Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, X are as defined in the specification and are prepared by elimination of one of the groups X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 from a compound of formula (II) wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 each independently represent a carboxylic acid group or salt thereof, or a protected carboxylic acid group, the non-eliminated group X.sub.1 or X.sub.2 corresponding to the group X in the desired compound of formula (I).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) wherein R.sub.2 is a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6)alkenyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6)alkynyl, phenyl(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, heteroaryl(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, cycloalkyl(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl or cycloalkenyl(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl group, any one of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, --S(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, halo and cyano (--CN); and R.sub.7 is a carboxylic acid protecting group, which process comprises the internal molecular rearrangement of an allyl carboxylate compound of formula (II) wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.7 are as defined in relation to formula (I) to form the desired compound of formula (I). Compounds (I) are intermediates for the preparation of Matrix metaloproteinase inhibitors.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds of formula (II) ##STR1## pharmaceutical or veterinary compositions thereof, and methods of treating diseases or conditions mediated by histamine and/or PAF in mammals.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), wherein: A represents: a) a --VR.sup.6 group wherein v is --C(.dbd.O), --C(.dbd.O)O--, --CH.sub.2 O--, --CH.sub.2 OC(.dbd.O)--, --C(.dbd.S)--, --CH.sub.2 OC(.dbd.O)NH--, --C(.dbd.S)O--, --CH.sub.2 S--, --C(.dbd.O)NHSO.sub.2 --, --SO.sub.2 NHC(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2 OSiPh.sub.2 --; b) a --CH.sub.2 NR.sup.9 R.sup.10 group or a --CONR.sup.9 R.sup.10 group wherein each of R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 is independently hydrogen, -alkyl-, -alkenyl-, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -cycloalkenyl, pyridyl (any of which may optionally be substituted) or a group --D as defined above or R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; c) a group Y where Y is a 5- or 6-membered optionally substituted heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur; or d) a group --CH.sub.2 Y or --C(.dbd.