Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production and isolation of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) from kasugamycin. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of producing DCI by hydrolysis of kasugamycin with aqueous trifluoroacetic acid in the presence of a strongly acidic ion exchange resin. The present invention further relates to methods of isolating DCI from an aqueous mixture, such as a hydrolysis mixture, either directly or by forming an organic derivative of DCI.

Abstract: Compounds, topical compositions and methods useful for preventing the penetration of toxic chemicals through the skin of a mammal are disclosed.The compounds of the invention provide an enhanced barrier for the skin of a mammal to further inhibit or decrease the passage of bioactive agents through the skin of a mammal either from the outside environment into the systems of said mammal or from the mammal into the outside environment.

Abstract: Optically active or racemic compounds represented by the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.2 is OA and R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of H and OA; where A is H or is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbyl radicals comprising between 1 and 3 carbon atoms, as well as ##STR2## with the proviso that when R.sub.3 is OA, then R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may be bonded together to form the group R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and aromatic residues having from 1 to 20, preferably from 1 to 12, carbon atoms, for example, alkyl, optionally substituted with aromatic residues, and aromatic residues optionally substituted with alkyl radicals; n is an integer from 1 to 4; R.sub.5 is an unbranched alkyl chain comprising from 1 and 3 carbon atoms or a cyclopropylmethyl radical; R.sub.1 is alkoxy, cycloalkoxy and a cyclic ether of the formula ##STR3## where m is an integer from 3 to 5; with the proviso that when R.sub.1 is alkoxy, then R.sub.