Abstract: Compounds corresponding to the general formula (I): ##STR1## in which X represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkoxy group or a cyclopropylmethoxy group and Y represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a methoxy group and salts and bases thereof. The compounds may exists in the form of a pure enantiomer or as a mixture of enantiomers. Additionally, the compounds of formula (I) are useful for the treatment of diseases associated with serotoninergic receptors, particularly anxiety and/or depression.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3(R)-hydroxybutanoate, wherein the ester functional group of the (S) enantiomer of ethyl (.+-.)-4,4,4-trifluoro-3-hydroxybutanoate which comprises (R) and (S) is selectively hydrolysed in aqueous medium, by means of a lipase, and the non-hydrolysed (R) enantiomer is then extracted and used in the preparation of 4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3(R)-butanediol.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of one or both enantiomers of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroethanol, which comprises an enantioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of (.+-.)-.alpha.-(4-chlorophenyl)chloroethyl acetate by means of an enzyme which is horse liver acetone powder, lipase PS from Pseudomonas fluorescens, lipase AK from Pseudomonas or the lipase from Candida antarctica, to give a mixture of unhydrolysed R-(-)-.alpha.-(4-chlorophenyl)chloroethyl acetate and S-(+)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroethanol, and optional separation of R-(-)-.alpha.-(4-chlorophenyl)chloroethyl acetate and optional hydrolysis of it to give R-(-)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroethanol and use of the enantiomers of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chlorethanol for the preparation of the enantiomers of eliprodil and of their salts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound which is a 4-pyrimidinecarboxamide derivative of general formula (I) ##STR1## in which X represents one or more substituents independently chosen from fluorine, chlorine, methoxy and cyclopropyl,R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl group, andR.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof; their preparation and their application in therapy.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of methyl (-)-(2R,3S)-2,3-epoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propionate, which comprises subjecting the dextrorotatory (2S,3R) enantiomer, present in a starting mixture containing both the levorotatory (2R,3S and dextrorotatory (2S,3R) enantiomers, to a transesterification reaction, in an anhydrous medium and in the presence of an enzyme which does not affect the levorotatory (2R,3S) enantiomer. The latter is an intermediate for the synthesis of compounds such as Diltiazem.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): ##STR1## in which: X is hydrogen or a methyl or methoxy group;Y is a halogen or a methyl or methoxy group; andR is a group of formula --Z--R' in which:Z is a --CH.sub.2 -- group, andR' is a phenyl group unsubstituted or substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from halogen atoms and trifluoromethyl, linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3) alkyl and linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3) alkoxy groups;or a pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.