Abstract: Novel 2-furylbutyrolactones are directly formed by reaction of 2,5-dialkoxy-2,5-dihydrofurans and 2,3-dihydroxybutenolides in aqueous media and recovering crystalline product from an anhydrous medium. These novel compounds and compositions containing same may be used for lymophocyte stimulation.

Abstract: Novel cyclic acetals of the general formulae: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or R.sub.1, wherein R.sub.3 through R.sub.10 are hydrogen, alkyl or aryl, wherein R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 together may form .dbd.O, wherein X is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, hydroxyaryl or arylakyl, or wherein R.sub.8 is ##STR3## are described. Said compounds are prepared by mixing approximately equimolar amounts of the appropriate aldehyde or ketone, and enediol compound, and allowing same to react in aqueous solution under a nitrogen atmosphere.Compositions containing these novel compounds exhibit hypotensive and analgesic properties and are useful in the treatment of hypertension and pain in animals and humans.

Abstract: Novel chemical compounds of the general formulae: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or arylalkyl, wherein R.sub.3 through R.sub.10 are hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl, wherein R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 together may form .dbd.0, and wherein X is hydroxy. The compounds are prepared by mixing specified amounts of a dialdehyde, .alpha.-keto-aldehyde, or diketone, such as methylglyoxal or a related compound, and an enediol, such as L-ascorbic acid or a compound that can be converted into an enediol, such as an acyloin, and allowing same to react under a nitrogen atmosphere in the presence of a non-interfering solvent.Compositions containing these novel compounds exhibit cytostatic, hypotensive and analgesic properties and are useful in the treatment of cancer in animals and humans.