Abstract: A process is described for the synthesis of 3(S)-4(R)-3-[1(S)-hydroxyethyl]-4-(alkoxycarbonylmethyl)-azetidin-2-one (II) which is a useful intermediate in the synthesis of carbapenem antibiotics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel and improved process for preparing .alpha.-(trichloromethyl) benzyl alcohols, particularly, trichloromethyl-3-nitrobenzyl alcohol a key intermediate useful in the preparation of clorsulon (4-amino-6-(trichloroethenyl)-1,3-benzene-disulfonamide) via a base-catalyzed condensation reaction of benzaldehydes and chloroform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mild, efficient, stereo-selective process for a one step conversion of primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding thiol ester and thiol derivatives with inversion of configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of substituted and unsubstituted benzyl formimidates, represented in a convenient acid addition salt form (I); and the use of these reagents in the preparation of the antibiotic N-formimidoyl thienamycin (II): ##STR1## wherein A is a non-critical anion such as chloro, bromo, hydrogen sulfate or an alkyl aralkyl or aryl sulfonate, wherein the alkyl moiety has 1-6 carbon atoms and the aryl moiety is phenyl, for example; n is 0, 1 or 2; and X is independently selected from nitro, halo (chloro, bromo, fluoro, and iodo), loweralkyl having from one to six carbon atoms, phenyl, and phenylalkyl having from 7-12 carbon atoms, and --COOR, wherein R is hydrogen or loweralkyl having from one to six carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed are substituted benzenesulfonylazides (I) which are useful as diazo transfer reagents. ##STR1## R.degree.=C.sub.12 H.sub.

Abstract: Process for preparing (1-oxo-2-phenyl, halophenyl or thienyl-2-methyl-6,7-dichloro-5-indanyloxy)acetic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester and amide derivatives thereof and intermediate 5-ether derivatives thereof comprising reacting under Friedel-Crafts conditions a 2-phenyl, halophenyl or thienyl-2-propionyl halide or an anhydride thereof with an ether derivative of 2,3-dichlorophenyl; and reacting the resulting propiophenone with formaldehyde in the presence of acid to yield the desired indanone.

Abstract: A process for preparing (1-oxo-2-cyclopentyl-2-methyl-6,7-dichloro-5-indanyloxy)acetic acid comprising reacting 5-cyclopentyl-5-methyl-2-cyclopentenone with a 4-carbon conjugated (open or cyclic) diene bearing vicinal chlorines adjacent to an ether group; aromatizing the resulting adduct to yield the desired indanone.

Abstract: Process for preparing [1-oxo-2-cyclopentyl(or 2-isopropyl)-2-methyl-6,7-dichloro-5-indanyloxy]acetic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester and amide derivatives thereof and intermediate 5-ether derivatives thereof comprising reacting under Friedel-Crafts conditions a 2-cyclopropyl-or 2-isopropylpropionyl halide or an anhydride thereof with an ether derivative of 2,3-dichlorophenol; and reacting the resulting propiophenone with formaldehyde in the presence of acid to yield the desired indanone.