Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a solid basic catalyst comprising a hydrotalcite structure wherein part at least of the compensating anions are fluoride anions F? for producing Knoevenagel of Michael condensation reactions. The invention also concerns novel solid basic catalysts comprising a hydrotalcite structure characterized by a Mg/Al molar ratio ranging between 2.5 and 3.8 wherein at least part of the compensating anions are fluoride anions F?, and methods for preparing said novel catalysts.

Abstract: Demethylation of 3?, 4?-dimethoxy or 3?, 4?, 5?-trimethoxy benzoic ester of a phenol is carried out in the presence of an excess of aluminum halide in an organic solvent to get 4?-Hydroxy, 3?-methoxy or 4? hydroxy, 3?, 5?-dimethoxy benzoic acid ester of a phenol. The reaction is also applicable to 3?, 4?, 5?-trimethoxy diaryl ketone and some natural products like reserpine.

Abstract: A series of aryl piperazine compounds are effective pharmaceuticals for the treatment of conditions related to or affected by the serotonin 1A receptor; the compounds are particularly effective antagonists at that receptor, and are particularly useful for alleviating the symptoms of nicotine and tobacco withdrawal.

Abstract: The invention relates to benzophenones of formula (I), in which the substituents have the following meanings: X represents halogen; R1 represents hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halo-C1-C2 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, oxyhalomethyl or nitro, and; R2 represents hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, benzyl, cyclohexylmethyl or C3-C6 alkenyl.

Abstract: The present invention provides transition-metal-catalyst-based methods for the arylation and vinylation of activated methyl, methylene, and methine carbons with aryl halides, vinyl halides, and the like. The methods of the invention provide several improvements over existing methods, including the ability to synthesize efficiently and under mild conditions ?-aryl and ?-vinyl products from a wide range of starting materials, including ketones, esters, hydrazones, and imines. Furthermore, the methods of the invention may be used in an asymmetric sense, i.e. to produce enantiomerically-enriched chiral ?-aryl and ?-vinyl products.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for preparing a compound of Formula I that is achiral, racemic or enantiomerically enriched at the hydroxylation center indicated by comprising contacting a compound of Formula II with an oxidant selected from oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, peracids or alkyl hydroperoxides in the presence of a zirconium complex, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the disclosure. This invention also pertains to zirconium complexes useful in this procedure comprising zirconium and a ligand of Formula III or its enantiomer wherein J, R6 and n are as defined in the disclosure. This invention further pertains to a compound of Formula III or its enantiomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorinated benzaldehydes, to a process for preparing them and also to the use of the fluorinated benzaldehydes for preparing active ingredients, especially in medicaments and agrochemicals.

Abstract: A series of aryl piperazine compounds are effective pharmaceuticals for the treatment of conditions related to or affected by the serotonin 1A receptor; the compounds are particularly effective antagonists at that receptor, and are particularly useful for alleviating the symptoms of nicotine and tobacco withdrawal.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone useful for making substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines is described by reacting an aldehyde with pyrrolidine and then adding a ketone followed by trifluoroacetic acid at low temperature. The synthesis is used in a process for making substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines wherein a vinylogous amide is prepared by reacting a 1,3-cyclohexanedione with a phenylethylamine. The &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone can be reacted with a vinylogous amide to form a 1,5-diketone which can be converted to a substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine.

Abstract: Nonmetallic, chiral organic catalysts are used to catalyze an enantioselective aldol coupling reaction between aldehyde substrates. The reaction may be carried out with a single enolizable aldehyde, resulting in dimerization to give a &bgr;-hydroxy aldehyde, or trimerization to give a dihydroxy tetrahydropyran. The reaction may also conducted with an enolizable aldehyde and a second aldehyde, which may or may not be enolizable, so that the coupling is a cross-aldol reaction in which the &agr;-carbon of the enolizable aldehyde adds to the carbonyl carbon of the second aldehyde in an enantioselective fashion. Reaction systems composed of at least one enolizable aldehyde, an optional additional aldehyde, and the nonmetallic chiral organic catalyst are also provided, as are methods of implementing the enantioselective aldol reaction in the synthesis of sugars.

