Abstract: An enantioselective synthesis of 1,3,4,6,7,12b(S)-hexahydro-2H-benzo[b]furo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-one provides a key intermediate for the preparation of the .alpha..sub.2 -adrenergic antagonist (2R,12bS)-N-(1,3,4,6,7,12-hexahydro-2H-benzo[b]furo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-yl) -N-methyl-2-hydroxyethanesulfonamide hydrochloride, useful as an anti-depressant.

Abstract: A novel process for intermediates in the synthesis and hypercholesterolemic compounds of the HMG-CoA reductase type of the following general formula (1): ##STR1## involving an enantioselective aldol condensation is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors which contain a 4-hydroxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one moiety, such as compactin and mevinolin, by utilizing an alkyl 4-cyano-3(R)-hydroxybutanoate as a chiral synthon for the stereospecific introduction of the 4-hydroxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one moiety.

Abstract: The compound 6(R)-[2-8(S)(2,2-dimethylbutyryloxy)-2(S),6(S)-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a(S),5,6, 7,8,8a(S)-decahydronaphthyl-1(S)ethyl]-4(R)-hydroxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-p yran-2-one is prepared in two steps from mevinolin and comprise reduction of the two double bonds and C-methylation of the 8(S)-(2-methylbutyryloxy) group to form the 2,2-dimethylbutyryloxy group. The two steps can be performed in either order.

Abstract: Mevinolin, compactin and dihydro- and tetrahydro derivatives thereof are converted to more active HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors by C-methylation of the natural 2(S)-methylbutyryloxy side chain to form a 2,2-dimethylbutyryloxy side chain.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors which contain a 4-hydroxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one moiety, such as compactin and mevinolin, by utilizing an alkyl 4-halo-3(S)-hydroxybutanoate as a chiral synthon for the stereospecific introduction of the 4-hydroxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one moiety.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mild, efficient, stereo-selective process for a one step conversion of primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding thiol ester and thiol derivatives with inversion of configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of substituted and unsubstituted benzyl formimidates, represented in a convenient acid addition salt form (I); and the use of these reagents in the preparation of the antibiotic N-formimidoyl thienamycin (II): ##STR1## wherein A is a non-critical anion such as chloro, bromo, hydrogen sulfate or an alkyl aralkyl or aryl sulfonate, wherein the alkyl moiety has 1-6 carbon atoms and the aryl moiety is phenyl, for example; n is 0, 1 or 2; and X is independently selected from nitro, halo (chloro, bromo, fluoro, and iodo), loweralkyl having from one to six carbon atoms, phenyl, and phenylalkyl having from 7-12 carbon atoms, and --COOR, wherein R is hydrogen or loweralkyl having from one to six carbon atoms.