Abstract: The invention relates an ionic metal complex represented by the general formula (1): wherein M is an element of groups 3-15 of the periodic table; Aa+ represents a metal ion, onium ion or proton; X1 represents O, S or NR5R6; each of R1 and R2 independently represents H, a halogen, a C1-C10 alkyl group or C1-C10 halogenated alkyl group; R3 represents a C1-C10 alkylene group, C1-C10 halogenated alkylene group, C4-C20 aryl group or C4-C20 halogenated aryl group; R4 represents a halogen, C1-C10 alkyl group, C1-C10 halogenated alkyl group, C4-C20 aryl group, C4-C20 halogenated aryl group or X2R7; X2 represents O, S or NR5R6; each of R5 and R6 represents H or a C1-C10 alkyl group; and R7 represents a C1-C10 alkyl group, C1-C10 halogenated alkyl group, C4-C20 aryl group or C4-C20 halogenated aryl group. The ionic metal complex can be used as a supporting electrolyte for electrochemical devices, a polymerization catalyst of polyolefins and so forth, or a catalyst for organic synthesis.

Abstract: A compound of the formula A, wherein R* is a chiral auxiliary, and where the configuration at the asymmetric carbon atom between oxygen and sulfur is (R), (S), or combinations of (R) and (S), useful in the preparation of enantiomerically enriched 1,3-oxathiolane nucleoside analogues, for example (−)-FTC and 3TC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a polymer or a compound having at least one 5-membered ring dithiocarbonate group represented by general formula (I): (wherein, in the formula, R1, R2, and R3 are the same or different, each of which denotes hydrogen or a lower alkyl), and a ketimine derivative, an enamine derivative, or an aldimine derivative. The composition is useful in coatings, adhesives, inks, sealing agents, sealants, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel coumarin based fluorogenic compounds useful in assaying for biological activity. Specifically, these fluorogenic compounds exhibit fluorescence at particular wavelengths when cleaved by target enzymes. Preferred compounds include sugar and peptide derivatives of umbelliferone derivatives bearing a heterocyclic five membered ring at the 3-position. These compounds can be used for rapidly detecting food pathogens and for determining sterilization effectiveness. The compounds may also be used in a form bounded to a polymeric support or to a biomolecule or macromolecule.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: useful in the treatment of arthritis, tumor metastasis, tissue ulceration, abnormal wound healing, periodontal disease, bone disease, diabetes (insulin resistance) and HIV infection.

Abstract: Intermediates in the synthesis of 1,3-Oxathiolane Nucleosides.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of 1,3-oxathiolane nucleosides are provided that include efficient methods for the preparation of the 1,3-oxathiolane ring and subsequent condensation of the 1,3-oxathiolane with a pyrimidine or purine base. Using the processes described herein, the compounds can be provided as isolated enantiomers.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof: wherein R2 is a purine or pyrimidine base or an analogue or derivative thereof; and Z is S, S═O or SO2. The invention also relates to intermediates of use in the preparation of these compounds.

Abstract: HIV protease inhibitors inhibit or block the biological activity of the HIV protease enzyme, causing the replication of the HIV virus to terminate. These compounds can be prepared by the novel methods of the present invention using the novel inventive intermediates.

Abstract: The dihalopropene compounds of the general formula [I ] have excellent insecticidal/acaricidal activity, so that they are satisfactorily effective for the control of noxious insects, mites and ticks.

Abstract: Isocyanato compounds with capped, isocyanate-reactive groups are those of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 -alkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 -aryl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 -aralkyl or together form C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 -alkanediyl,X and Y are --O--, --S-- or ##STR2## where R.sup.4 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl which is uninterrupted or interrupted by oxygen atoms in ether function, or is C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 -aryl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 -aralkyl,R.sup.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 -alkanediyl which together with --X--CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 --Y-- forms a 4-7-membered ring,in which either one hydrogen in R.sup.3 or the radical R.sup.4 in ##STR3## is replaced by an allophanate group R.sup.Ia ##STR4## in which R.sup.5 is a divalent aliphatic, alicyclic, araliphatic or aromatic C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbon unit,R.sup.6 is a single bond or a divalent aliphatic, alicyclic, araliphatic or aromatic C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbon unit or a mono- or poly(C.sub.2 -C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to (D)-amino acid containing inhibitors of cysteine or serine proteases. Methods for the use of the protease inhibitors are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of screening a substance for the ability to effect the formation of a retinoid X receptor homodimer comprising combining the substance and a solution containing retinoid X receptors and determining the presence of homodimer formation. Also provided is a method of screening a substance for an effect on a retinoid X receptor homodimer's ability to bind DNA comprising combining the substance with the homodimer and determining the effect of the compound on the homodimer's ability to bind DNA. A method of inhibiting an activity of a retinoid X receptor heterodimer comprising increasing the formation of a retinoid X receptor homodimer, thereby preventing the retinoid X receptor from forming a heterodimer and preventing the resulting heterodimer activity is also provided. A method of inhibiting an activity of a retinoid X receptor homodimer is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel purine 4'-thioarabinonucleoside represented by the following formula ?1!: ##STR1## wherein B represents a purine base other than adenine. Also disclosed are a method for preparing the purine 4'-thioarabinonucleoside and pharmaceutical compositions containing the purine 4'-thioarabinonucleoside.

