Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of pantolactone by reaction of hydroxypivalaldehyde cyanohydrin in a phase separation process.

Abstract: This invention disclose (2R)-2-deoxy-2,2-disubstituted-ribono-1,4-lactone in a single configuration and preparation method and use thereof. The (2R)-2-deoxy-2,2-disubstituted-ribono-1,4-lactone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an ester, a prodrug or a solvate thereof according to the invention are important intermediates of a variety of anti-viral and anti-tumor active ingredients. A compound obtained from (2R)-2-deoxy-2,2-disubstituted-ribono-1,4-lactone via an acylation reaction can be directly used for preparing various anti-viral and anti-tumor drugs. The Chiral synthesis method and the spontaneous resolution method of the compound of (2R)-2-deoxy-2,2-disubstituted-ribono-1,4-lactone according to the invention have the following advantages: the reaction routes are short and simple with high yield and low cost, which are suitable for industrial application.

Abstract: A compound of general formula (I): in which X represents O, S, NH or an N-alkyl radical, R1 and R2, identical or different, each represent H or a C1-C10 hydrocarbon radical, R1 and R2 not both representing H, R3 represents a C1-C10 hydrocarbon radical, and R represents a phenyl radical monosubstituted or disubstituted by a substituent Y and, if applicable, a substituent Z, chosen from Cl, Br, I and CF3, or R represents a C?R4(R5) radical in which R4 represents an hydrocarbon radical and R5 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbon radical, optionally substituted, a COR6 group or a CO2R6 group, where R6 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbon radical. This compound can be used for the treatment of higher plants for controlling their growth and architecture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is novel process for preparation of atovaquone, which process includes reacting 1H-2-benzopyran-1,4(3H)-dione with 4-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclohexanecarbaldehyde. The invention further discloses novel intermediates useful in the preparation of atovaquone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I), in which W, X, Y, Z, G, A and t have the meanings given above, to a plurality of processes and intermediates for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides. Moreover, the invention relates to selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, the spiroheterocyclic tetronic acid derivates and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound. The present invention furthermore relates to increasing the activity of crop protection compositions comprising in particular phenyl-substituted bicyclooctane-1,3-dione derivates by adding ammonium salts or phosphonium salts and, if appropriate, penetrants, to the corresponding compositions, to processes for their preparation and to their use in crop protection as insecticides and/or acaricides and/or for preventing unwanted plant growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to 5?-biphenyl-substituted cyclic ketoenols for therapeutic purposes, to pharmaceutical compositions and to their use in therapy, in particular for the prophylaxis and therapy of tumour disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I), in which W, X, Y, Z, G, A and t have the meanings given above, to a plurality of processes and intermediates for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides. Moreover, the invention relates to selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, the spiroheterocyclic tetronic acid derivates and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound. The present invention furthermore relates to increasing the activity of crop protection compositions comprising in particular phenyl-substituted bicyclooctane-1,3-dione derivates by adding ammonium salts or phosphonium salts and, if appropriate, penetrants, to the corresponding compositions, to processes for their preparation and to their use in crop protection as insecticides and/or acaricides and/or for preventing unwanted plant growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanoparticulate material comprising long ultrathin metal nanowires, and to processes for making it. The nanoparticulate material may be used as a catalyst and, in the presence of a chiral modifier, can catalyse enantioselective reactions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns boosting the activity of crop protection materials comprising inhibitors of fatty acid biosynthesis (for example phenyl-substituted cyclic ketoenols) through the addition of ammonium salts and/or phosphonium salts or through the addition of ammonium salts and/or phosphonium salts and penetrants, the corresponding materials, processes for preparing them, and their use in crop protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I), in which W, X, Y, Z and CKE are each as defined above, to several methods and intermediates for preparation thereof and to the use thereof as pesticides and/or herbicides. The invention also relates to selective herbicidal compositions which comprise firstly haloalkylmethyleneoxyphenyl-substituted ketoenols and secondly a compound which improves crop plant compatibility. The present invention further relates to the enhancement of the action of crop protection compositions comprising especially haloalkylmethyleneoxyphenyl-substituted ketoenols, by the addition of ammonium or phosphonium salts and optionally penetration enhancers, to the corresponding compositions, to methods for production thereof and to the use thereof in crop protection as insecticides and/or acaricides and/or for preventing undesired plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 3-biphenyl-substituted, 3-substituted 4-ketolactams and -lactones of the formula (I) in which A, B, Q, G, W, X, Y and Z are as defined in the disclosure, to processes for their preparation, and to their use as pesticides and/or microbicides and/or herbicides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel arylphenyl-substituted cyclic ketoenols of the formula (I) in which X represents halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl, halogenoalkyl, halogenoalkoxy, halogenoalkenyloxy, nitro, cyano or in each case optionally substituted phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylalkoxy or phenylalkylthio, Y represents in each case optionally substituted cycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl, Z represents hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, halogenoalkyl, halogenoalkoxy, halogenoalkenyloxy, nitro or cyano, CKE represents one of the groups in which A, B, D, G and Q1 to Q6 are each as defined in the description, to a plurality of processes for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and herbicides.

