antibiotic containing solution is extracted with an extraction agent at a temperature of from 0.degree. to 40.degree. C. and at a pressure which lies between the critical pressure and the ten-fold value of the critical pressure of the extraction agent, with the weight ratio of antibiotic containing solution to the extraction agent being 1:5 to 1:20, wherein the antibiotics are precipitated from the antibiotic containing extraction agent by reducing its density and wherein the extraction agent is recirculated. An entrainer may be added to the extraction agent. The reduction in density of the antibiotic containing extraction agent may be effected by expansion to a pressure of from 30 to 70 bar.

Abstract: Sulfonyl or carbonyl derivatives of inositols are found to be effective phospholipase C inhibitors and thereby potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. These inositol derivatives are prepared by condensation of a protected inositol with a substituted sulfonic or carboxylic acid derivative followed by removal of protecting groups.

Abstract: A process for making polyether/polyester glycols and the products formed thereby. Polyether/polyester glycols having a molecular weight of about 200 to 2,200 are formed by heating any of various glycols at about 150.degree. to 250.degree. C. under carbon monoxide pressure in the presence of a halide promoter. Preferably, iodide or bromide and a transition metal-containing catalyst are used to produce polyether/polyester glycols having a molecular weight in the range of 900 to 1,200.

Abstract: Polyester polyols which are the reaction products of bishydroxymethyl tricyclo-decanes/decenes and a caprolactone in various ratios are disclosed. The polyester polyols are useful in forming polyurethane elastomers, foams, coatings and adhesives.

Abstract: Mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-esters derived from an acid of the general formula:R--OHin which R represents an acyl radical of the general formula: ##STR1## in which n represents 0 or 1, m represents 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each represent a straight- or branched-chain alkyl radical having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 represents hydrogen or a straight- or branched-chain alkyl radical having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, the sum of the carbon atoms in R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 being from 4 to 10 when R.sub.3 represents hydrogen and the sum of the carbon atoms in R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 being from 6 to 15 when R.sub.3 is different from hydrogen, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 when they are taken together represent a tetramethylene, pentamethylene or hexamethylene radical and R.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of telluroxides as mild and selective oxidizing agents serving to oxidize certain functions, notably >C.dbd.S groups, in the presence of other relatively easily oxidized functions which remain unaffected; telluroxides of interest as oxidizing agents include, for example, compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1, which may be the same or different, each represent an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclic group; or R and R.sup.1 together with the tellurium atom therebetween represent a heterocyclic ring, which may contain one or more further heteroatoms, and which may carry substituents and/or fused aromatic rings.

Abstract: Soft quaternary surface active agents having the formula: ##STR1## wherein ##STR2## represents a tertiary open chain or cyclic aliphatic amine; wherein ##STR3## represents an unsaturated amine; wherein R represents a member selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 open chain or cyclo alkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkoxyalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 acyloxyalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 haloalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 carboxyalkyl group, an aryl group, and a substituted aryl group, whose substituents are selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom, an O--C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, an O--C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 acyl group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, and a carboethoxy group; wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.9 -C.sub.22 straight or branched alkyl group, a --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- ##STR4## wherein R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are each selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, a C.sub.0 -C.sub.

Abstract: Novel, transient prodrug forms of dopa and dopamine have (i) the structural formula (I): ##STR1## wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, R.sup.3 -CO- and ##STR2## wherein X is O, S or NR.sup.6 ; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or --COOR.sup.8 ; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or OR; R.sup.

Abstract: The process for the manufacture of but-2-en-1-ol compounds by isomerizing but-3-en-1-ol compounds in the presence of a palladium catalyst and of hydrogen is improved by modifying the palladium catalyst with selenium or tellurium.The but-2-en-1-ols manufactured according to the invention are either solvents or valuable starting materials for the manufacture of solvents, dyes, surface coatings, paints and pesticides.

Abstract: Zwitterionic surfactant compounds are made readily biodegradable in the environment by the inclusion of a biochemically and/or hydrolytically labile chemical linkage located between the cationic and anionic charge centers of the compounds and anywhere from the second to the tenth atom distant from the cationic charge center. The biodegradable linkage is preferably an ester or amide. The alkoxylated zwitterionic surfactants herein exhibit outstanding particulate soil removal performance and are also effective in removing oily soils from fabrics, in addition to being readily biodegradable. Also described are detergent compositions containing the zwitterionic surfactants, and, optionally containing cosurfactants and detergent builders.

Abstract: Prostan-1-ol esters and intermediates for their preparation are described; the former compounds exhibit improved organ specificity and a longer duration of activity at lower dosages than the corresponding non-esterified prostaglandins and are useful, inter alia, in triggering abortion, inducing labor and regulating the menstrual cycle.

Abstract: This invention consists of a process for preparing bifunctional aliphatic organic compounds of at least 6 carbon atoms, wherein a cycloaliphatic oxyhydroperoxide is reacted with an alpha-olefine having its double bond activated by a conjugate electron-attracting group, in the presence of a bivalent Cr salt, a bivalent V salt or a trivalent Ti salt.

