Abstract: A process for production of a 2-azetidinone-1-oxoacetate of the formula ##STR1## useful as an intermediate for preparation of 2-SR.sup.2 -substituted-2-penem-3-carboxylate andtibacterial agents;R is a conventional hydroxy protecting group, R.sup.1 is certain carboxy protecting groups and ##STR2## and m and n are each 0, 1 or 2; which comprises contacting a corresponding (2-oxo-1-axetidinyl)-N-2-hydroxyacetate ester of the formula ##STR3## with manganese dioxide.

Abstract: Chiral sorbinil intermediates of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or benzyloxycarbonyl and Y is hydroxy or amino, processes therefor, and processes for the conversion thereof to sorbinil.

Abstract: 2-Guanidino-4-(2-methyl-4-imidazolyl)thiazole dihydrobromide and a one-pot, high yield process for its preparation from 2-methyl-4(or 5)-acetylimidazole.

Abstract: Chiral sorbinil intermediates of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or benzyloxycarbonyl and Y is hydroxy or amino, processes therefor, and processes for the conversion thereof to sorbinil.

Abstract: Sorbinil is obtained by cyclization of S-6-fluoro-4-ureidochromane-4-carboxylic acid, which is in turn obtained by resolution of racemic 6-fluoro-4-ureidochroman-4-carboxylic acid via diasteromeric salts with either D-(+)-(1-phenethyl)amine or L-(-)-ephedrine.

Abstract: A novel process for preparing various 2-substituted-5-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-.gamma.-carboline derivatives is provided, which involves (1) quaternizing a corresponding 5-aryl-.gamma.-carboline compound with an appropriate aralkyl halide in the presence of sodium iodide, followed by (2) reduction of the corresponding quaternary carbolinium iodide salt intermediate with an alkali metal hydride to yield the desired final product. The latter compounds are known to be useful as tranquilizing agents, with 2-[4-(p-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-5-(p-fluorophenyl)-8-fluoro-1,2,3,4- tetrahydro-.gamma.-carboline representing a preferred final product. The aforesaid carbolinium salt intermediates as well as the corresponding 5-aryl-.gamma.-carboline starting materials are all novel compounds.

Abstract: Sorbinil is obtained by cyclization of S-6-fluoro-4-ureidochromane-4-carboxylic acid, which is in turn obtained by resolution of racemic 6-fluoro-4-ureidochroman-4-carboxylic acid via diasteromeric salts with either D-(+)-(1-phenethyl)amine or L-(-)-ephedrine.

Abstract: 6-Fluoro-4-chromanone, a sorbinil intermediate, is regenerated from enantiomeric and mixtures of enantiomeric and racemic compounds obtained as major by-products in the synthesis of sorbinil. The regenerated intermediate is useful in the synthesis of additional sorbinil.

Abstract: 5-Phenyl-2S-pentanol is synthesized stereospecifically from S ethyl lactate. The method provides easily purified 5-phenyl-2S-pentanol useful in the synthesis of central nervous system active (CNS) agents such as levonantradol.

Abstract: An aniline is converted to a 3-lower hydrocarbonthiooxindole by processes already known in the art, the product converted to a 3-halo-3-lower hydrocarbonthiooxindole by oxidative halogenation, and the product subjected to hydrolysis to form the desired isatins.