Abstract: The invention is a highly efficient synthesis for making compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is a six membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing one or two heteroatoms wherein the heteroatoms are N; or NR.sup.6, wherein R.sup.6 is H or C.sub.1-10 alkyl;m is an integer from two to six; andR.sup.4 is aryl, C.sub.1-10 alkyl, or C.sub.4-10 aralkyl.

Abstract: The invention is a highly efficient synthesis for making compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is a six member saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing one or two heterocyclic atoms wherein the heteroatoms are N; or NR.sup.6, wherein R.sup.6 is H or C.sub.1-10 alkyl;m is an integer from two to six; andR.sup.4 is aryl, C.sub.1-10 alkyl, or C.sub.4-10 aralkyl.

Abstract: An indole having the formula I: ##STR1## is prepared by a Fischer-Indole reaction employing a mixture of phosphorous pentoxide and methane sulfonic acid as an acid catalyst. The reaction, which is optionally run in a co-solvent, provides 3-unsubstituted indoles in high yields with high regioselectivity. The indole thus prepared is an intermediate in the synthesis of leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors.

Abstract: An improved process is described which utilizes tetrachloro-1,4(or 1,2)-quinone as an oxidant in the Doebner-Miller synthesis of 7-chloroquinaldine, a starting material in the preparation of leukotriene antagonists. The process improves yield and eliminates the need of forming a ZnCl.sub.2 complex to isolate the end product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing the R and S enantiomers of a compound of the formula; ##STR1## which comprises; (1) reacting an enzyme with a prochiral diester of the formula ##STR2## where M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are the same, to produce a chiral monoester of the compound of formula II;(2) treating the chiral monoester product of step (1) with an amine and a trialkyl aluminum compound to produce the R enantiomer of the compound of formula I; or reacting the chiral monoester product of step (1) with an acid activating agent, an amine, and a base to produce the S enantiomer of the compound of formula I.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing 2-(aminoalkylthio)carbapenems. In particular, this invention relates to a process in which a bis(substituted phenyl) phosphorohalidate is used to form an enol phosphate intermediate that can be converted to 2-(aminoalkylthio)carbapenems by reaction with suitable thioalkylamines.

Abstract: A simple single step process for preparing alkyl and substituted alkyl esters of amino acids is described. The products are bioactive compounds including compounds useful as antihypertensive agents.