Abstract: Nucleotide analogues having the general formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives: ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or an integer; X is O or S, CH.sub.2, CH-halogen, CH--N.sub.3, or C.dbd.CH.sub.2 ;Q and U are independently selected from: O, S, and CH(R.sub.a) wherein R.sub.a is hydrogen, OH, halogen, N.sub.3, NH.sub.2, SH, carboxyl, C.sub.1-6 alkyl or R.sub.a is CH.sub.2 (R.sub.b) wherein R.sub.b is hydrogen, OH, SH, NH.sub.2, C.sub.1-6 alkyl or carboxyl; or both Q and U are CH when Q and U are linked by a double bond;Z is selected from: O, a C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, a C.sub.1-6 thioalkyl, a C.sub.1-6 aminoalkyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.m wherein m is 0 or an integer, and N(R.sub.c).sub.2 wherein both R.sub.c are independently hydrogen or a C.sub.1-6, alkyl; andR2 is a purine or pyrimidine base or an analogue or derivative thereof are disclosed. Members of this series of analogues possess anti-viral activity.

Abstract: Nonlinear optical compounds which contain a heteroaromatic ring and may further comprise a tricyanovinyl group attached to the heteroaromatic ring.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 is a purine or pyrimidine base or an analogue or derivative thereof; and Z is S, S.dbd.O or SO.sub.2. The invention also relates to intermediates of use in the preparation of these compounds.

Abstract: Carboxy-peptidyl compounds of Formula I are found to be useful inhibitors of matrix metalloendoproteinase-mediated diseases including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, tumor invasion in certain cancers, periodontal disease, corneal ulceration, proteinuria, dystrophobic epidermolysis bullosa, coronary thrombosis associated with atherosclerotic plaque rupture, and aneurysmal aortic disease. This invention relates to a process of making the carboxy-peptidyl compounds of formula I.

Abstract: A process for the production of a 1,3-oxathiolane sulfoxide of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is an amino group of the formula --NHR, wherein R is hydrogen, phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, nitrophenyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy)phenyl, furfuryl, halophenyl, tolyl, napthyl, biphenyl or hydroxyphenyl; or X is an alkoxy group of the formula --OR.sup.1 wherein R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl,which process comprises oxidizing a 1,3-oxathiolane of the formula ##STR2## wherein X is as defined above, in the presence of an effective amount of aqueous hydrogen peroxide and a sterically-hindered organoselenium compound of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sup.2 is aryl, mono-, di- or tri-substituted with C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl,to the produce the 1,3-oxathiolane sulfoxide. This process stereoselectively produces the cis stereoisomer of the 1,3-oxathiolane sulfoxide. Additionally, there is disclosed a novel method for the preparation of 5,6-dihydro-2-methyl-1,4-oxathiin compounds using this process.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## the symbols have the meaning described in the specification have retinoid-like biological activity.

Abstract: A compound having the structure: ##STR1## pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating inflammation or pain using such compounds.

Abstract: Quaternary amine-containing ether lipid analogs of the formulaR.sub.1 --X--R.sub.2 --N.sup.+ (R.sub.3) (R.sub.4) (R.sub.5) Z.sup.-are disclosed. R.sub.1 represents a hydrophobic group and R.sub.2 represents the backbone of the molecule, with the quaternary amine being linked directly to the backbone. Pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds and methods of combating tumors with these compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of combating viral infections with both these compounds and ET-18-OMe and its analogs.

