Abstract: For the preparation of an 11-oxaprostaglandin such as [2R,(1E,3R),3S,(4Z),4R)]-7-{tetrahydro-2-[4-(3-chlorophenoxy)-3-hydroxy-1-butenyl]-4-hydroxy-3-furanyl}-4-heptenoic acid and its ester derivatives, a novel process uses a novel enantiomerically enriched compound for formula (1) wherein the bond between carbon atoms y and z is either a single or double bond; R1 is selected from vinyl, trialkylsilylethynyl, a formyl group protected as an acetal, or a protected hydroxymethyl group; R2 is C1-5 alkyl, optionally substituted at the terminus with an aryloxy or alkoxy group; and R3-R6 are independently selected from C1-6 alkyl and C6-10 aryl

Abstract: A supported catalyst comprises a cationic rhodium(I) complex of the formula wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different hydrocarbon groups of up to 30 C atoms, or R1 and R2 are linked to form a ring, and a heterogeneous support medium that provides anionic binding sites. Such a complex is particularly useful as a catalyst in a process of hydrogenating an aldehyde to produce the corresponding primary alcohol.

Abstract: Chiral di-phosphonites and phosphhours diamides based on the ps-ortho disubstituted p-cyclophane skeleton are good ligands for transition metals, notably rhodium, iridium and ruthenium. Preferably, the transition metals are linked to the ligands by a diene compound chosen from 2,5-Norbornadiene (NBD) and 1,5-Cyclooctadiene (COD).

Abstract: The present invention concerns the preparation of a cyclic phosphine from the corresponding primary phosphine and a bifunctional alkylating agent, wherein alkylation, and displacement of each functional group, occurs in the presence of a strong base, is modified by adding the strong base, in an amount sufficient for cyclisation, to a preformed mixture or reaction product of the primary phosphine and the alkylating agent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an enantiomerically enriched chiral amine of formula (10), or the opposite enantiomer thereof, from an inline of formula (11) wherein (i) R1 is aryl, R2 is alkyl and R3 is aryl or aryl-CH2—, or (iii) R2 is linked with R1 and/or R3 to form one or more rings and R3 or R1 (if not in a ring) is H or a non-interfering organic group, the number of C atoms in each of R1, R2 and R3 being up to 30, comprises asymmetric hydrogenation of the imine in the presence of a base and, as catalyst, a ruthenium complex of a chiral diphosphine and a chiral diamine.

Abstract: A novel phosphine ligand is an enantiomerically enriched compound of formula 5 or the opposite enantiomer thereof, wherein Ar1 and Ar2 represent the same or different aromatic groups of up to 20 C atoms. A transition metal complex of this ligand is useful as a catalyst in stereoselective hydrogenation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel complexes, suitable in particular for use as catalysts in the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones, of formula 1 or a diastereoisomer thereof, wherein each Ar is an aromatic or heteroaromatic group of up to 20 atoms; X is halide or carboxylate; and R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen, aryl or alkyl, optionally linked or part of a ring.

Abstract: An enantiomerically enriched compound of formula 1, wherein Ar is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from haloalkyl, alkyl and halide. This compound can be isolated in crystalline form, and used in the preparation of (+)-16 [3-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-17,18,19,20-tetranor PGF2&agr; isopropyl ester.

Abstract: A propargylic alcohol, enriched in the (R)-enantiomer, has the formula wherein R is C1-4 alkoxy, halogen, or C1-4 alkyl optionally substituted by OH or halogen. This is prepared by the steps of: (a) enantioselective (R)-esterification of the racemic alcohol using any acyl donor and a first enzyme; (b) removal of the untreated (S)-alcohol; and (c) enantioselective hydrolysis of the (R)-ester, using a second enzyme.

Abstract: A cycloalkanol is prepared by cycloaddition between a diene and a vinyl ester, wherein the ester is derived from a carboxylic acid of sufficient molecular weight to enable the reaction to be carried out at atmospheric pressure while above 150.degree. C., and the corresponding reaction between the diene and vinyl acetate generates a pressure above 4 atmospheres.

Abstract: A process for racemising an optically-enriched chiral amine of the formula: R.sup.1 --CH(NR.sup.3 R.sup.4)--R.sup.2, wherein R.sup.1 is aromatic or unsaturated alkyl; R.sup.2 is aromatic or alkyl; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl and aryl; and wherein any combination(s) of two of the R groups may form a ring; comprises treatment of the optically-enriched amine with a metal hydroxide in an aprotic polar solvent.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to phosphine ligands that are useful for asymmetric reactions, especially as chiral ligands for catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation.

Abstract: An organism of the genus Ophiostoma or Ceratocystis, or a material having enzymatic activity derived therefrom, is used as a stereo-specific agent, in a biotransformation reaction, for the production of an enantiomeric acid or alcohol from a mixture of enantiomers of an ester thereof.

Abstract: A process is described for obtaining a single enantiomer from a racemic mixture of the bicyclic lactam 2-azabicyclo?2.2. 1! hept-5-en-one by seeding a supersaturated solution of the lactam and a solvent with a single enantiomer of the lactam.