Abstract: The present invention provides a process for easily preparing a (S)-&agr;-halomethylpyridine-methanol derivative, which is useful as an intermediate of pharmaceutical products, from inexpensive raw materials. The (S)-&agr;-halomethylpyridine-methanol derivative is prepared by (S)-selectively reducing a 2-haloacetylpyridine derivative using an enzyme source having ability to (S)-selectively reduce a carbonyl group of the 2-haloacetylpyridine derivative, which can be obtained inexpensively. Also, a hydrohalic acid salt of (S)-&agr;-halomethyl-3-pyridine-methanol derivative is isolated and purified as crystal from a (S)-&agr;-halomethyl-3-pyridine-methanol derivative containing impurities using hydrohalic acid and an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing optically active 3-hydroxypentanenitrile with high yield. Optically active 3-hydroxypentanenitrile is prepared by stereoselectively reducing 3-ketopentanenitrile by action of an enzyme, which asymmetrically reduces 3-ketopentanenitrile to optically active 3-hydroxypentanenitrile. Also, alkali metal salt of 3-ketopentanenitrile, which is a stable compound without problems regarding storage, can be efficiently obtained.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a practical method for the purification and isolation on a commercial scale of said compound (1) or compound (2) in good yield and with high quality. The present invention provides a purification/isolation method of a (2S,3S)-1-halo-2-hydroxy-3-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-4-phenylbutane (1) or a (2R,3S)-1-halo-2-hydroxy-3-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-4-phenylbutane (2) which comprises, for the purpose of removing contaminant impurity from a mixture containing at least one of said compounds (1) and (2), causing the objective compound (1) or compound (2) to be crystallized in the presence of a solvent comprised of a hydrocarbon solvent and then collecting the obtained crystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an optically active pyridineethanol derivative. More particularly, it relates to a method of producing an optically active polycyclic pyridineethanol derivative by causing an enzyme or enzyme source to act on polycyclic acetylpyridine derivatives.

Abstract: In a fluid apparatus used as a compressor, a swing support member is constructed of a hook-type adjustable joint, and supports a swing member in capable of swinging while restricting the swing member from rotating about a center axis of a shaft of the compressor. A variable mechanism portion is constructed of a rotary member rotatable around the shaft, the swing member and the like. A slant center around which the swing member swings is made to substantially correspond to a center of gravity of the variable mechanism portion. Therefore, a slant moment, for changing a slant angle of the swing member, is not structurally generated. Accordingly, even when the compressor operates, large vibration and large noise can be prevented, thereby improving durability of the compressor.

Abstract: Novel and useful optical active 2-aralkyl-3-sulfonyloxy-1-propanol and 2-aralkyl-3-sulfonyloxypropionic acid are provided by using an optical active 2-aralkyl-3-acyloxy-1-propanol as a starting material. Furthermore, an optical active 2-aralkyl-3-thiopropionic acid, which is an important intermediate of enkephalinase inhibitor, is provided. According to the present invention, industrially useful optical active sulfonic acid ester derivatives can be provided.

Abstract: Optically active 2-aralkyl-3-sulfonyloxy-1-propanol and 2-aralkyl-3-sulfonyloxypropionic acid are provided by using an optically active 2-aralkyl-3-acyloxy-1-propanol as a starting material. Furthermore, an optically active 2-aralkyl-3-thiopropionic acid, which is an important intermediate for synthesis of enkephalinase inhibitors, is provided. According to the present invention, industrially useful optically active sulfonic acid ester derivatives can be provided.

Abstract: A novel glycerol derivative, a process for preparing the same, and a process for preparing a triazole derivative. An optically active 2-arylglycerol derivative which is novel and useful as a synthetic intermediate of medicament is provided, and furthermore, (R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-yl)-propane-1,2-diol, which is useful as an antifungal agent, is prepared.

Abstract: A novel glycerol derivative, a process for preparing the same, and a process for preparing a triazole derivative. An optically active 2-arylglycerol derivative which is novel and useful as a synthetic intermediate of medicament is provided, and furthermore, (R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-yl)-propane-1,2-diol, which is useful as an antifungal agent, is prepared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel glycerol derivative and a process for preparing the same, and a process for preparing a triazole derivative.According to the present invention, an optical active 2-arylglycerol derivative which is a novel and useful as a synthetic intermediate of medicament can be provided and furthermore, (R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-yl)-propane-1,2-diol which is useful as an antifungal agent can be prepared.

Abstract: A material for making a pattern used in the investment casting, the material including wax and starch between 2% by weight and 70% by weight.