Abstract: A novel process for the manufacture of compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently represent aroyl. The present invention also concerns novel intermediates used in the novel process for making compounds of formula I.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of optically active (R)- or (S)-1-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinoline adducts of the formula ##STR1## wherein HX signifies a mineral acid from the group of HBF.sub.4, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, HPF.sub.6, HBr, HI, HCl,HSbF.sub.6 or HClO.sub.4, or a strong organic acid from the group of C.sub.1-8 -alkylSO.sub.3 H, picric acid, formic acid, a lower alkylsulphonic acid or arylcarboxylic acid or a dicarboxylic acid,from a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein HX has the significance given above, by asymmetric hydrogenation in the presence of a complex consisting of optically active diphosphine ligands with iridium, optionally in the presence of an additive.

Abstract: It has been found that pyridine-2-carboxamides of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is amino or a residue convertible into amino, and pharmaceutically usable acid addition salts of that carboxamide in which R is amino can be prepared in a simple manner and in good yield by reacting 2,5-dichloropyridine in the presence of a palladium-phosphine catalyst with an alkyne of the formulaR.sup.1 --C.tbd.CH IIIwherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, lower-alkyl, trimethylsilyl or the group --(R.sup.2)(R.sup.3)--COH and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently are hydrogen or lower-alkyl or together are cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl,oxidizing the resulting alkyne to give 5-chloropyridine-2-carboxylic acid and reacting this acid or a reactive functional derivative thereof with an amino compound of the formulaor with carbon monoxide and an amino compound of formula VI or with carbon monoxide and a lower alkanol which is optionally mixed with water and reacting the resulting acid or the resulting ester with an amino compound of formula VI.

Abstract: The invention comprises compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen or acyl; provided that only one of R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 is hydrogen, useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases and sebaceous gland diseases. The invention also includes a process for making these compounds and steroid intermediates of the process.

Abstract: It has been found that pyridine-2-carboxamides of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is amino or a residue convertible into amino, and pharmaceutically usable acid addition salts of that carboxamide in which R is amino can be prepared in a simple manner and in good yield by reacting 2,5-dichloropyridine in the presence of a palladium-phosphine catalyst with an alkyne of the formulaR.sup.1 -C.tbd.CH IIIwherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, lower-alkyl, trimethylsilyl or the group --(R.sup.2)(R.sup.3)--COH and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently are hydrogen or lower-alkyl or together are cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl,oxidizing the resulting alkyne to give 5-chloropyridine-2-carboxylic acid and reacting this acid or a reactive functional derivative thereof with an amino compound of the formula VI. The compound of formula I in which R is amino is a known compound which is a reversible and highly active MAO-B inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen or acyl; provided that only one of R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 is hydrogen, useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases and sebaceous gland diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of vinylchromanes. This process is concerned with the manufacture of the compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.o is hydrogen or a cleavable protecting group, and comprises cyclizing a compound having the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.o is defined above and R.sup.1 is--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --C(W)(CH.sub.3)--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 or--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 --Wwhere W is a leaving group,by means of a chiral transition metal-diphosphine complex.The compounds of formula I are useful intermediates, e.g. in the manufacture of (R,R,R)-.alpha.-tocopherol.