Abstract: A process for preparing 5-substituted-3-furaldehydes which comprises reacting 3-furaldehyde with lithium morpholide, followed by sec-butyl lithium, followed by an electrophile.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline compounds having an optically active .gamma.-lactone ring of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a group selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## n and e are each independently 0 or 1; R.sup.3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is a group of the formula: --(CO).sub.m --R.sup.4 ; m is 0 or 1; R.sup.4 is hydrogen atom or an alkyl having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; and the symbol * is an asymmetric carbon atom, and an intermediate thereof, and process for the production of the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel furanone derivatives, having an aldose reductase-inhibitory activity, of the formula ##STR1## wherein A is a lower alkylene group,R.sup.1 is a carboxy, hydroxy, protected hydroxy or lower alkoxycarbonyl group,R.sup.2 is a hydrogen or halogen atom or a halo (lower) alkyl group, andR.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy, carboxy, lower alkoxy or lower alkoxycarbonyl group.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2-alkyl cyclopent-2-enones having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is as defined hereinafter. An .alpha.-olefin having the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 R is oxidized to the corresponding epoxide. The epoxide is reacted with an alkylating agent having the formula Na.sup.+ [CH(COOR").sub.2 ].sup.-, wherein R" is an ethyl, an isopropyl, or an isobutyl radical. An .alpha.-carbalkoxy-.gamma.-alkyl lactone is obtained, which, through saponification and decarboxylation, yields a .gamma.-alkyl lactone having the formula: ##STR2## which is reacted with a protic acid, thereby obtaining, by cyclization, the desired 2-alkylcyclopent-2-enone. The obtained products are intermediates for the production of pharmaceutical products and of drugs for veterinary use, in particular prostaglandin.

Abstract: Novel methods for preparing polycarboxylic compounds which are useful as metal sequestrants and food acidulants are disclosed. These compounds are aconitic acid and a mixture of aconitic acid, and the lactones of isocitric acid and alloisocitric acid. The compounds can be neutralized to the corresponding salts which, in turn, are metal sequestering agents. The novel methods include chlorination of propane-1,1,2,3-tetracarboxylic tetraesters.

Abstract: The flavoring compositions and flavored comestibles of this invention include alkyl 2,3-dihydro-3(1'-hydroxyalkylidene)-2-oxo-5-alkylfuran-4-carboxylates in amounts capable of significantly enhancing the flavor of the flavoring compositions or flavored comestibles. For example, butterscotch flavors are materially improved in smoothness and certain fruit flavors are given greater richness and ripeness when the carboxylates of this invention are incorporated therein. Similarly, fruit flavored carbonated soft drinks which include the carboxylates possess enhanced flavors.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of the general formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a lower alkoxy group andZ.sup.1 is hydrogen, orR.sup.1 and Z.sup.1 form together a double bond,Z.sup.2 is hydrogen andB is hydroxy, orZ.sup.2 and B form together a double bond,Z.sup.3 and Z.sup.4 each stand for hydrogen or they form together an ethylene group, orZ.sup.4 and D form together a double bond,C is oxygen atom or a lower alkoxy group,D is a valence bond if C stands for oxygen, or otherwise D forms a double bond together with Z.sup.4 or Z.sup.5,Z.sup.5 forms a double bond together with D or represents hydrogen, andR.sup.2 is a group of the general formula --COOR.sup.3, wherein R.sup.3 is lower alkyl, orZ.sup.5 and R.sup.2 form together a 1-oxo-2-oxa-tetramethylene group, with the proviso that if Z.sup.3 and Z.sup.4 form together an ethylene group, R.sup.2 may stand only for a --COOR.sup.3 group,insecticidal compositions containing them, as well as to a process for their preparation.