Abstract: Described is a process for the preparation of compositions of matter containing unsaturated lactones defined according to the generic structure: ##STR1## wherein R represents C.sub.6 alkyl or alkenyl; and X represents C.sub.2, C.sub.4 or C.sub.6 alkylene or alkenylene; with the provisos that R is C.sub.6 alkyl when X is alkenylene and R is C.sub.6 alkenyl when X is alkylene by means of the sequential steps of (i) fermentation of castor oil or ricinoleic acid using a microorganism selected from the group consisting of:Candida petrophilum, ATCC 20226;Candida oleophila, ATCC 20177;Candida sp., ATCC 20504; andCandida sake, ATCC 28137whereby gamma hydroxydecanoic acid and a mixture of other acids defined according to the generic structure: ##STR2## is formed wherein Y represents an oxo-saturated, oxo-unsaturated or di-unsaturated C.sub.9, C.sub.11 or C.sub.

Abstract: There are provided cycloalkyl piperidine compounds which are useful in the treatment of physiological or drug-induced psychosis or dyskinesia in a mammal. These novel compounds are selective sigma receptor antagonists and have a low potential for movement disorder side effects associated with typical antipsychotic agents.

Abstract: Present invention relates to the production of propylene oxide by reaction of propylene with a C.sub.4 or higher hydroperoxide wherein at least a portion of the propylene is derived from the hydroperoxide moiety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing spiro-isoquinoline pyrrolidines. The compounds have pharmaceutical properties which render them beneficial for the prevention or treatment of diabetes mellitus associated complications.

Abstract: Ammonium salt of methyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxobutanethioate (TMTFAA).

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the preparation of 2-[4-(3-oxo- cyclohexyl)phenyl] propionic acid and of its derivatives. This preparation consists in transforming 4-(3,3-ethylenedioxo- cyclohexyl) acetophenone or its derivatives of the general formula: ##STR1##in which A.sup.1 represents a group ##STR2##and B represents a group ##STR3##and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, which can be identical or different, represent each a hydrogen or an alkyl group into the desired compound of the general formula: ##STR4##in which A.sup.4 represents a group ##STR5##This method offers the advantage of being easier to implement on an industrial scale and of having a better yield than the methods of preparation of the compounds of formula (I) according to prior art.

Abstract: Mevinic acid derivatives are provided which are 6-hydroxy-8-(2,2-dimethyl-1-oxybutoxy-2-methyl)-substituted-decahydronapht halene esters and have the structure ##STR1## wherein Z is ##STR2## wherein R is alkali metal such as Na, or H or lower alkyl, and are HMG CoA reductase inhibitors and thus are useful as antihypercholesterolemic agents and in treating atherosclerosis, and also as antifungal agents.In addition, a method for preparing the above-mevinic acid derivatives is also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the production of 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran by the catalytic hydrogenation in the gas phase of .gamma.-butyrolactone using a solid catalyst comprising copper and silicon, copper, chromium, and manganese or copper, chromium, manganese and barium.

Abstract: Disclosed are .alpha.-(.omega.-Cyanoalkanoyl)-.gamma.-butyrolactone represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein n represents an integer of 7 to 11, and a method for producing the same, which comprises reacting .omega.-cyano fatty acid ester represented by the formula:NC--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COOR (II)wherein R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and n has the same meaning as in the above, with .gamma.-butyrolactone in the presence of alkali metal alcoholate represented by the formula:R'OM (III)wherein R' represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and M represents an alkali metal.

Abstract: Catalysts of attractive activities for use in the oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide comprise silver supported on a porous heat resisting support, a group VI A transition metal, potassium, rubidium and/or cesium and sulphur.

Abstract: Chiral epoxybutyrates are prepared in high yield from novel dihydro-3R-substituted sulfonyloxy-4R-hydroxy-2-(3H)furanones via based catalyzed alcoholysis. The product chiral epoxy butyrates are useful intermediates for the synthesis of 1-carba-1-dethia cephem antibiotics.

Abstract: New process for the synthesis of the .alpha.-(1-m.ethylethyl)-3,4-dimethoxyacetonitrile of formula (I): ##STR1## which is known as an intermediate in the synthesis of the drug internationally known as verapamil. The process starts from the isobutyryl-3,4-dimethoxybenzene of formula (II): ##STR2## which, by means of the Darzens condensation, gives an epoxyester which, by alkaline hydrolysis and subsequent decarboxylation, gives the .alpha.-(1-methylethyl)-3,4-dimethoxybenzeneacetaldehyde. This product is reacted with hydroxylamine to obtain the corresponding oxime that, by dehydration, gives the nitrile of formula I.

Abstract: The invention relates to elaiophylin derivatives of the formulae (I), (I'), (III) and (III') ##STR1## in which the C.dbd.C double bonds in the 2,3 and 4,5 position may also be hydrogenated and in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and X have the meanings indicated. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of these elaiophylin derivatives, and the use thereof as pharmaceuticals, in particular as anthelmintic pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The distillation product fraction obtained from an isobutane oxidation reaction product after the removal of unreacted isobutane will contain tertiary butyl hydroperoxide, tertiary butyl alcohol and carboxylic acid contaminants such as formic acid, acetic acid and isobutyric acid. It has been discovered that when the distillation product fraction is treated with about 1/2 to 1 equivalents of calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide based on the carboxylic acid content of the distillate product fraction, a portion of the carboxylic acid contaminants will precipitate thus partially purifying the distillation product fraction so that, thereafter, molybdenum precipitation will be substantially inhibited when the thus-treated distillation product fraction is used as a feedstock for an epoxidation reaction wherein tertiary butyl hydroperoxide is reacted with an olefin in the presence of a soluble molybdenum catalyst to provide an olefin epoxide and additional tertiary butyl hydroperoxide.

Abstract: A gas-assisted process for the rapid conversion of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters or nitrogen salts thereof to cyclic esters in high yields and high states of purity. An inert gas is intimately contacted with the oligomer so as to create a large interfacial area. The large interfacial area permits removal of the cyclic ester substantially as fast as the cyclic ester is formed.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and tautomeric mixtures thereof possess activity as HMg-CoA reductase inhibitors, thus making them useful as antihypercholesterolemic agents. In the above formula,Z is ##STR2## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently fluoro or hydrogen, except that at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is fluoro;R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or arylalkyl; andR.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl, ammonium, alkylammonium, or alkali metal.

Abstract: Alkylthioethylamine salts are prepared by reacting certain alkenes with mercaptoethylamine salts in a glycol or glycol ether solvent in the presence of a free radical initiator. The product mixtures obtained are useful as antimicrobials as is or after the addition of inert formulation additives.

Abstract: Novel fluoran compounds represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preparation process of the fluoran compounds, and a heat-sensitive and a pressure-sensitive recording material comprising the fluoran compound, are disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula, including isomers and tautomers thereof: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 are as defined in the text; the compounds have herbicidal and plant growth regulating properties; including compositions containing them, methods for using them and intermediates for making them.