Abstract: Nonmetallic, chiral organic catalysts are used to catalyze the 1,4-addition of an aromatic nucleophile to an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated aldehyde. The aromatic nucleophile may be an N,N-disubstituted aniline compound, or an analog thereof. The reaction is efficient and enantioselective, and proceeds with a variety of substituted and unsubstituted aromatic nucleophiles and aldehydes. The invention also provides a method for the deamination of aromatic N,N-disubstituted amines such as those resulting from the 1,4-addition of an aromatic nucleophile to an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated aldehyde.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation process for derivatives by catalytic dehydrogenation of dibenzosuberone derivatives.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I), wherein &agr;X is ═O, ═N—OR6, &bgr;NHR or &bgr;OH wherein R6 is H or C1-C6 alkyl, bond a is oriented &ggr; or &dgr; and R is H, C1-C6 alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C6-C10 aryl, or C3-C6 cycloalkyl; &egr; is a bond when &zgr; and &eegr; are not bonds or, when X is ═O, &zgr; and &eegr; are both bonds and &egr; is not a bond; R1 and R2, which are the same or different, are H or a halogen; R3 and R4, which are the same or different, are H, C1-C6 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, a heterocyclic group or an aromatic group; bond e is oriented &ggr; or &dgr;; and R5 is C1-C6 alkyl; or formula (Ib), or formula (II), or formula (III), has activity as a cytokine production inhibitor and an inhibitor and an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase.

Abstract: a process for the preparation of indanones of the formula II from, indanones of the formula I or of indanones of the formula IIa from indanones of the formula Ia comprises reacting an indanone of the formula I or Ia with a coupling component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition, a method of making and a method of using critical clusters for asymmetric synthesis using substantially optically-pure chiral solvent molecules in a supercritical fluid. The solvent molecules are capable of forming a multipoint hydrogen bonded solvate as they encage at least one solute molecule. The encaged solute molecule is capable of reacting to form an optically active chiral center. In another aspect, there is disclosed a method of directing the position of bonding between a solute molecule and a ligand involving encaging the solute molecule and the ligand with polar solvent molecules in a supercritical fluid under conditions of temperature and pressure sufficient to change electric charge distribution in the solute molecule.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing aromatic aldehydes, including benzaldehyde and metatolualdehyde. Raw materials and a source of oxygen are fed into a tube reactor. The raw materials may be in a liquid or vapor phase. The reaction to form the aldehyde is catalyzed by suitable solid or liquid catalysts, including copper containing catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of organic synthesis and more specifically to a process for the preparation of Michael-adducts, as defined below, by reacting a &bgr;,&bgr;- or a &agr;,&bgr;-disubstituted, or a &agr;,&bgr;,&bgr;-trisubstituted, &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone (I) with a &bgr;-ketoester or a &bgr;-diketone (II) in presence of a suitable catalyst of formula M(X)n, according to scheme 1: 1

Abstract: An inexpensive method for producing trimethylhydroquinone free from the problem of the disposal of waste catalyst, which method comprises the steps of: (1) reacting isophorone in the presence of an acid catalyst and recovering &bgr;-isophorone by distiiulation, (2) oxidizing the &bgr;-isophorone in the presence of amorphous carbon and a base to obtain 4-oxoisophorone, (3) reacting the 4-oxoisophorone with an acid anhydride in a liquid phase or with a carboxylic acid in a vapor phase in the presence of a solid acid catalyst to obtain trimethylhydroquinones, and (4) hydrolyzing the trimethylhydroquinones to obtaining trimethylhydroquinone.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of the formula (I) in which R is phenyl, C1-4alkyl-, C1-4alkoxy- or halogen-substituted phenyl, naphthyl or an aromatic ring containing heteroatoms; X is O or S; R1 and R2 are each a methyl radical or R1 and R2 together are a C4-8alkylene radical; Y is hydroxyl, C1-12alkoxy, C1-4alkylamino, di-C1-4alkylamino or a piperidine or morpholine ring that is attached by its nitrogen atom; to a process for preparing them and to their use as photoinitiators and/or photosensitizers.

Abstract: A process for preparing aldols by catalytic reaction of aldehydes and/or ketones comprises conducting said reaction in the channels of a microstructured reaction system.

