Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula I: in salt or zwitterionic form or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1-6, a-e and Q are as defined in the specification. These compounds are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to, for example, treat pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

Abstract: A method for purifying an oxydiphthalic anhydride comprises diluting a first mixture comprising an oxydiphthalic anhydride, a solvent, a catalyst, and an inorganic salt with a solvent, to provide a second mixture having a solids content of 10 to 30 percent based on total weight of the second mixture; filtering and washing the solids of the second mixture at a temperature below the crystallization point temperature of the oxydiphthalic anhydride to provide a third mixture; hydrolyzing the third mixture by adding water and a water-soluble acid to form a fourth mixture; heating the fourth mixture; then cooling to provide a solid-liquid mixture, optionally decanting a portion of the liquid, rediluting the remaining solid-liquid mixture, then filtering to provide a solid component; washing the solid component with water to provide a fifth mixture of oxydiphthalic tetraacid and water; ring closing the oxydiphthalic tetraacid to provide oxydiphthalic anhydride, and filtering the oxydiphthalic anhydride.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sultine of formula (V) from a dihalogeno compound of formula (IV) is provided. The method comprises reacting the dihalogeno compound (IV) with a hydroxymethanesulfinate salt in a DMSO solvent, wherein: R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-20alkyl, C1-20alkoxy, amino, C1-20alkylamino, di(C1-20alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, thiol, C1-20alkylthio, nitro, C1-20alkylcarboxy, C1-20alkylcarbonyl, C1-20alkoxycarbonyl, C1-20alkylcarbonyloxy, C1-20alkylcarbonylamino, C5-20aryl, C5-20arylalkyl, C5-20arylalkoxy, C5-20heteroaryl, C5-20heteroaryloxy, C5-20heteroarylalkoxy or C5-20heteroarylalkyl; and X is Cl, Br or I.

Abstract: 3,4-Dicarboxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-t-butyl-1-naphthalene-succinic dianhydride is provided. The tetracarboxylic dianhydride is represented by Formula 1, which is described in the specification. Further provided is a liquid crystal aligning agent comprising a polyimide prepared using the tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a solvent. Further provided is a liquid crystal alignment layer formed using the liquid crystal aligning agent. The liquid crystal alignment layer exhibits excellent electro-optical properties and good processability in terms of printability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel tetracarboxylic acid compound having excellent characteristics such as high transparency, low dielectric property, low water absorption, low thermal expansion, solvent solubility and etching characteristics, while exhibiting high heat resistance at the same time. This tetracarboxylic acid compound is useful as a raw material monomer for producing a polyesterimide or a polyamideimide. Specifically disclosed is a tetracarboxylic acid compound represented by the general formula (1) or (2) below. In the formulae, A represents a divalent group; X1, X2 and X3 respectively represent a hydrogen atom or the like; R1, R2, R3 and R4 respectively represent a carboxyl group or an acid anhydride group; n represents 1 or 2; and ring B represents a cyclic group.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sultine of formula (V) from a dihalogeno compound of formula (IV) is provided. The method comprises reacting the dihalogeno compound (IV) with a hydroxymethanesulfinate salt in a DMSO solvent, wherein: R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-20alkyl, C1-20alkoxy, amino, C1-20alkylamino, di(C1-20alkyl)amino, halogen, cyano, thiol, C1-20alkylthio, nitro, C1-20alkylcarboxy, C1-20alkylcarbonyl, C1-20alkoxycarbonyl, C1-20alkylcarbonyloxy, C1-20alkylcarbonylamino, C5-20aryl, C5-20arylalkyl, C5-20arylalkoxy, C5-20heteroaryl, C5-20heteroaryloxy, C5-20heteroarylalkoxy or C5-20heteroarylalkyl; and X is Cl, Br or I.

Abstract: There is provided biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride containing biphenyltetracarboxylic monoanhydride in an amount of not more than 0.4%. By using the biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride as a raw material, it is possible to produce polyimide or polyamic acid having an increased molecular weight.

