Abstract: Compounds of formula I ##STR1## in conjunction with compounds that donate acid when exposed to actinic radiation, are suitable for use as positive photoresists. In formula I, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or alkaryl, R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 are hydrogen or lower alkyl, X is --O-- or --NR.sup.9 --, where R.sup.9 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl n is 0 or 1, m is 2, 3 or 4 and Q is an organic radical of valency m.The photoresists are suitable for making printing formes, printed circuits, integrated circuits or silver-free photographic films.

Abstract: The invention concerns the novel racemic and laevorotatory optically active forms of the thromboxane A.sub.2 antagonist 5(Z)-7-([ 2,4,5-cis]-4-o-hydroxyphenyl-2-trifluoromethyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)heptenoic acid of formula I, their salts, pharmaceutical compositions, and processes for their manufacture and intermediates therefor. The pharmaceutical agents and their compositions are of value in certain pulmonary and/or vascular disorders.

Abstract: A process for converting 6-carboxy to 6-hydroxymethyl mevinolin analogs and novel intermediates formed in this process are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel group of 4(Z)-([2,4,5-cis]-2,4-diphenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)hexenoic acids of formula I, wherein X is F, Cl, Br, CF.sub.3, CN, CH.sub.3 O or NO.sub.2 and one of Y and Z is hydrogen or fluoro and the other is hydrogen, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts; together with their pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating a variety of disease conditions. Also provided are methods for the manufacture of novel compounds. Representative compounds are those in which X is 2-cyano or 2-chloro and Y and Z are both hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel 1,3-dioxane ethers of the formula I, wherein R.sup.1 includes alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl and phenyalkyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 include hydrogen and alkyl, n is 1 or 2, m is 2, 3 or 4, p is zero, 1 or 2, and Z is carboxy or 1(H)-tetrazol-5-yl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use in conjunction with their pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment of certain pulmonary and/or vascular disorders. The invention also describes various processes and intermediates for the manufacture of the novel compounds.

Abstract: Described herein are novel monomers, polyketals derived from such monomer, improved process for the production of such monomers and a process for producing the polyketals.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel group of 4(Z)-6-([2,4,5-cis]-2-alkyl-4-o-hydroxyphenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)hexenoic acids of formula I wherein R is branched alkyl of 3-5 carbon atoms and one of X and Y is hydrogen or fluoro and the other is hydrogen, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts; together with their pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating a variety of disease conditions. Also provided are methods for the manufacture of the novel compounds. A representative compound is that in which R is t-butyl ans X and Y are both hydrogen.

Abstract: Certain tellurium compounds have been found to have the ability to stimulate the in vivo and in vitro production of cytokines and their receptors. These compounds may be utilized in the treatment of certain tumors, autoimmune diseases, immune diseases and infectious diseases.