Abstract: 2'-Deoxy-4'-thio-ribonucleosides, intermediates in their production, and their use as antiviral and anticancer agents are disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR1## in which formula R.sub.1 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbyl group; Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic nucleus;X represents --SO.sub.2 -- or --CO-- andR.sub.2 and R.sub.3 which may be identical or different represent moieties of formula (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) or (i): ##STR2## wherein B represents the residue of a nucleoside base of formula (A), (G), (C), (H) or (T): ##STR3## provided that when R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 both represent an unsubstituted moiety of formula (a) B represents the residue of a nucleoside base which is of formula (A), (G), (C) or (H) are of value for their antiviral activity.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing hair growth which comprises a compound represented by the following formula (I) as an active ingredient: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and X represents --O-- or --NH-- and a carrier or diluent acceptable for topical composition.The composition for enhancing hair growth of the present invention has a hair growth enhancing activity and therefore is useful as a hair growth preparation.

Abstract: Cyclohexenone oxime ethers of the general formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, A is substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.4 -alkylene or C.sub.4 -alkenylene,X is nitro, cyano, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -haloalkoxy, carboxyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxycarbonyl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyloxycarbonyl and/or phenyl,n is from 0 to 3 or from 1 to 5 when X is halogen,R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkythio-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl or C.sub.5 -C.sub.

Abstract: Fungicidally active compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which X represents oxygen or sulphur,R represents cycloalkyl, or represents optionally substituted aryl, or represents the radical ##STR2## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is hydrogen or an organic radical, or together with the nitrogen atom form a heterocyclic radical,R.sup.3 represents hydrogen, alkyl or optionally substituted aryl, andR.sup.4 represents alkyl or cycloalkyl, or represents optionally substituted aryl,but whereinR.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may not simultaneously represent methyl,and acid addition salts thereof, as well as intermediates therefor.

Abstract: Anhydride compounds which contain at least one rodlike mesogenic moiety and at least two anhydride groups per molecule, wherein each of said aromatic anhydride groups is linked to the mesogen via an ester linkage are prepared. These anhydride compounds are useful in curing epoxy resins to provide the cured products with one or more improved properties.

Abstract: 2,4-Diaryl-1,3-dithiolanes; 2,4-diaryl-1,3-dioxolanes; 2,4-diaryl-1,3-oxathiolanes; and 2,5-diaryl-1,3-oxathiolanes are disclosed that reduce the chemotaxis and respiratory burst leading to the formation of damaging oxygen radicals of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during an inflammatory or immune response. The compounds exhibit this biological activity by acting as PAF receptor antagonists, by inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, or by exhibiting dual activity, i.e., by acting as both a PAF receptor antagonist and inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase.A method to treat disorders mediated by PAF or leukotrienes is also disclosed, that includes administering an effective amount of one or more of the above-identified compounds or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Novel alcohols of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.a is azido or phthalimido, R.sup.4 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 together are a trimethylene or tetramethylene group which is optionally substituted by hydroxy, alkoxycarbonylamino or acylamino or in which one --CH.sub.2 -- group is replaced by --NH--, --N(alkoxycarbonyl)--, --N(acyl)-- or --S-- or which carries a fused cycloalkane, aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, and R.sup.9 is alkoxycarbonyl, monoalkylcarbamoyl, monoaralkylcarbamoyl, monoarylcarbamoyl or a group of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 each is alkyl, are described along with a process for their manufacture. These alcohols are useful as intermediates, for example in the manufacture of amino acid derivatives having antiviral activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclic sulfide compound represented by a general formula (I) ##STR1## (where R.sup.1 represents --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --O--, or --CH.sub.2 --S--). According to this invention, a novel cyclic sulfide compound which gives high refractive index and high Abbe number can be obtained. The polymerizable compositions for manufacturing optical products with this compound as their main component can be readily molded into plastic lenses which give superhigh refractive indices and high Abbe numbers or those which give high refractive indices and high Abbe number with low sp.grs. in addition thereto. The castings obtained from said polymerizable compositions are useful as plastic lenses for glasses, manifesting optical uniformity and being excellent in processability, transparency, and thermal, impact and light resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclic sulfide compound represented by a general formula (I) ##STR1## (where R.sup.1 represents --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --O--, or --CH.sub.2 --S--). Polymerizable compositions for manufacturing optical products with this compound as their main component can be readily molded into plastic lenses which give superhigh refractive indices and high Abbe numbers or those which give high refractive indices and high Abbe number with low sp.grs. in addition thereto. The castings obtained from said polymerizable compositions are useful as plastic lenses for glasses, manifesting optical uniformity and being excellent in processability, transparency, and thermal, impact and light resistance. Further these polymerizable resin compositions are usable preferably as such optical products as prisms, optical fibers, optical disc substrates, color filters, or infrared absorption filters.

