Abstract: The enol tautomer of 3-indolylpyruvic acid in stable and pure form, as well as alkali and alkali-earth salts thereof are produced by synthesis process. The enol tautomer comprises only the geometric isomer (Z) and it is the only one tautomeric form having relevant pharmacological effects. The compounds obtained exhibited relevant biochemical and pharmacological properties in pathological situations like anxiety, depression, behaviour disturbances, neuronal degenerations, etc.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are compounds of a peptido-mimetic character having the capacity of acting as inhibitors of metalloproteinases produced by venom of snake, and of other metalloproteinases of human origin which have been put in relation with various pathologies in man, including tumoral growth and metastatization, aterosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Object of the present invention is also the procedure for the production of diethylester of (1)-phosphotryptophan, as an initial product necessary to synthesize all compounds mentioned above.