Abstract: A process for producing a (4S)-4-(N,N-dibenzyl)amino-5-phenyl-3-oxo-pentanenitrile derivative which comprises reacting a (2S)-2-(N,N-dibenzyl)aminophenylalanine ester derivative with acetonitrile in the presence of a lithium compound or a magnesium compound is disclosed, and a process for producing a (2S)-2-(N,N-dibenzyl)amino-5-amino-1,6-diphenyl-4-hexen-3-one derivative which comprises adding a benzylmagnesium halide or a benzyllithium to a reaction solution containing the (4S)-4-(N,N-dibenzyl)amino-5-phenyl-3-oxo-pentanenitrile derivative and reacting the derivative with the benzylmagnesium halide or the benzyllithium is also disclosed. According to these processes, optically pure (4S)-4-(N,N-dibenzyl)amino-5-phenyl-3-oxo-pentanenitrile derivative and (2S)-2-(N,N-dibenzyl)amino-5-amino-1,6-diphenyl-4-hexen-3-one derivative can be produced in a good yield on an industrial scale.

Abstract: A process for producing an optically active alcohol represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from 2 to 11 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having from 3 to 11 carbon atoms, an alkadienyl group having from 6 to 11 carbon atoms, a cyclohexyl group, an cyclohexylmethyl group, or a cyclohexylethyl group, provided that the olefin in the alkenyl group or alkadienyl group is not conjugated to the olefin at the 2-position thereof; and * means an asymmetric carbon atom,is disclosed, comprising subjecting an olefinic alcohol represented by formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is the same as defined above to asymmetric hydrogenation in the presence of, as a catalyst, a ruthenium-optically active phosphine complex.According to the process of the invention, the desired optically active alcohols which are useful not only as intermediates for the manufacture of perfumes and vitamin E but also as liquid crystal materials can be produced with high optical purities.

Abstract: A ruthenium-phosphine complex having a 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl or its derivative as a ligand and carboxyl groups bonded to the ruthenium atom thereof is disclosed. The complex is inexpensive and exhibits excellent performances as a catalyst for various organic syntheses, and particularly for asymmetric hydrogenation.

Abstract: There is provided a process for production of o-(2,6-dichloroanilino)phenylacetic acid or a salt thereof by reacting o-chlorophenylacetic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof with 2,6-dichloroaniline in the presence of a base and at least 0.5 mol of a copper catalyst per mol of o-chlorophenylacetic acid in a polar solvent.