Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula where R is a structural diversity element selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, peptidyl, heteroatom-substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, and amines; and Nu is a structural diversity element derived from a nucleophile, NuH, selected from the group consisting of amines, amino acids, peptide, water, hydrogen sulfide, alcohols, and thiols. The invention also relates to arrays and combinatorial libraries of such compounds, and to a method of preparing such compounds.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systematic synthetic and testing strategies for .alpha.-keto acids, esters and amides. The method of synthesis comprises (A) reacting (cyanomethylene)triphenylphosphorane with a carbonyl compound selected from carboxylic acids (RCOOH) and acyl chlorides (RCOCl) to make a cyano keto phosphorane, (B) oxidizing said phosphorane and (C) reacting the oxidized product with a nucleophile (NuH) to make the product .alpha.-keto acid, ester or amide. Systematic synthesis and testing are achieved by a modular approach in which arrays of molecules are generated by variation of R and Nu.

Abstract: A vinyl tricarbonyl compound of the formula ##STR1## or its monohydrate of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, arylalkyl, and cycloalkyl with 3 to 7 carbon atoms,R.sub.2 is hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl with 3 to 7 carbon atoms, cyano, nitro, or a heterocyclic,R.sub.3 is hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl with 3 to 7 carbon atoms, cyano, nitro, or a heterocyclic, andR.sub.4 is unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl are 3 to 7 carbon atoms. Such vinyl tricarbonyl compound is effective against tumor cells.

Abstract: Azetidine carboxylic acid esters are converted into enol silyl ethers which, as enamino ketene acetals, undergo ready oxidative cleavage of the ethylenically unsaturated double bond, e.g. by dye-sensitized photo-oxygenation, to form beta-lactams. The beta-lactams and substitution products thereof are useful intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active lactams.

Abstract: .gamma.-lactones are converted into both known and new azetidine carboxylic acids which can be transformed readily to the corresponding .beta.-lactams by oxidative decarboxylation. The .beta.-lactams and substitution products thereof are useful intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active lactams such as nocardicin.

Abstract: Azetidine-2-carboxylic acids are transformed readily to the corresponding beta-lactams by iminium salt formation and reaction of the salt with a suitable nucleophile. The beta-lactams and substitution products thereof are useful intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active lactams such as nocardicin.