Abstract: There is provided biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride containing biphenyltetracarboxylic monoanhydride in an amount of not more than 0.4%. By using the biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride as a raw material, it is possible to produce polyimide or polyamic acid having an increased molecular weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing impurities from products derived from oxidation of an ortho-dialkylaromatic compound which comprises at least one step selected from the group consisting of extraction of an aqueous solution comprising aromatic dicarboxylic acid product with an organic solvent and extraction of an organic solution comprising aromatic anhydride product with an aqueous bicarbonate solution for a time period insufficient to allow hydrolysis of anhydride to acid.

Abstract: The invention provides novel peptide prodrugs which contain cleavage sites specifically cleaved by prostate specific antigen (PSA). These prodrugs are useful for substantially inhibiting the non-specific toxicity of a variety of therapeutic drugs. PSA is secreted by prostatic glandular cells. Upon cleavage of the prodrug by PSA, the therapeutic drugs are activated and exert their toxicity. Novel sesquiterpene-&ggr;-lactones are also provided by the invention, and are designed to be linked to carrier moieties such as the peptides of the invention. Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders are also featured in the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides novel peptide prodrugs which contain cleavage sites specifically cleaved by prostate specific antigen (PSA). These prodrugs are useful for substantially inhibiting the non-specific toxicity of a variety of therapeutic drugs. PSA is secreted by prostatic glandular cells. Upon cleavage of the prodrug by PSA, the therapeutic drugs are activated and exert their toxicity. Novel sesquiterpene-&ggr;-lactones are also provided by the invention, and are designed to be linked to carrier moieties such as the peptides of the invention. Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders are also featured in the invention.

Abstract: This invention is related to the production of trimellitic anhydride (TMA). More specifically, the invention is related to the addition of a mineral acid or salt thereof in the production process of trimellitic anhydride to reduce the viscosity of the bottoms fraction when TMA is purified by distillation and thus to prevent fouling/plugging. This permits the use of lower levels of TMA in the bottoms fraction and increases TMA recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorine-containing 3,6-di(3′,5′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene)pyromellitic dianhydride as a monomer which can be used in preparing polyimides with high glass transition temperature, low dielectric constant and excellent processability, and preparing method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides convergent processes for preparing epothilone A and B, desoxyepothilones A and B, and analogues thereof. Also provided are analogues related to epothilone A and B and intermediates useful for preparing same. The present invention further provides novel compositions based on analogues of the epothilones and methods for the treatment of cancer and cancer which has developed a multidrug-resistant phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as heteroaromatic compounds made functional so as to be used for nonlinear optical materials, compounds represented by the following general formula (1), and also provides polymers obtained from these and nonlinear optical parts comprising such polymers. In the formula, Ar.sup.1 and Ar.sup.2 each represents a divalent aromatic group; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each represents an atom or a group independently selected from a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and an aromatic group; X.sup.1 represents a monovalent organic group; n represents an integer of 2 to 12; and Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 each represents a group independently selected from electron attractive functional groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel, low molecular weight, non-peptide inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (e.g. gelatinases, stromelysins and collagenases) and TNF-.alpha. converting enzyme (TACE, tumor necrosis factor-.alpha.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which suppress immune responses and/or selectivly inhibit complement. These compounds contain an aromatic ring and are substituted dihydrobenzofurans, spirobenzofuran-2(3H)-cycloalkanes, and their open chain intermediates. The compounds of the present invention, and the phamaceutically acceptable salts thereof, interrupt the proteolytic processing of C5 to bioactive components, exhibit immunosuppressive activites, and have therapeutic utility in the amelioration of disease and disorders mediated by complement and/or immune activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of the formula ##STR1## and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein W is a tricyclic heterocyclic ring system; which is an .alpha.-1 adrenergic antagonist and is useful in the treatment of BPH; also disclosed are .alpha.-1 antagonist compositions and a method for antagonizing .alpha.-1 receptors and treating BPH.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which suppress immune responses and/or selectively inhibit complement. These compounds contain an aromatic ring and are substituted dihydrobenzofurans, spirobenzofuran-2(3H)-cycloalkanes, and their open chain intermediates. The compounds of the present invention, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, interrupt the proteolytic processing of C5 to bioactive components, exhibit immunosuppressive activities, and have therapeutic utility in the amelioration of disease and disorders mediated by complement and/or immune activity.