Abstract: Compounds are used as catalysts according to general formula (1) M+x(C(SO2CF3)3)x, whereby x is equal to 1 or 2; M represents one hydrogen or alkaline metal atom when x equals 1; and M represents one alkaline-earth metal atom when x equals 2. The invention also relates to a novel Mg compound of formula (1).

Abstract: &agr;,&bgr;-Unsaturated keto compounds are prepared by base-catalyzed aldol condensation of aldehydes and/or ketones having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, comprising: reacting the aldehydes and/or ketones with an aqueous catalyst solution under adiabatic reaction conditions; and separating the reaction mixture obtained by rapid distillation into a top product comprising water, aldehyde and/or ketone and a bottom product comprising &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated keto compounds and aqueous catalyst phase.

Abstract: A procedure for oxidizing organic compounds having allylic hydrogen atom(s) involving the steps of reactively contacting the organic compound with a combination of an N-hydroxy dicarboxylic acid imide and a chromium-containing oxidant. The reaction can conveniently be conducted under ambient temperature and pressure conditions, and is conveniently conducted in a co-solvent system of water and organic solvent(s).

Abstract: Process for the oxidation of substrates containing methyl, methylene or methine groups by cooxidation with an aldehyde as cosubstrate in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of an imide compound and a metal cocatalyst.

Abstract: A method for preparing ketones has advantages of improving yields and reducing the time of the reactions due to high efficiency of catalysts. Ketones are prepared by reacting an aliphatic or an aromatic aldehyde with a vinyl olefin having an aliphatic or aromatic alkyl moiety in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, 2-aminopyridine catalyst, a primary amine and an acid, as catalysts and additives.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for preparing 3-hydroxymethylcyclopentanone compounds, which are useful as intermediates in the preparation of HIV chemokine CCR-5 receptor antagonists. A process is described in which the compounds are prepared by opening the cyclopropyl ring of a (1-alkoxycarbonyl-2-oxo)-trans-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane compound by addition of a nucleophile to the cyclopropyl ring, and then decarboxylating the resulting 2-alkoxycarbonyl-3-(Nu-methyl)-cyclopentanone (Nu=the added nucleophilic group) via base solvolysis. Also described is a process for preparing the bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane precursors by the catalyzed cyclopropanation of a suitable alpha-diazo-beta-ketoester. The preparation of the alpha-diazo-beta-ketoesters and precursors thereto are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing 3,5, 5-trimethylcyclohex -2-ene-1,4-dione (oxoisophorone; OIP) by oxidation of 3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-one (&bgr;-isophorone, &bgr;-IP) with molecular oxygen in the presence of a solvent, of a base and of a manganese salen derivative as catalyst.

Abstract: An ortho-alkylation method of an aromatic ketone. In the method, as starting materials, the aromatic ketone is reacted with aliphatic or aromatic alkyl moiety-containing olefins in the presence of a primary amine and a transition metal catalyst as reaction catalysts, or ketimines resulting from a reaction of aromatic ketones with a primary amine are reacted with aliphatic or aromatic alkyl moiety-containing olefins in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, thereby introducing the alkyl moiety to the ortho-position of the aromatic ketone.

Abstract: A process for selectively debrominating polybromoalkyl aryl ketones and polybromoalkyl heteroaryl ketones is disclosed. The process comprises contacting an alpha-polybrominated ketone with an alkali metal sulfite in the presence of a C2-C6 alkylcarboxylic acid to obtain a selectively mono-debrominated product.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of the formula I where R1 and R2 are hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl and R3 is C1-C10-alkyl, phenyl or C1-C4-alkyl-substituted phenyl, comprises reacting a compound II with a compound of the formula III where X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst in one step to give a compound I.

