Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of formula (I) comprising reacting a compound of formula (II) with a fluorinated boron species of formula (III) in the presence of: an alcohol; a rhodium (I) pre-catalyst species; a suitable ligand that binds to the rhodium (I) pre-catalyst species to form a catalyst complex; a base; and, a suitable solvent; the process being carried out at a temperature in the range 40 to 110° C. The compounds of formula (I) are useful in the preparation of pharmaceutically active compounds.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active compound of formula (II) or a salt thereof where * indicates a stereogenic centre; and R1 and R7 are as defined in the specification, which process comprises the acid hydrolysis of an optically active compound of formula (IV) where R5 and R6 are as defined in the specification, recovering the resultant optically active compound of formula (II) as a salt, and thereafter if desired, converting the salt to a compound of formula (II). The process is suitable for the preparation of; for instance, intermediates for pharmaceutical compounds. Certain novel intermediates are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A process for preparing a salt of compound of formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from an organic group other than hydrogen, said process comprising reacting a compound of formula (II) with water and an organic acid, in the absence of hydroxylamine. The reaction is useful in preparing a range of chemical intermediates, in particular chiral compounds.

Abstract: A process is described for reacting a vinylogous amide with an ?,?-unsaturated ketone in the presence of a silicon compound to form an 1,5-diketone which is converted to a 1,4-dihydropyridine. Asymmetric substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines are synthesized by the process by preparing an asymmetric vinylogous amide by reacting a 1,3-cyclohexanedione with a substantially homo-chiral phenylethylamine. Reaction of the asymmetric vinylogous amide with an ?,?-unsaturated ketone in the presence of a silicon compound forms an asymmetric 1,5-diketone. The 1,5-diketone is converted to an asymmetric substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine.

Abstract: A compound of formula (1): wherein B is optionally substituted C2-4alkenyl or C2-4alkynyl; useful in the inhibition of one or more metalloproteinases and in particular TACE.

Abstract: Process for preparing 3-[(4S)-5-oxo-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinolin-4-yl]benzonitrile, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound and methods of treatment using the same.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of an ?,?-unsaturated ketone useful for making substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines is described by reacting an aldehyde with pyrrolidine and then adding a ketone followed by trifluoroacetic acid at low temperature. The synthesis is used in a process for making substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines wherein a vinylogous amide is prepared by reacting a 1,3-cyclohexanedione with a phenylethylamine. The ?,?-unsaturated ketone can be reacted with a vinylogous amide to form a 1,5-diketone which can be converted to a substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine.

Abstract: Process for preparing 3-[(4S)-5-oxo-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinolin-4-yl]benzonitrile, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound and methods of treatment using the same.

Abstract: A process is described for reacting a vinylogous amide with an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone in the presence of a silicon compound to form an 1,5-diketone which is converted to a 1,4-dihydropyridine. Asymmetric substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines are synthesized by the process by preparing an asymmetric vinylogous amide by reacting a 1,3-cyclohexanedione with a substantially homo-chiral phenylethylamine. Reaction of the asymmetric vinylogous amide with an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone in the presence of a silicon compound forms an asymmetric 1,5-diketone. The 1,5-diketone is converted to an asymmetric substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone useful for making substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines is described by reacting an aldehyde with pyrrolidine and then adding a ketone followed by trifluoroacetic acid at low temperature. The synthesis is used in a process for making substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines wherein a vinylogous amide is prepared by reacting a 1,3-cyclohexanedione with a phenylethylamine. The &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone can be reacted with a vinylogous amide to form a 1,5-diketone which can be converted to a substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel chemical process for the manufacture of methyl (2S)-2-[3R)-3-(N-[tert-butyloxycarbonyl]amino)-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl]propionate.