Abstract: A process for making a dianhydride product, said process comprising reacting two moles of maleic anhydride and one mole of a vinyl benzene compound in a reaction mixture comprising about 1.5 to 2.0 moles of the vinyl benzene compound per mole of maleic anhydride at reaction temperature in the range from 105.degree. to 125.degree. C. for time to complete the reaction, adding a polar organic liquid to the reaction product mixture and refluxing the mixture, cooling the mixture following reflux and adding a hydrocarbon liquid to precipitate the product, separating the solid dianhydride product by filtration, washing the solids on the filter and drying the solids to make the finished dianhydride product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which suppress immune responses and/or selectively inhibit complement. These compounds contain an aromatic ring and are substituted dihydrobenzofurans, spirobenzofuran-2(3H)-cycloalkanes, and their open chain intermediates. The compounds of the present invention, and the phamaceutically acceptable salts thereof, interrupt the proteolytic processing of C5 to bioactive components, exhibit immunosuppressive activites, and have therapeutic utility in the amelioration of disease and disorders mediated by complement and/or immune activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to new N-alkyl-N-(meth)acryloyloxyalkylcarboxamides of aromatic carboxylic acids and aromatic carboxylic acid anhydrides, their preparation and formulations of these compounds for use as adhesives for the treatment of dental hard substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to new N-alkyl-N-(meth)acryloyloxyalkylcarboxamides of aromatic carboxylic acids and aromatic carboxylic acid anhydrides, their preparation and formulations of these compounds for use as adhesives for the treatment of dental hard substance.

Abstract: Methylnorbornene dicarboxylic anhydride is produced from a C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 fraction containing 5-methylcyclopentadiene by carrying out the reaction in the presence of a maleic anhydride and a protonic acid at a temperature of 0.degree.-50.degree.C., whereby the 5-methylcyclopentadiene is isomerized to 1-MCPD and 2-MCPD which undergo a Diels-Alder reaction to form methylnorbornene dicarboxylic anhydride.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of purified oxydiphthalic acid from impure oxydiphthalic anhydride, by treating with a mixture of water and propionic acid or butyric acid to produce oxydiphthalic acid. The acid may be treated to reform oxydiphthalic anhydride. The most effective composition range for the acid-water mixture is from about 25% acid to 75% acid.

Abstract: A photochromic compound represented by the following general formula [I] ##STR1## wherein ##STR2## represents a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group or a divalent heterocyclic group each of which may have a substituent,R.sub.1 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a monovalent heterocyclic group each of which may have a substituent, ##STR3## represents a norbornylidene or adamantylidene group which may have a substituent,X represents an oxygen atom or a group of the formula >N--R.sub.3 in which R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, andR.sub.2 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent.Also provided are a process for production of the photochromic compound, a composition containing the photochromic compound, and the use of the photochromic compound. The colored form of this photochromic compound has excellent thermal stability.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form a discontinuous monolayer amount of at least one source of a Group VIB metal oxide; (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the Group VIB metal oxide source into the corresponding group VIB metal oxide; (c) depositing upon amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form at least a monolayer amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible to vanadium oxide upon calcining; (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the tantalum oxide source into the oxide form; (c) depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and at least one metal oxide source selected from the group consisting of oxides of Sb, Ga, Ge, In, T.sub.1, Pb, Se, Te, P and Bi, which is convertible into the corresponding metal oxide upon heating and which is reactive with V.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of hydrocarbons to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide catalyst solids in the anatase form a continuous monolayer amount of at least one source of titanium oxide, calcining the thus-formed catalyst percursor under conditions sufficient to convert the titanium oxide source into the oxide form, depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a continuous monolayer amount of at least one vanadium compound which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of an aromatic hydrocarbon to form the corresponding aromatic carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form a continuous monolayer amount of at least one source of zirconium dioxide, calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the zirconium oxide source into the oxide form, depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium compound which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: A method is provided for making norbornane anhydride substituted organosiloxane by equilibrating norbornane anhydride organosiloxane with cyclopolydiorganosiloxane, organopolysiloxane and mixtures thereof under neat conditions in the presence of an acidic equilibration catalyst followed by quenching the resulting mixture with a silazane and thereafter devolatilizing the resulting equilibrated product.