Abstract: A process for producing trimethyl oxo or hydroxy substituted cycopentenone food coloring agents including intermediates in this process.

Abstract: Isovaleric acid ester derivatives, process for producing thereof, and insecticides containing said derivatives of the general formula I: ##STR1## wherein A represents O, NH, or CH.sub.2,R.sub.1 represents, if A is O or NH, an alkyl, an alkenyl, a haloalkyl and a haloalkenyl radical with 2-6 carbon atoms, and a radical selected from those of the general formulae II, III, IV and V: ##STR2## in which n is an integer of 1-3, R.sub.3 represents hydrogen, methyl group or chlorine atom; andif A is CH.sub.2, R.sub.1 represents an alkyl, an alkenyl, a haloalkyl and a haloalkenyl radical with 1-5 carbon atoms, whileR.sub.1 --A represents a naphthyl group bonding to the main chain at the .beta.-position, andR.sub.2 represents hydrogen or a cyano group.

Abstract: There are described new squaric acid esters, particularly mono-ortho esters, di-ortho esters, ortho ester anhydrides and ortho ester halides of squaric acid; a new process for producing these squaric acid esters; and a process for converting the squaric acid esters into squaric acid. It is possible by the new process to produce, with the use of readily obtainable starting products, the new squaric acid esters according to the invention in an economical manner and with good to very good yields; and the squaric acid esters can be converted under mild reaction conditions into squaric acid.

Abstract: Compounds are provided having the structure ##STR1## wherein n is 1, 2 or 3, m is 0, 1 or 2, R.sub.1 R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may be the same or different and can be hydrogen, lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, acyl, lower alkoxy-carbonyl ##STR2## amido ##STR3## or lower alkoxylakylene, X is a straight or branched bivalent aliphatic radical and Y is ##STR4## These compounds are useful in the treatment of hypertension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for producing the threo- and erythro-isomers of 1-phenyl-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol through the aldol-type alkaline condensation of benzaldehyde and nitroethanol, wherein the reaction mixture is acidified and, if desired, the isomers are separated from the obtained isomer mixture and the obtained isomers are transformed into each other through epimerization, characterized in that the condensation and, if desired, also the epimerization are carried out in the presence of catalytical amounts of an alkaline hydroxide.The process according to the invention makes it possible to produce 1-phenyl-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, an intermediate of the antibiotic chloramphenicol, in high yields, and in an extremely advantageous way which can be carried out simply and economically even on an industrial scale.

Abstract: Prostan-1-ol esters and intermediates for their preparation are described; the former compounds exhibit improved organ specificity and a longer duration of activity at lower dosages than the corresponding non-esterified prostaglandins and are useful, inter alia, in triggering abortion, inducing labor and regulating the menstrual cycle.

Abstract: A new series of substituted esters of 3-hydroxyindone compounds have been found to have exceptional miticidal and herbicidal activity.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein --OR.sub.1, --OR.sub.2, --OR.sub.3 and --OR.sub.4, which may be the same or different, each represents a free or esterified hydroxyl group and --COOR.sub.5 represents a free or esterified carboxyl group, are provided together with processes for their production and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. Compounds of formula II and III possess valuable cicatrizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Abstract: 3.alpha.-Hydroxy and 3.alpha.-acyloxy- .DELTA..sup.9(11) -5.alpha.-D-homo-20-ketopregnenes of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or acyl, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl and R.sub.2 is methyl or ethyl, are produced by esterifying a corresponding 3.beta.-hydroxy-5.alpha.-20-keto pregnane of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have the values given above, with m-iodo-benzoic acid with inversion of the 3.beta.-oxy group to a 3.alpha.-oxy group; chlorinating the thus-produced 3.alpha.-m-iodobenzoyl ester with dichloroiodobenzene under irradiation; and treating the reaction product with a dehydrohalogenating silver salt. Optionally thereafter, the 3.alpha.-iodobenzoyl group is split off in a conventional manner to produce the corresponding 3.alpha.-hydroxy steroid and optionally the thus-produced 3.alpha.-hydroxy steroid is esterified to produce a desired 3-ester thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing the antibiotic pleuromutilin by cultivating strains of Clitopilus passeckerianus (Pil.) Sing in an aqueous nutrient medium. The production of esters of pleuromutilin and hydrogenation products thereof are also described. The pleuromutilin and derivatives thereof are useful as an antibacterial ingredient in animal feed compositions.The disclosure also describes derivatives of pleuromutilin which are useful in veterinary medicine. These derivatives include esters obtained by reacting pleuromutilin or its hydrogenation products with reactive compounds such as acid halides, acid anhydrides, esters and the like, of isocyanic acid, aliphatic monocarboxylic acids or dicarboxylic acids containing at least 3 carbon atoms or sulfonic acids.