Abstract: A reaction for eliminating a functional group alpha to a carbonyl group. The reaction can be used to dehydrate a compound having an alcohol group alpha to a carbonyl group by reacting the compound in a non-aqueous non-polar solvent in the presence of an effective amount of a transition metal salt, such as zinc chloride, such that the alcohol group is dehydrated. This Nohr-MacDonald Elimination Reaction produces a light stable compound, which can be added to compositions for light stabilization of a colorant. The modified compound may be combined with a wave-length selective sensitizer.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I, ##STR1## and the physiologically tolerable salts thereof, wherein the substituents R.sub.1 -R.sub.4 have the meanings given in the specifications and show an activity against inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing an alpha-arylated or vinylated carbonyl-containing compounds, comprising reacting a compound having a carbonyl group with an arylating or vinylating compound in the presence of a base and a transition metal catalyst. The transition metal catalyst has the formula X.sub.n M(ER.sub.1-4).sub.m, wherein X is an optional ligand, M is a group 8 transition metal, E is an element bearing a nonbonding electron pair when E is not bonded to the metal, and R is a substituent bonded to E through a carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atom, with the proviso that R.sub.3 cannot contain 3 aryl groups, n is an integer from 0 to 4, and m is an integer from 1-4. The process of the invention is useful for preparation of alpha-arylated or vinylated carbonyl-containing compounds which are significant in the development of pharmacologically active compounds and polymers and oligomers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing alpha-arylated carbonyl-containing compounds, comprising the steps of reacting a compound having at least one carbonyl group with an arylating compound in the presence of a base and a transition metal catalyst under reaction conditions effective to form an alpha-arylated carbonyl-containing compound, the transition metal catalyst comprising a Group 8 metal and at least one chelating ligand selected from the group consisting of unsaturated Group 15 heterocycles, Group 15-substituted metallocenes, Group 15-substituted alkanes, Group 15-substituted arylenes, and combinations thereof. The process of the present invention simplifies the preparation of commercially significant organic alpha-aryl carbonyl-containing compounds, particularly for use in the pharmaceutical and polymer industries.

Abstract: Preparation process for .alpha.,.beta.-dicarbonylated compounds of formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.2 =alkyl, phenyl or benzyl being able to be substituted in various ways on the cycle, or carboxylic ester, and R.sub.3 =alkyl or alkoxy or carboxylic ester in which a compound of formula (II) ##STR2## in which R.sub.1 =alkyl, or alkyl .alpha.-ketocarboxylate or carboxylic ester, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 have the same meanings as previously is reacted in a nitrile type solvent, with molecular oxygen in the presence of copper.sup.II nitrate or ferric chloride as catalyst, and use for obtaining ethyl .alpha.-ketobutyrate, ethyl phenyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, ethyl phenylglyoxylate, butane-2,3-dione or diethyl mesoxalate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the known compound 2,6-dichloro-3-fluoro-benzonitrile as active compound in selectively-herbicidal compositions, and to new preparation processes and new intermediates for the preparation of this compound.

Abstract: Arylidene-substituted alkylcycloalkanones are prepared from alkyl-substituted cycloalkanones by reaction with aromatic carbonyl compounds in the presence of a basic catalyst and water.

Abstract: A method for preparing anthraquinones, by which 1,4-benzoquinone or 1,4-naphthoquinone and 1,3-butadienes are subjected to a ?2+4! Diels-Alder reaction and subsequently to oxidative dehydrogenation by using dimethylsulfoxide as a dehydrogenating agent in a single pot in the presence of a Lewis acid or Broensted acid shows high selectivity and yield.

Abstract: A process for preparing .alpha.-chloroalkyl aryl ketones of the formula I ##STR1## where n is 1 to 5,R.sub.1 independently of one another are H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, acyloxy, acylamino, halogen or nitro,R.sub.2,3 independently of one another are H, alkyl or aryl,by chlorination of alkyl aryl ketones of the formula II ##STR2## with sulfuryl chloride is described, the chlorination being carried out in the presence of an aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: Benzocyclobutene-terminated monomers of the formula ##STR1## wherein Ar is --SO.sub.2 --, --CO--, or ##STR2## are prepared by reacting a benzocyclobutene of the formula ##STR3## wherein R is --H or --SiMe.sub.3, with a difluorophenyl compound of the formula ##STR4## wherein Ar is as described previously, in the presence of a promoter. A mixture of the resins is obtained when potassium carbonate is employed as the promoter. The bis(benzocyclobutene)-terminated monomer is obtained when cesium fluoride is employed as the promoter.