Abstract: (A) A compound capable of forming a stable radical and selected from (A1) oxygen-atom-containing compounds each having a carbon-hydrogen bond at the adjacent position to an oxygen atom, (A2) carbonyl-group-containing compounds, and (A3) compounds each having a hydrocarbon group with a methine carbon atom is allowed to react with (B) a radical scavenging compound selected from, for example, (B1) unsaturated compounds, and (B2) compounds each having a hydrocarbon group with a methine carbon atom, in the presence of molecular oxygen by catalysis of, for example, an imide compound shown by the following formula (1): wherein each of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom or the like, where R1 and R2 may be combined to form a double bond, or an aromatic or non-aromatic ring; X is an oxygen atom or a hydroxyl group, to yield a product of an addition or substitution reaction of the compound (A) and the compound (B) or its oxidized product.

Abstract: The invention relates to chiral nonracemic liquid crystal compounds which are useful as components in liquid crystal compositions to impart high polarization to the mixture. The materials of this invention can be combined with liquid crystal host materials to impart improved properties to mixtures. Chiral nonracemic compounds of this invention can function as additives or dopants in host materials to impart chirality into an LC material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for enantioselective catalytic hydrogenation of an alpha ketocarbonyl compound such as alpha ketoesters and alpha ketolactones to produce an alpha hydroxy carbonyl compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel biphenyl-substituted cyclic ketoenols of the formula (I) in which W represents hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, halogenoalkyl, halogenoalkoxy, halogenoalkenyloxy, nitro or cyano, X represents halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl, halogenoalkyl, halogenoalkoxy, halogenoalkenyloxy, nitro, cyano or in each case optionally substituted phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, phenylalkoxy or phenylalkylthio, Y represents in each case optionally substituted cycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl, Z represents hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogenoalkyl or halogenoalkoxy, CKE represents one of the groups  in which A, B, D, L, M, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5 and Q6 are as defined in the description, to preparation and to their use as pesticides and herbicides.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process for producing optically active 3-hydroxy-&ggr;-butyrolactone in a short step, which is superior economically and in efficiency and industrially suitable by using a starting material which is inexpensive and easily available and reagents easy to handle.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of enantiomer-enriched aminofuranones and hydroxyfuranones in which an enantiomer-enriched cyanohydrin is acylated by an acylating agent, then cyclized at 40 to 90° C. in the presence of zinc or a zinc compound to the corresponding enantiomer-enriched aminofuranone, which is converted where appropriate by acid hydrolysis into the corresponding enantiomer-enriched hydroxyfuranone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compounds of the formula (I) in which X represents alkyl, Y represents halogen or alkyl and Z represents halogen or alkyl, with the proviso that one of the radicals Y and Z always represents halogen and the other alkyl, Het represents one of the groups in which A, B, D and G have the meanings given in the description, a plurality of processes for their preparation and their use as pesticides and herbicides.

Abstract: Compositions comprising hydroxy-substituted monolactones, a process for reacting olefinic compounds with certain carboxylic reactants and products prepared by the process. The compositions containing the hydroxy-substituted lactones and the products of the process are useful as intermediates for the preparation of additives for lubricants and fuels.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a process for making compounds of Formula I useful in the treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases.

Abstract: The invention encompasses the novel compound of Formula I useful in the treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases. ##STR1## The invention also encompasses certain pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases comprising compounds of Formula I.

Abstract: Compositions comprising hydroxy-substituted monolactones, a process for reacting olefinic compounds with certain carboxylic reactants and products prepared by the process. The compositions containing the hydroxy-substituted lactones and the products of the process are useful as intermediates for the preparation of additives for lubricants and fuels.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a process for making compounds of Formula I or Ia useful in the treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel chiral rhodium-diphosphine complexes having the formula[Rh(X) (Y) (Lp)]owherein X represents a residue of the formula X--COO.sup.- in which Z signifies a group ##STR1## aryl or substituted aryl, wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 =hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, perfluoro-C.sub.1-20 -alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, the group --OR.sup.7, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --COA or AOC--(CF.sub.2).sub.n, with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 represents --OR.sup.7, aryl or substituted aryl,R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 =hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, perfluoro--C.sub.1-20 -alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --COA or AOC--(CF.sub.2).sub.n,R.sup.7 =hydrogen, lower alkyl, partially or completely halogenated lower alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl or aryl-lower alkyl,A=The residue --OR or NR'.sub.

Abstract: A continuous catalyzed vapor phase process for the production of dimeric cyclic esters which comprises converting the corresponding alpha-hydroxy-carboxylic acid or ester in the vapor phase over a solid catalyst, such as a silica-alumina, preferably a silica-alumina having a high silica content, in the presence of a carrier of gas.

