Abstract: A new process for the preparation of the 1-(4-chloro-benzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-indolyl-acetohydroxamic acid, which comprises reacting the reaction product of 1-(4-chloro-benzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-indolyl-acetic acid and an alkyl-halocarbonate, with hydroxylamine.

Abstract: The chiral phosphine ligand (R)-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1-cyclohexylethane, when complexed to Rh(I), functions as a superior chiral hydrogenation catalyst. The chiral phosphine ligand is more stereochemically rigid than previous compounds; consequently, virtually optically pure materials can be produced from the chiral hydrogenation of prochiral compounds using the catalyst of this invention. This catalyst is especially useful in the chiral hydrogenation of alpha-acylamido acrylic acids.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the prparation of an acylated aminocarboxylic acid which comprises contacting an aminocarboxylic acid, its alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt with a low alkyl carboxylic acid ester of the formulaR.sub.1 -CO-O-R.sub.2,wherein R.sub.1 represents hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched or cyclic hydrocarbon moiety of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, which can be substituted if desired, and wherein R.sub.2 represents a straight-chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon moiety of 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the presence of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal alcoholate.