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 cis-(1S,2R)-indanediol is disclosed. The process comprises (A) fermenting a culture medium containing a yeast strain selected from the group consisting of Trichosporon cutaneum MY 1506 (ATCC 74440) and mutants thereof and 1,2-indanedione to form cis-(1S,2R)-indanediol; and (B) recovering cis-(1S,2R)-indanediol from the culture medium. A process for preparing (1S)-amino-(2R)-indanol from the recovered cis-(1S,2R)-indanediol via the Ritter reaction is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the in situ preparation of diisopinocampheylchloroborane which comprises reacting sodium borohydride and boron trichloride with .alpha.-pinene. The diisopinocampheylchloroborane thus obtained may be used, without isolation, to reduce prochiral ketones to their corresponding alcohols in high optical purity.

Abstract: Method for the preparing biphenyltetrazole compounds which are angiotensin II receptor antagonists or which are useful intermediates to prepare angiotensin II receptor antagonists. An illustrative biphenyl tetrazole compound is 2-n-butyl-4-chloro-1-[(2'-(tetrazol-5-yl)-1,1'-biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-1H-im idazole-5-methanol, potassium salt.

Abstract: A novel single-pot trialkylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (R.sub.3 Si-OTf) mediated process produces derivatives of 4-aza 3-keto steroids at the .alpha.-methylenic carbon through electrophilic substitution. These derivatives are useful in the preparation, through elimination of the substituent on the .alpha.-methylene carbon, of .DELTA.-1 olefin 4-aza 3-keto steroids which are potent inhibitors of 5-.alpha. reductase.

Abstract: A novel, facile, and specific process for .alpha.-iodinating or .alpha.-brominating the .alpha.-methylenic carbon of a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic secondary amide, such as a lactam or an azasteroid, comprises reacting the amide with trialkylsilyl-X (R.sub.3 Si--X), where X is Br, I, or Cl, and R is methyl, ethyl, or n-propyl, in the presence of I.sub.2 or Br.sub.2. The .alpha.-iodo- or .alpha.-bromo-amide is useful for making the .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated amide through dehydrohalogenation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing the active metabolite of an angiotensin II antagonist from its pro-drug compound.

Abstract: A multistep process is described for selectively obtaining 1-.beta.-methylcarbapenem intermediates in high overall yield. The desired 1-.beta.-methyl chirality is obtained through the hydrogenation of certain bicyclic .beta.-lactam ring structures containing an exocyclic methylene double bond alpha to the .beta.-lactam ring, in the presence of a metallic nickel hydrogenation catalyst. The hydrogenation results in a mixture of .alpha.- and .beta.-methyl isomers having a high .beta./.alpha.epimeric molar ratio. New 1-.beta.-methylcarbapenem intermediates containing the exocyclic double bond are also described.

Abstract: A unique process for preparing certain (2R-trans)hexahydroaroquinolizines, especially (2R-trans)-N-[2-(1,3,4,6,7,12b-hexahydro-2'-oxospiro[aro-[2,3-a]-quinolizi ne-2,4'-imidazolidin]-3'-yl) ethyl)-methanesulfonamide from (2R-trans)-N-[2-[(2-cyano-(1,3,4,6,7,12b-hexahydro-aro-[2,3-a]quinolizin-2 -yl)amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide is described.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel intermediates and novel process for their preparation where said intermediates are useful for the preparation of 5-oxygenated derivatives (T) of lovastatin and analogs thereof at the 8-acyl side chain and 6-position of the polyhydronaphthyl ring. Said derivatives of lovastatin (T) and analogs thereof are useful in treating hypercholesterolemia and are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,538.

Abstract: A process utilizes the tetrazole functional group to direct lithiation at the ortho position of a phenyltetrazole and generate a nucleophilic aryllithium species which then undergoes reaction with an electrophile to generate a 2-substituted 1-(tetrazol-5-yl)benzene. The process is useful in the production of intermediates in the synthesis of angiotensin II antagonists. This novel process is a more cost effective and versatile route for the large-scale preparation of these key intermediates.

Abstract: A process for introducing a 1,2 double bond into a compound of the formula ##STR1## which comprises the process of (a) treating the compound of formula I with oxalyl chloride; (b) brominating the product of step (a) followed by in situ dehydrobromination; (c) deprotecting the product of step (b) to yield the .alpha. and .beta. isomers; (d) dehydrobrominating the product of step (c), which results in the introduction of a double bond at the 1,2 position.

Abstract: A unique process for preparing certain (2R-trans)hexahydroaroquinolizines, especially (2R-trans)-N-[2-(1,3,4,6,7,12b-hexahydro-2'-oxospiro[aro-[2,3-a]-quinolizi ne-2,4'-imidazolidin]-3'-yl)ethyl)-methanesulfonamide from (2R-trans)-N-[2-[(2-cyano-(1,3,4,6,7,12b-hexahydro-aro-[2,3-a]quinolizin-2 -yl)amino]ethyl]methanesulfonamide is described.