Abstract: A process and intermediates in preparation of 6-exomethylene derivatives of lovastatin and 8-acyl and di- and tetrahydro analogs thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel hydrogenation process, using a homogenous iridium or rhodium catalyst for the reduction of both double bonds of des-(.alpha.-methylbutyryl)-C-8-hydroxy lovastatin and C-8-amino, C-8-alkoxy and C-6-substituted analogs, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stereo-selective synthesis of leukotriene antagonists. More particularly, this invention relates to the stereo-selective synthesis of (.beta.S,.gamma.R) and (.beta.R,.gamma.S)-4-((3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propyl(phenoxy)propyl)-thio -.gamma.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylbenzenebutanoic acid, and related compounds. These compounds are useful therapeutic agents for treating allergic conditions, asthma, cardiovascular, disorders, inflammation and pain in mammals, especially humans. The compounds are also useful for inducing cytoprotection in mammals, especially humans.

Abstract: A novel acylation process using an alkali metal bromide and a dialkylaminopyridine to form a sterically hindered ester functionality from an alkanoyl chloride and an alcohol is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel hydrogenation process using a homogenous rhodium catalyst for selectively reducing the 3,4 double bond in the polyhydronaphthyl ring of lovastatin, simvastatin or C-8-acyl or C-6-substituted analogs thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel hydrogenation process, using a homogenous iridium or rhodium catalyst for selectively adding hydrogen to the 3,5 positions in the polyhydronaphthyl ring of lovastatin, simvastatin or C-8-acyl or C-6-substituted analogs thereof, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for alkylating the alpha position of the 8-acyl side chain in mevinolin and analogs thereof is disclosed. The process proceeds with a single charge of base and alkyl halide to give products with a pharmaceutically acceptable purity.

Abstract: The preparation of dibenzo[b,f]thiepin compounds by a process comprising the direct carboxylation of an ortho-toluyl-aryl sulfide to introduce a phenylacetic acid side chain is disclosed.

Abstract: A stereoselective process for the preparation of antihypercholesterolemic agents of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor type comprises treatment of an intermediate .beta.-hydroxyketone with a trialkylborane and sodium borohydride at low temperatures.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of intermediates in the totally synthetic antihypercholesterolemic agents, 6-[2-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl-ethenyl] pyranones, involving a highly efficient nickel catalyzed aryl cross-coupling reaction 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: Allylic alkylation with retention of configuration of a substrate having an allylic carbon-oxygen bond by reaction with a nucleophile in the presence of a Pd.degree. with an excess of a phosphine.