Abstract: In an elegant stepwise process for the production of intermediates of thromboxanes such as TXB.sub.2 from a chiral glucose starting material such as .alpha.-methylglucoside, those steps comprising: ##STR1## A key modification introduced in this synthetic sequence is the use of 4-dimethylaminopyridine for the selective alkylation of primary alcohols in the presence of unprotected secondary alcohols and for the controlled acylation of methylglucoside. The former application has large potential use in the synthesis of nucleosides, polynucleotides, and carbohydrate derivatives.

Abstract: The invention provides a double-antibody radioimmunoassay method for the determination of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, particularly, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, in environmental samples including animal tissues such as monkey liver and adipose tissues. The limit of detection is approximately 25 picograms for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Assuming an appropriate cleanup procedure is used, chlorinated dibenzofurans are the only likely interferences, and these can be distinguished through the use of two antisers of different dibenzo-furan/dibenzodioxin selectivities. The invention includes the preparation of a reproducible antigen, an appropriate radiolabeled hapten, and effective sample extracts. A feature of the assay method is the use of a nonionic detergent (e.g., "Cutscum" or "Triton X-305") to solubilize the extremely hydrophobic dibenzo-p-dioxins in a manner permitting their binding by antibodies.