Abstract: Polysaccharide esters containing aldehyde and acetal groups having the structural formulas ##STR1## are prepared by reacting a polysaccharide, such as a starch, gum, or cellulose, with an acetal-containing reagent which contains a functional group reactive with the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide; Z is a multivalent organic group: A and A' are independently a lower alkyl or together form at least a 5-membered cyclic acetal; x is at least 1; and y is at least 1. When x is >1 the esters are crosslinked. Typical reagents for introducing the acetal group include 3,3-diethoxypropionyl guanidine (itself a novel compound) and 4-(methylaminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal)-4-oxo-butanoic acid). The derivatives are useful in conventional applications such as coatings, adhesives, paper additives and foodstuffs.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel 4-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-ylalkenoic acid derivatives of the formula I having cis relative stereochemistry at positions 4 and 5 of the dioxane ring and wherein Ra and Rb are variously hydrogen, alkyl, halogenoalkyl, alkenyl, and optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl, Rc is hydroxy, alkoxy or alkanesulphonamido, n is 1 or 2, A is ethylene or vinylene, Y is (2-5C)polymethylene optionally substituted by alkyl, and benzene ring B is optionally substituted phenyl, or, when Rc is hydroxy, a salt thereof. The acid derivatives antagonize one or more of the actions of thromboxane A.sub.2 (TXA.sub.2) and are expected to be of value in those disease conditions in which TXA.sub.2 is involved. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing an acid derivative of formula I, and processes for their chemical production.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I ##STR1## in conjunction with compounds that donate acid when exposed to actinic radiation, are suitable for use as positive photoresists. In formula I, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or alkaryl, R.sup.3 to R.sup.8 are hydrogen or lower alkyl, X is --O-- or --NR.sup.9 --, where R.sup.9 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, n is 0 or 1, m is 2, 3 or 4 and Q is an organic radical of valency m.The photoresists are suitable for making printing forms, printed circuits, integrated circuits or silver-free photographic films.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel process for making novel (4-phenyl-1,3,-dioxan-cis-5-yl)alkenoic acids of the formula I in which Ra and Rb are independently hydrogen, alkenyl, alkyl, halogenoalkyl, pentafluorophenyl, aryl or aryl-(1-4C)alkyl; or Ra and Rb together are polymethylene; Rc is hydroxy or (1-6C)alkanesulphonamido, A is vinylene, n is 1, Y is polymethylene, and benzene ring B bears various optional substituents. The process involves the reaction of an aldehyde of formula II with an ylid to give an erythro-diol of formula III which is then cyclized to the required dioxane derivative of formula I. The invention also provides a novel process for making the aldehydes of formula II from the corresponding lactols of formula IIa, which are themselves obtained with the correct trans-stereochemistry by two selective reductions of a trans-phenylparaconic acid of formula V. The compounds of formula I are useful as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline mixtures containing compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein n stands for the number 0 or 1; X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 denote single covalent bonds or one of the symbols X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 also denotes --COO--, --OOC-- or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --; the rings A.sup.1, A.sup.2 and A.sup.3 represent 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or one of these rings also represents a 2,5-disubstituted pyrimidine ring or a trans-2,5-disubstituted m-dioxane ring; R.sup.1 signifies 4-alkenyl or on a cyclohexyl ring also 2Z-alkenyl; and R.sup.2 denotes alkyl, alkoxy, --CN or --NCS,as well as the manufacture of these compounds and the use for electro-optical purposes are described.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --Z.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --R.sup.2 IwhereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each H, an alkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy or alkoxycarbonyl group with in each case 1-10 C atoms, F, Cl, Br, CN or R.sup.3 --A.sup.3 --Z.sup.2 --,A.sup.1 is --A--, --A.sup.4 --A--or --A--A.sup.4 --,A is a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or a 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl group,A.sup.2, A.sup.3 are each a 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl,and A.sup.4 1,3-dithiane-2,5-diyl, piperidine-1,4-diyl or 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group, or a 1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl or pyridazine-3,6-diyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or two F and/or Cl atoms and/or CH.sub.3 groups and/or CN groups,Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are each --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O or a single bond andR.sup.3 is H, an alkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy or alkoxycarbonyl group with in each case 1-10 C atoms, F, Cl, Br or CN, with the proviso that(a) at least one group A.sup.2, A.sup.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel 1,3-dioxan-4-yl-alkenoic and alkanoic acids of formula I wherein Ra is (1-6C)alkyl, halogeno-(1-6C)alkyl, Rb is hydrogen or as Ra, or Ra and Rb together form (2-5C)polymethylene or (2-4C)oxypolymethylene, n is 2, 3 or 4, A is vinylene or ethylene, benzene ring B optionally bears a single substituent and the substituents at positions 4 and 5 of the dioxane ring have trans-relative stereochemistry; together with pharmaceutically acceptable salts, (1-6C)-alkyl esters and (1-6C)alkanesulphonamides thereof. The compounds of formula I are antagonists of thromboxane A.sub.2 and are of value in treating a variety of disease conditions. The invention also provides processes for the manufacture of, and pharmaceutical compostions of, the compounds of formula I.

