Abstract: A two-step process for manufacturing d,l-.beta.-benzoylamino-isobutyric acid is disclosed, wherein in the first step benzamide is reacted with methacrylonitrile in the presence of an alkaline catalyst in an anhydrous solvent medium at atmospheric pressure, thus obtaining d,l-.beta.-benzoylamino-isobutyronitrile, which, in the second process step, without necessarily being previously crystallized is directly hydrolyzed to d,l-.beta.-benzoylamino-isobutyric acid.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing the D camphorate of L carnitinamide and the D camphorate of D carnitinamide is disclosed, wherein D,L carnitinamide hydrochloride is converted to D,L carnitinamide free base which directly reacts with D camphoric acid either as an aqueous suspension or in solid form, thus obtaining a solution of D camphorate of D,L carnitinamide. The resolution of the optical isomers is achieved by drying this solution and taking up the residue with isopropanol, whereupon the D camphorate of L carnitinamdide crystallizes out of the isopropanol solution and the D camphorate of D carnitinamide remains in solution.

Abstract: A series of physiologically and pharmacologically active novel fluorurated amides of nicotinic acid having the following structural formula: ##STR1## wherein when R is --NO.sub.2 or --NH.sub.2 then R.sub.1 is --CF.sub.3 and; when R is --CF.sub.3 then R.sub.1 is --NO.sub.2 or NH.sub.2 is described. The products have tranquilizing properties. Compositions for their use are described.