Abstract: The present invention provides special epoxy derivative (1), cyclohexanone derivative (2), cyclohexenone derivative (3) and 3-substituted cyclohexenone derivative (4) which are useful as intermediates for synthesizing physiologically active materials, and a method for stereoselectively introducing substituted groups. Further, the present invention provides a method for synthesizing optically active compounds, such as optically active carvone via these intermediates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for preparing cyclic ketones, such as indanones, which comprises the steps of (a) subjecting a substituted ketone to suitable methylenation conditions in the presence of a methylene transfer agent and an acylating agent for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to form the corresponding alpha, beta unsaturated ketone, and (b) subjecting said unsaturated ketone to suitable cyclization conditions in the presence of a suitable acid or base for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to form said cyclic ketones.

Abstract: Certain new phenone derivatives of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 =CH.sub.3,R.sup.2 =H, Cl, Br, I, methyl, hydroxy, methoxy, propoxy, propoxy or ethoxy;R.sup.3 =H or .beta.-D-glykosyl;R.sup.4 =H, Cl, Br, I, methyl, hydroxy, methoxy, propoxy, iso-propoxy or ethoxy;R.sup.5 =H or hydroxy,and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, ethers and esters thereof, with the exception of the compounds 4-hydroxyacetophenone, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-acetophenone, 4-glucopyranosyloxy-acetophenone, 4-glucopyranosyloxy-3-methoxyacetophenone, 4-galactopyranosyloxy-3-methoxy-acetophenone, 4-glucopyranosyloxy-3,5-dimethoxy-acetophenone and galactopyranosyloxy-3,5-dimethoxy-acetophenone and a method for manufacturing them and pharmaceutical preparations containing them. The invention also concerns pharmaceutical preparations containing at least one compound of the formula (II) ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 denotes H, OH, alkoxy or C.sub.1-8 alkyl;R.sup.2 denotes H or C.sub.1-4 alkoxy;R.sup.3 denotes OH or a .beta.

Abstract: The invention describes N-fluorosulfonimides which are useful as fluorinating agents. The N-fluorosulfonimides are stable, easily synthesized, and allow the introduction of fluorine into organic compounds under mild conditions.

Abstract: Arylketoamines are prepared by reacting arylisonitrosoalkanones with hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal catalyst and a liquid carboxylic acid at a temperature of less than about 600.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides special epoxy derivative (1), cyclohexanone derivative (2), cyclohexenone derivative (3) and 3-substituted cyclohexenone derivative (4) which are useful as intermediates for synthesizing physiologically active materials, and a method for stereoselectively introducing substituted groups. Further, the present invention provides a method for synthesizing optically active compounds, such as optically active carvone via these intermediates.

Abstract: A method of preparing manganous enolates by the treatment of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal enolates with manganous compounds in a solvent for the Mn enolate to be prepared.

Abstract: A process for isolating and purifying oxadimethacrylics of the general formula ICH.sub.2 .dbd.C(A)CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 C(B).dbd.CH.sub.2 Iwhere A and B are selected from the group consisting of --COOR.sup.1, --COR.sup.1, --CONR.sup.2 R.sup.3 and --CN and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each defined as follows:R.sup.1 is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, N-alkylaminoalkyl, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or arylalkyl,R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or substituted cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or arylalkyl,comprises precipitating or crystallizing them from their solutions that contain at least one liquid hydrocarbon compound.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of 3-pheny-2-propenones of the formula ##STR1## which process comprises reacting phenylmethanesulphonyl fluorides of the formula ##STR2## with ketones of the formula ##STR3## in which A, R, Z and M have the meanings given in the specification,in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst and in the presence of acid binders and inert solvents.The products are known intermediates for the preparation of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A novel synthesis of aromatic tertiary amines involves reacting an aromatic anil and an aromatic ether in a molar ratio of 1:1; adjusting the ratio to 2:1 produces novel enamines and by employing a two step process for enamine production, various unsymmetrically substituted enamines can be obtained which are readily hydrolyzed to corresponding deoxybenzoins which in turn are readily oxidized to benzils, the aromatic tertiary amines may be used to produce charge transport layers in xerography, while the benzils may be used to produce a variety of desired polymers.