Abstract: The reaction of maleic anhydride with vinylbenzene to form tetralin dianhydride is improved by conducting, per mole of vinyl group, 2-20 l/h of air (measured under normal conditions: 20.degree. C./l bar) through the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method is provided for making norbornane anhydride substituted organosiloxane by equilibrating norbornane anhydride organosiloxane with cyclopolydiorganosiloxane, organopolysiloxane and mixtures thereof under neat conditions. A reduction in the amount of cyclopolydiorganosiloxane generated in the mixture is realized compared to solvent equilibration procedures.

Abstract: A compound which is bondable to tooth substrates, and has the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is a substituted naphthyl group having a ##STR2## group at any one of the 1,2-, 2,3- and 1,8- positions, R.sub.2 is any of the following groups having any one of carboxylate, carbonyl, and --O-- moiety, to be connected to R.sub.1 :a group having the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.m -- in which m=1-4,a group having the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COO--(CH.sub.2).sub.p -- in which n.noteq.0, p.noteq.0, and n+p=2-4, ora group having the formula --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 O).sub.q --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- in which q=1 or 2,wherein when said R.sub.1 group is substituted at the 1,2 position, then R.sub.2 is bonded to the naphthyl group at any one of the 4, 5, 6 and 7 positions; when said R.sub.1 group is substituted at the 2,3 position, then R.sub.2 is bonded to the naphthyl group at any one of the 5 and 6 positions; and when said R.sub.1 group is substituted at the 1,8 position, then R.sub.

Abstract: Cyclic dianhydrides and polyimides are prepared from maleic anhydride compounds and diolefins. The diolefins are alpha-, omega-linear diolefins of up to 100 carbon atoms or cyclic diolefins of up to 40 carbon atoms. The polyimides and copolyimides prepared from these cyclic dianhydrides are useful in films, fibers and coatings.

Abstract: Anhydrides of formula V ##STR1## where A" is --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, and R and R.sub.1 independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or methoxy are valuable intermediates for the preparation of tricyclic imidyl derivatives. These imidyl derivatives form photocrosslinkable polymers useful for making printing plates and photoresists.

Abstract: Silylnorbornane anhydrides are provided by effecting reaction between a silicon hydride and a norbornene carboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of a platinum catalyst. The resulting silicon functionalized norbornane monoanhydrides or dianhydrides can be used to synthesize a variety of tough organosilicon polyimide copolymers and polydiorganosiloxane polyimide block polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are adducts of 1-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride with olefins and preparation thereof by reacting an olefinically unsaturated compound and 1-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride using actinic radiation as an energy source at a temperature of from -30.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., preferably at from about 25.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. Derivatives of these compounds are useful as rust inhibitors in gasoline.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## in which A is a benzene ring or a carbocyclic aromatic group consisting of two or three fused benzene rings, the group A being linked to the nitrogen containing ring at two adjacent carbon atoms and the benzene ring or each benzene ring optionally carrying one or more substituents which may be the same or different, and may be alkyl, aryl, halo, hydroxy, acyloxy or alkoxy, or two adjacent positions in a ring may be substituted so as to form a methylene dioxy group (--O--CH.sub.2 --O--);R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 which may be the same or different, each represent hydrogen; an alkyl group which contains 1 to 6 carbon atoms and which may be substituted; a hydroxycarbonyl or an alkoxycarbonyl group; andone of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group which contains 1 to 6 carbon atoms and which may be substituted, or a hydroxy, alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl or alkoxycarbonyl group and the other of R.sub.3 and R.sub.