Abstract: Imidazole derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an (R)- or (S)-1-phenylalkyl group, an (R)- or (S)-1-alkoxycarbonyl-1-phenylmethyl group or an (R)- or (S)-1-aryloxycarbonyl-1-phenylmethyl group, R.sub.2 is hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkanoyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted benzoyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, an alkoxyalkyl group, a pyranyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted benzenesulfonyl group, an alkylsufonyl group, a diarylphosphinyl group, a dialkoxyphosphinyl group or a trialkylsilyl group, and A is a sulfur or oxygen atom. The imidazole derivatives are intermediate products for the production of (+) biotin.

Abstract: 4-Benzyloxy-3-pyrrolin-2-on-1-yl acetamide is an advantageous intermediate product for the production of pharmaceutically effective 4-hydroxypyrrolidin-2-1-yl acetamide. Processes for the production of the intermediate product as well as the active substance are described.

Abstract: 4-Benzyloxy-3-pyrrolin-2-one is a new valuable intermediate product for the production of tetramic acid. Processes are described for the production of such intermediate as well as the production of tetramic acid.

Abstract: Process for the production of imidazole derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an (R)- or (S)-1-phenylalkyl group, an (R)- or (S)-1-alkoxycarbonyl-1-phenylmethyl group or an (R)- or (S)-1-aryloxycarbonyl-1-phenylmethyl group, R.sub.2 is hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkanoyl group, an unsubstituted or a substituted benzoyl group, a substituted or an unsubstituted benzyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, and aryloxycarbonyl group, an alkoxyalkyl group, a pyranyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted benzenesulfonyl group, an alkylsulfonyl group, a diarylphosphinyl group, a dialkoxyphosphinyl group or a trialkylsilyl group, and A is a sulfur or oxygen atom.

Abstract: 4-Benzyloxy-3-pyrrolin-2-on-1-yl acetamide is an advantageous intermediate product for the production of pharmaceutically effective 4-hydroxypyrrolidin-2-1-yl acetamide. Processes for the production of the intermediate product as well as the active substance are described.

Abstract: 4-Benzyloxy-3-pyrrolin-2-on-1-yl acetamide is an advantageous intermediate product for the production of pharmaceutically effective 4-hydroxypyrrolidin-2-1-yl acetamide. Processes for the production of the intermediate product as well as the active substance are described.

Abstract: Process for the production of 4-hydroxy-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl acetamide. A 4-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.2)-alkoxy-3-pyrrolin-2-on-1-yl-acetic acid (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)-alkyl ester of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl having 1 or 2 C atoms and R.sub.2 is alkyl having 1 to 4 C atoms, is reacted with either trichloromethylsilane in the presence of an alkali iodide or in an acid anhydrous medium to a 2,4-dioxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl-acetic acid (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)-alkyl ester. The latter is optionally isolated and then hydrogenated with sodium borohydride to a 4-hydroxy-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl-acetic acid (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)-alkyl ester. Finally, the 4-hydroxy-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl-acetic acid (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)-alkyl ester is converted by amidation with ammonia to the desired end product.

Abstract: 4-Benzyloxy-3-pyrrolin-2-one is a new valuable intermediate product for the production of tetramic acid. Processes are described for the production of such intermediate as well as the production of tetramic acid.

Abstract: Process for the production of 4-alkoxy-3-pyrrolin-2-ones, which are preferred intermediate products for the production of cerebrally-active pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: 4-Alkoxy-3-pyrrolin-2-on-1-yl acetic acid alkyl esters are intermediate products for the production of cerebrally-active pharmaceutical products. The advantageous process for production of the new intermediate products is described.

Abstract: Process for the production of an optically active 3-aminocarboxylic acid ester from a .beta.-keto acid ester. The .beta.-keto acid ester is converted with a chiral amine into the corresponding enamine. The enamine is converted by hydrogenation in the presence of a platinum catalyst into the corresponding N-substituted amino acid esters. Such ester mix is converted by means of HCl gas into the hydrochlorides. The latter are neutralized. Then by liberation and isolation from the neutralized products by hydrogenolysis in the presence of a palladium catalyst, the desired optically-active 3-aminocarboxylic acid ester is obtained.