Abstract: Disclosed is a process for economic, safe and simple production of a 2-phenyl-2-(2'-piperidinylidene)acetate derivative at a reduced number of steps in a high yield, which comprises allowing 2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-6-methoxypyridine and a benzyl cyanide derivative represented by the following general formula (2): wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom or an amino group, to undergo condensation reaction in the presence of an organic base such as 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-7-undecene or a transition metal complex as a catalyst to produce a 2-phenyl-2-(2'-piperidinylidene)acetonitrile derivative represented by the following general formula (4): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is as defined above; and the wavy line indicates a geometrical isomer, and then reacting with an alcohol in the presence of hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: A production process for obtaining optically active (3R,1'S)-1-benzyl-3-?(1'-N-methylamino)ethyl!pyrrolidine or (3R,1'S)-3-?(1'-N-methylamino)ethyl!pyrrolidine used as an intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceutical preparations such as anti-fungal agents in high purity and in high yield using a reduced number of processing steps. The process comprises asymmetrically hydrogenating 3-acetyl-1-benzyl-2-pyrrolidinone in the presence of a complex formed from bidentate phosphine and ruthenium as a catalyst to provide (3S,1'R)-1-benzyl-3-?(1'-hydroxy)ethyl!-2-pyrrolidinone, then reducing with a hydride to provide (3R,1'R)-1-benzyl-3-?(1'-hydroxy)ethyl!pyrrolidine, mesylating or tosylating to provide (3R,1'R)-1-benzyl-3-?(1'-methanesulfonyloxy)ethyl!pyrrolidine or (3R,1'R)-1-benzyl-3-?(1'-p-toluenesulfonyloxy)ethyl!pyrrolidine, and reacting with methylamine to obtain (3R,1'S)-1-benzyl-3-?(1'-N-methylamino)ethyl!pyrrolidine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 2-phenyl-2-(2'-piperidinylidene)acetate derivative suitably used for a raw material of a 2-phenyl-2-(2'-piperidinyl)acetate derivative and a process for manufacturing the same. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing an optically active 2-phenyl-2-(2'-piperidinyl)acetate derivative which is a major intermediate for an antidepressant. The 2-phenyl-2-(2'-piperidinylidene)acetate derivative is manufactured by cyclizing a 7-(N-substituted amino)-3-oxo-2-heptanoate derivative. The optically active 2-phenyl-2-(2'-piperidinyl)acetate derivative is manufactured by asymmetrically hydrogenating the 2-phenyl-2-(2'-piperidinylidene)acetate derivative in the presence of a complex of a Group VIII transition metal or an acid.

Abstract: A process whereby 4-t-butylcyclohexanol with a high content of the cis-isomer, which is useful as a perfume ingredient, can be economically produced on an industrially available scale at a low cost. The process comprises hydrogenating 4-t-butylcyclohexanone by using a specific ruthenium-phosphine complex as a catalyst in the presence of a base containing an alkali metal and an alkylenediamine having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 7-(N-substituted amino)-3-oxo-2-phenylheptanoate derivative, 7-(N-substituted amino)-3-hydroxy-2-phenylheptanoate derivative, and 7-(N-substituted amino)-3-benzenesulfonyloxy-2-phenylheptanoate derivative, which are quite important major intermediates for an antidepressant. The 7-(N-substituted amino)-3-oxo-2-phenylheptanoate derivative can be manufactured by condensing an enolate of phenylacetates with a 5-(N-substituted amino) pentanoate derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a alcohol including an optically active alcohol by hydrogenating a carbonyl compound in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst, a base and a nitrogen-containing organic compound. Thus, the reaction employs an inexpensive catalyst and proceeds in high yield and high efficiency.

Abstract: A process whereby trans-3-isocamphylcyclohexanol, which is useful as a perfume ingredient, can be produced on an industrially available scale, at a low cost and at a high stereoselectivity, is disclosed. The process comprises hydrogenating 3-isocamphylcyclohexanone represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## by using a ruthenium/phosphine complex as a catalyst in the presence of a base containing an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and an amine.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active 3-hydroxypyrrolidine derivatives useful as intermediates represented by formula (III): ##STR1## wherein Q represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group; and * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom, comprising reacting an optically active 4-halo-3-hydroxybutane derivative represented by formula (I): ##STR2## wherein * is as defined above; R.sup.1 represents a lower alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group; and X represents a halogen atom, with a benzylamine derivative represented by formula (II):H.sub.2 NCH.sub.2 Q (II)wherein Q is as defined above, is disclosed. The starting compound (I) is easily available through chemical synthesis. Any complicated procedure or use of an expensive reagent is not required.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active ketone represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and n represents 1 or 2,which comprises asymmetrically hydrogenating an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated ketone represented by formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and n are as defined above, in the presence of a ruthenium-optically active phosphine complex as a catalyst. An optically active ketone having a high optical purity can be prepared.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active 6-t-butoxy-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoic ester represented by formula: ##STR1## wherein t-Bu represents a t-butyl group; and R.sup.4 represents a lower alkyl group, which is useful as a precursor of a lactone moiety of campactin, mevinolin or analogues thereof is disclosed, comprising asymmetrically hydrogenating a 4-t-butoxyacetoacetic ester in the presence of a ruthenium-optically active phosphine complex to obtain an optically active 4-t-butyoxy-3-hydroxybutanoic ester, reacting the ester with a lithium enolate of an acetic ester to obtain an optically active 6-t-butyoxy-5-hydroxy-3-oxohexanoic ester, and asymmetrically hydrogenating the resulting ester in the presence of a ruthenium-optically active phosphine complex as a catalyst. The desired product can be obtained in good yield at high stereoselectivity.