Abstract: Two processes are described for the preparation of the optically pure compounds of formula 1: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are e.g. alkyl, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are e.g. hydrogen and R.sup.5 is e.g. hydrogen. Both processes include, as key steps, the enantioselective hydrogenation of a C.dbd.C double bond and the regioselective formation of a dicarboxylic acid monoamide derivative. In one process a phenylitaconic acid derivative is asymmetrically hydrogenated to give an optically active (R)-benzylsuccinic acid which is then converted to a diester, said diester being converted to the monoamide compound of formula 1. In the second process, a phenylitaconic acid derivative is converted to its anhydride, and the anhydride is then converted to a monoamide which is then asymmetrically hydrogenated to give the compound of formula 1.

Abstract: 4-Hydroxytetrahydropyran-2-ones and the corresponding dihydroxycarboxylic acid derivatives, salts and esters, process for their preparation, their use as pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical preparations and precursors.Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## and the corresponding open-chain dihydroxycarboxylic acids of the formula II ##STR2## in which X, Y, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 have the meanings indicated, and also their pharmacologically tolerable salts with bases and their pharmacologically tolerable esters, processes for the preparation of these compounds, their use as pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical preparations are described. In addition, compounds of the formula III ##STR3## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X and Y have the meanings indicated are described.

Abstract: 6-Phenoxymethyl-4-hydroxytetrahydropyran-2-ones and 6-thiophenoxymethyl-4-hydroxytetrahydropyran-2-ones and the corresponding dihydroxycarboxylic acid derivatives, salts and esters, processes for the preparation of these compounds, their use as pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical preparations and novel phenols and thiophenols Compounds of the general formula I ##STR1## and the corresponding open-chain dihydroxycarboxylic acids of the formula II ##STR2## in which X, Y and Z have the meanings given, and pharmacologically tolerated salts thereof with bases and pharmacologically tolerated esters thereof, processes for the preparation of these compounds, their use as pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical preparations are described. Novel phenols and thiophenols of the formula III ##STR3## in which X, Y and Z have the meanings given, are also described.

Abstract: 7-[1H-pyrrol-3-yl]-substituted 3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoic acids, 7-[1H-pyrrol-3-yl]-substituted 3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acids of the formula I ##STR1## in which A, B, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 have the indicated meanings, and the corresponding .delta.-lactones of the formula II ##STR2## processes for the preparation of these compounds, their use as medicaments and pharmaceutical products are described. In addition, new intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of the formulae I and II are described.

Abstract: 4(R)-Substituted 6(S)-phenyloxymethyl-, 6(S)-.beta.-phenylethyl- and 6(S)-.beta.-styryl-tetrahydropyran-2-ones of the general formula V ##STR1## in which R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and A have the meanings given, and the corresponding open-chain hydroxycarboxylic acids, pharmacologically acceptable salts and esters thereof, processes for the preparation of these compounds, their use as medicaments and pharmaceutical products are described. Novel .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated lactones for the preparation of the compounds of the formula V are also described.

Abstract: New 3,5-dihydroxy carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, a process for the preparation thereof, the use thereof as pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical products and intermediates 3,5-Dihydroxy carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, of the formula I ##STR1## and the corresponding Lactones of the formula II ##STR2## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and X-Y have the indicated meanings, a process for the preparation of these compounds, the use thereof as pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical products are described. In addition, new intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of the formulae I and II are described.