Abstract: A novel butadiene derivative of the formula: wherein Ring A is heterocycle, or benzene being optionally substituted by lower alkyl, alkoxy, nitro, hydroxy, substituted or unsubstituted amino or halogen, Ring B is heterocycle, or benzene being optionally substituted by lower alkoxy, lower alkylenedioxy or di-lower alkylamino, R1 and R2 are each H or lower alkyl, one of —COR32 and —COR42 is carboxyl, and the other is carboxyl being optionally esterified, or the corresponding amide or pyrrolidine derivatives, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are a phenol compound represented by the formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.0 represents H, alkyl or alkyloxy; R.sup.1 represents alkyl; R.sup.2 represents alkyl or alkyloxy; OR.sup.3 represents OH; R.sup.4 represents H, lower alkyl or acyl, each of the above substituents may be substituted; W represents O, S or NR.sup.7 ; where R.sup.7 represents H, alkyl, aryl, OH or alkyloxy, a group of the formula (2): ##STR2## represents an amino which may be mono- or di-substituted or heterocyclic group containing N atom,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: An N-?2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-oxopropyl!amine compound of the formula ?III!: ##STR1## wherein Ring B represents a benzene ring which may be substituted; W represents oxygen atom or sulfur atom; Y represents oxygen atom, sulfur atom or N R.sup.0, R.sup.0 represents hydrogen atom or a substituent; Z represents a substituted methylene group which contains at least one chiral center; R.sup.5 represents an aralkyloxycarbonyl group or an alkoxycarbonyl group; R.sup.6 represents hydrogen atom, an aralkyl group, an acyloxy group, a tri-substituted silyloxy group or an alkoxy group; or both of R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 bond at their termini and combine with the adjacent nitrogen atom to form phthalimido group, and a process thereof are disclosed. Said compound ?III! is useful as a starting compound of .beta.-lactam antibacterial agents.

Abstract: Novel process for preparing azetidinone compound of the formula ?III!: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H or lower alkyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 combine together with the adjacent nitrogen to form heterocyclic group, and R.sup.4 is protected or unprotected hydroxy-substituted lower alkyl, which comprises reacting an alkanamide compound of the formula ?I!: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same as defined above, with a compound of the formula ?II!: ##STR3## wherein L.sup.1 is a leaving group and R.sup.4 is the same as defined above, in the presence of a base, said compound ?Ill! being useful as synthetic intermediate for 1-methylcarbapenem derivative having excellent antibacterial activity.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing a 4-mercaptopyrrolidine compound [I]: ##STR1## wherein R is H, lower alkyl or lower alkanoyl, R.sup.1 is H or SH-protecting group, and X is O or S, which comprises reacting halogenobutyric acid compound [VI], or a salt thereof, with amine compound [VII], or a salt thereof, and if necessary, followed by thiocarbonylating the product and/or removing the protecting group, said 4-mercaptopyrrolidine compound [I] being useful as intermediate for carbapenem antibacterial agents.

Abstract: Novel process for preparing azetidinone compound of the formula [III]: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H or lower alkyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 combine together with the adjacent nitrogen to form heterocyclic group, and R.sup.4 is protected or unprotected hydroxy-substituted lower alkyl, which comprises reacting an alkanamide compound of the formula [I]: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same as defined above, with a compound of the formula [II]: ##STR3## wherein L.sup.1 is a leaving group and R.sup.4 is the same as defined above, in the presence of a base, said compound [III] being useful as synthetic intermediate for 1-methylcarbapenem derivative having excellent antibacterial activity.

Abstract: A novel process for preparing a naphthalene derivative of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are a lower alkoxycarbonyl group or both may combine to form a group of the formula ##STR2## one of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is hydrogen atom or a lower alkoxy group and the other is a lower alkoxy group; ring A is a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring, which is useful as a hypolipidemic agent, and a novel intermediate of the formula: ##STR3## wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and ring A are the same as defined above.