Abstract: There is disclosed an efficient process for producing .alpha.-ketoacetamide of the formula: ##STR1## which is useful as an intermediate for the production of various alkoxyiminoacetamide compounds to be used for agricultural fungicides. In this process, a corresponding acid halide is condensed with isocyanide to produce the .alpha.-ketoacetamide.

Abstract: Methine dyes with a polyketo group I ##STR1## where A is ##STR2## R.sup.1 is a 5- or 6-membered cycloaliphatic radical which contains one or two hetero atoms from the group --NR.sup.4 --, --O-- and --S-- and which may be fused to an isoaromatic or heteroaromatic group, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are identical or different C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 -alkyl groups or together one of the radicals R.sup.1, and m and n are identical or different integers from 0 to 3, are useful as drugs, for producing singlet oxygen, as sensitizers in electrophotographic layers and for photopolymerizations and as laser light sensitive dyes in optical recording media; also novel triketo- and tetraketomethine dyes.

Abstract: Provided are certain aryl-substituted rhodanine derivatives, treatment methods and pharmaceutical formulations thereof.

Abstract: Heterocyclic-alkylene quinoxalinyloxyphenoxypropanoate compounds exhibit unexpectedly desirable selective herbicidal activity. Also disclosed are compositions comprising such compounds as well as a method of controlling the growth of undesirable plants employing such compounds.

Abstract: An electrically conductive complex obtained by reacting a thia-and/or selenafulvalenyl group-containing compound as an electron donor with an electron acceptor, and having an electron donar/electron acceptor molar ratio of 1/0.1 to 1/10, the thia-and/or selenafulvalenyl group-containing compound having the formula (I), ##STR1## wherein each of X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, X.sub.4, X'.sub.1, X'.sub.2, X'.sub.3 and X'.sub.4 is independently S or Se, Y is an electron donating or electron accepting group having a size which is not so large as to prevent molecular overlapping, m is an integer of 0 to 4, each of Z.sub.1, Z.sub.2, Z'.sub.1 and Z'.sub.2 is independently a hydrogen atom, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 in which n is an integer of 1 to 5, or alternatively, a combination of Z.sub.1 with Z.sub.2 or Z'.sub.2 and is C.sub.n H.sub.2n in which n is an integer of 1 to 5, or X(C.sub.n H.sub.2n).sub.n' X in which X is S or Se and n' is an integer of 1 to 3, and each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R'.sub.1, R'.sub.2 and R'.sub.

Abstract: Compounds of the Formula (5) and processes for their preparation and use, particularly in the manufacture of unsymmetrical triphenodioxazine dyes: ##STR1## wherein: Y is H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, Cl or Br;R is a group of Formula (3) ##STR2## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently alkyl, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 4, 5 or 6 membered alicyclic or heterocyclic ring;R.sup.3 is H;Z is Cl, Br or A--NH; andA is H or the residue of a primary amine.

Abstract: Dioxolanes, thio analogs thereof, and derivatives of these and methods of preparation are described. These materials are useful as additives in lubricants and fuels. Methods for reducing fuel consumption in internal combustion engines employing the lubricating compositions are described.

Abstract: There is disclosed an efficient process for producing .alpha.-ketoacetamide of the formula: ##STR1## which is useful as an intermediate for the production of various alkoxyiminoacetamide compounds to be used for agricultural fungicides. In this process, a corresponding acid halide is condensed with isocyanide to produced the .alpha.-ketoacetamide.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating inflammatory bowel disease in mammals utilizing certain benzyl-substituted rhodanine derivatives. Also provided are novel benzyl-substituted rhodanine derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, as well as a novel process for selectively isolating in substantially pure enantiomeric form the enantiomers of certain racemic benzyl-substituted rhodanine derivatives.