Abstract: The asymmetric hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds is carried out in the presence of at least one transition metal complex MZq(M=metal of group VIII of the Periodic Classication; Z=ligand selected among the atoms and the molecules which may complex the metal M; and q=degree of corrdination of M) and of at least one chiral phosphorous-containing ligand having formula (I), wherein R is hydrocarbonated radical (alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl); R.sup.1 is H, hydrocarbonated radical or PR.sub.2 ; R.sup.2 is H or hydrocarbonated radical R.sup.3,R.sup.4, necessarily different, are H and optionally functionalized hydrocarbonated radicals; R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are H and optionally functionalized hydrocarbonated radicals; one of the radicals R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 possibly carrying a function - OPR.sub.2 or NPR.sub.2, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 being in this case H when R.sup.1 is PR.sub.2 ; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 and the atoms of N and C which cary them respectively forming a heterocycle; or R.sup.2 and R.sup.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active alcohol is disclosed, which comprises asymmetrically hydrogenating a carbonyl compound in the presence of a ruthenium-optically active phosphine complex as a catalyst. The resulting alcohol has high optical purity.

Abstract: A process for preparing a substituted or unsubstituted gamma-crotonolactone is provided which comprises reacting a substituted or unsubstituted glycidol of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of an optically active carboxylic acid or ester derivative thereof from a ketene and an optically active .alpha.-hydroxyester or an .alpha.-hydroxy amide.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of ketopantolactone of the formula ##STR1## from pantolactone, which comprises dehydrogenating pantolactone in the presence of a vanadium oxide-containing or molybdenum oxide-containing catalyst with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in the gas phase.

Abstract: New chiral phosphinopyrrolidine compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, --COR, --COOR, --CONHR or --SO.sub.2 --R where R is an alkyl or aryl group, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each represents independently an aryl group which may have a substituent or substituents, and R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 each represents independently an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbyl group which may have a substituent or substituents, as well as the use of these compounds as ligand for a metal complex catalyst for asymmetric synthesis of optically active compounds. The new chiral phosphinopyrrolidine compounds are useful ligands which attain both of high optical yield and high reaction efficiency in catalytic asymmetric reduction.

Abstract: A compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a hydroxyl-protecting group, X is a hydrogen atom, CO.sub.2 R' (wherein R' is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, or CO.sub.2 R' is a salt of CO.sub.2 H), or a group of the formula: ##STR2## and when X is a hydrogen atom, Y is CO.sub.2 R' (wherein R' is as defined above) or a group of the formula: ##STR3## and when X is CO.sub.2 R' or the group of the formula (i), Y is a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: There are described novel chiral rhodium-diphosphine complexes of the formula[Rh (X) (Y) (L.sub.0,1,2)].sub.1,2 Iwherein X, which may be fixed to a carrier, is Z--COO.sup.-, wherein Z is ##STR1## perfluorophenyl, perfluorobiphenyl or a residue of the formula ##STR2## and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is halogen, lower alkyl, perfluorophenyl, perfluoro-C.sub.1-20 -alkyl, hydrogen or the group --COA or AOC--(CF.sub.2).sub.n -- in which A is --OR or --NR'.sub.2, except that at least one of the substituents R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is fluorine, R is hydrogen, lower alkyl or a cation, R' is hydrogen or lower alkyl and n is 1 to 20 and wherein Y is a chiral diphosphine ligand and L is a neutral ligand.

Abstract: A novel process for the manufacture of the furanone of the formula ##STR1## is described. In this process, a diol is firstly reacted with thionyl chloride, then the sulphite formed, optionally after oxidation to the corresponding sulphate, is treated with sodium cyanide and the resulting hydroxynitrile is hydrolyzed.The furanone of formula I can be used as a starting material for the manufacture of R-(-)-pantolactone.

Abstract: Novel ethers of organic compounds containing chiral atoms of the formula ##STR1## wherein A is a hydrocarbonated chain of 1 to 10 groups, the said chain containing one or more heteroatoms, one or more unsaturations, the assembly of the groups constituting the chain may represent a mono- or polycyclic system, including a system of the spiro or endo type, the chain A can contain one or more chiral atoms or the lactone moiety can present a chirality due to the dissymmetric spatial configuration of the whole of the molecule and Z is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary or tertiary alcohol moiety containing at least an asymmetric carbon atom, a phenol moiety substituted comprising at least one asymmetric carbon atom and a substituted alcohol or phenol moiety with a chirality due to the dissymmetric spatial configuration of the whole of the molecule, with the proviso Z is not (R) or (S) .alpha.

Abstract: Dihydro-4,4-dimethylfuran-2,3-dione is prepared by oxidation of racemic dihydro-3-hydroxy-4,4-dimethyl-2(3H)-furanone by a process in which the oxidation is carried out by gradually adding powdered calcium oxide to a solution of racemic dihydro-3-hydroxy-4,4-dimethyl-2(3H)-furanone and chlorine in the inert organic solvent.

Abstract: Pantolactone is extracted from its aqueous solutions using methyl tert.-butyl ether as the extractant.