Abstract: The reaction of 5,6,11,12-tetrachlorotetracene with thiourea and sulfur in a polar aprotic solvent yields 5,6,11,12-tetrathiotetracene in high yield and purity. This compound is an electron donor for forming electrically conductive radical cation salts with electron donors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing BCH-189 and various analogs of BCH-189 from inexpensive precursors with the option of introducing functionality as needed. This synthetic route allows the stereoselective preparation of the biologically active isomer of these compounds, .beta.-BCH-189 and related compounds. Furthermore, the steochemistry at the nucleoside 4' position can be controlled to produce enantiomerically-enriched .beta.-BCH-189 and its analogs.

Abstract: Fungicidally active compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which X represents oxygen or sulphur,R represents cycloalkyl, or represents optionally substituted aryl, or represents the radical ##STR2## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is hydrogen or an organic radical, or together with the nitrogen atom form a heterocyclic radical,R.sup.3 represents hydrogen, alkyl or optionally substituted aryl, andR.sup.4 represents alkyl or cycloalkyl, or represents optionally substituted aryl,but wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may not simultaneously represent methyl,and acid addition salts thereof, as well as intermediates therefor.

Abstract: A thia- and/or selenafulvalenyl group-containing compound of the formula (I), ##STR1## wherein each of X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, X.sub.4, X'.sub.1, X'.sub.2, X'.sub.3 and X'.sub.4 is independently S or Se, Y is an electron donating or electron accepting group having a size which is not so large as to prevent molecular overlapping, m is an integer of 0 to 4, each of Z.sub.1, Z.sub.2, Z'.sub.1 and Z'.sub.2 is independently a hydrogen atom, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 in which n is an integer of 1 to 5, or alternatively, a combination of Z.sub.1 with Z.sub.2 and Z'.sub.1 with Z'.sub.2 is C.sub.n H.sub.2n in which n is an integer of 1 to 5, or X(C.sub.n H.sub.2n).sub.n', X in which X is S or Se and n' is an integer of 1 to 3, and each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R'.sub.1, R'.sub.2 and R'.sub.3 is independently a hydrogen atom or C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 in which n is an integer of 1 to 5. The compound has an electron donating nature and can be used to make electrically conductive complexes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diaryl ether cyclic ether of the formula I, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, ##STR1## wherein Ar.sup.1 is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl;X.sup.1 is oxy, thio, sulphinyl or sulphonyl;Ar.sup.2 is optionally substituted phenylene, or a 6-membered heterocyclene moiety containing up to three nitrogen atoms;R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together form a group of the formula --A.sup.2 --X.sup.2 --A.sup.3 -- wherein each of A.sup.2 and A.sup.3 is (1-4C) alkylene and X.sup.2 is oxy, thio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl or imino; andR.sup.3 is (1-6C)alkyl, (2-6C)alkenyl, (2-6C)alkynyl and substituted (1-4C)alkyl.The invention also concerns processes for the manufacture of a diaryl ether cyclic ether of the formula I, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said cyclic ether. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase.

Abstract: Heterocyclic-alkylene quinoxalinyloxyphenoxypropanoate compounds having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein n, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are as defined in the specification exhibit unexpectedly desirable selective herbicidal activity. Also disclosed are compositions comprising such compounds as well as a method of controlling the growth of undesirable plants employing such compounds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of novel 14.alpha., 17.alpha.-dihydroxy-17.beta.-substituted steroids by reacting 14.alpha.-hydroxy-17-oxo-steroids with metal organic compounds and the use of the said novel steroids in the production of 14.alpha., 17.alpha.-methylenedioxy-pregnane derivatives.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein wherein R represents a straight chain alkyl group having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms; ##STR2## represents ##STR3## X represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; and ##STR4## has a trans (equatorial-equatorial) configuration, is disclosed. The compound of formula (I) exhibits a nematic phase in the vicinity of room temperature or in a temperature range higher than room temperature and has a small optical anisotropy and a positive dielectric anisotropy and is, therefore, useful in preparing a liquid crystal display cell excellent in viewing-angle characteristics.

Abstract: Cyclohexenone oxime ethers of the general formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl,A is substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.4 -alkylene or C.sub.4 -alkenylene,X is nitro, cyano, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -haloalkoxy, carboxyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxycarbonyl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyloxycarbonyl and/or phenyl,n is from 0 to 3 or from 1 to 5 when X is halogen,R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkylthio-C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl or C.sub.5 -C.sub.