Abstract: This invention describes UV-stabilized step growth polymers such as polyesters, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, and combinations thereof. The UV-stabilizing moieties present in these polymers comprise chemically bound, pendant ortho-hydroxydiphenyl ketone based moieties. The polymers are especially useful as protective films and fibers which are highly resistant to ultraviolet (UV) and sunlight degradation.

Abstract: A novel liquid crystal compound suitable to use as a component of liquid crystal dielectrics and a liquid crystal composition containing the same are provided, which compound is a dihalogeno-aromatic compound expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl group or an alkoxy group, each of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or an alkoxymethyl group of 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or straight-chain alkyl; R.sup.2 is --CN, --R, --COR, --COOR or when R.sup.2 is positioned on an aromatic ring R.sup.2 also can be --OR, --OOCR or --F; R is alkyl; A is a group with 1 to 4 six-membered rings, these rings being linked directly with one another and with ring B in each case via a single covalent bond or being linked at one or two positions also via --COO--, --OOC-- or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel [(4-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-cis-5-yl)alkyl]phenylalkanoic acids of the formula I wherein Ra and Rb are a variety of substituents including alkyl, alkenyl, halogenoalkyl, phenyl and benzyl, or together form polymethylene; Rc is hydroxy, alkoxy or alkanesulphonamido; A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are polymethylene; X is oxygen, sulphur or a direct bond; and benzene ring A bears a variety of substituents; and, when Rc is hydroxy, the physiologically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of formula I are thromboxane antagonists of value in treating a variety of disease conditions. The invention also provides processes for the manufacture of, and pharmaceutical compositions of, the compounds of formula I.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of cyclopropane carboxylic acid derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of --CN, --COOH and --COOR.sub.1, R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbon homocycle of 3 to 6 carbon atoms comprising reacting at low temperatures in a solvent in the presence of a strong base a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein Z has the above definitions and R is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or together form a polymethylene of 2 to 3 carbon atoms with a sulfone of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 have the above definitions and Y is an aromatic group followed by aqueous treatment to obtain a compound of the formula ##STR4## wherein Y, R, R.sub.2, R.sub.

Abstract: Compounds of the formulaR.sup.1 --Q.sup.1 --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(COO).sub.n --(CH.sub.2).sub.p --Q.sup.2 --R.sup.2whereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently alkyl or alkoxy each of 1-12 C atoms, F, Cl, Br, CN or --Q.sup.3 --R.sup.3, or one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can also be H;Q.sup.1, Q.sup.2 and Q.sup.3 are each independently 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)-octylene or 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, each of which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1-4 fluorine, chlorine or bromine atoms;R.sup.3 is alkyl or alkoxy each of 1-8 C atoms, H, F, Cl, Br or CN;m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; n is 0 or 1; and p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; the sum of (m+p) being 2, 4 or 6 and the sum of (m+n+p) being at least 3;but with the proviso that Q.sup.3 is unsubstituted 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-phenylene substituted by a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom, only when n=1 or (m+p)=6 or at least one of R.sup.1 or R.sup.3 is F, Cl or Br or none of R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is CN or two of the radicals R.sup.1 to R.sup.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline mixtures containing compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein n stands for the number 0 or 1; X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 denote single covalent bonds or one of the symbols X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 also denotes --COO--, --OOC-- or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --; the rings A.sup.1, A.sup.2, and A.sup.3 represent 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or one of these rings also represents a 2,5-disubstituted pyrimidine ring or a trans-2,5-disubstituted m-dioxane ring; R.sup.1 signifies 4-alkenyl or on a cyclohexyl ring also 2Z-alkenyl; and R.sup.2 denotes alkyl, alkoxy, --CN or --NCS,as well as the manufacture of these compounds and the use for electro-optical purposes are described.

Abstract: Bicyclohexyl derivatives of formula IR.sup.1 --Cy--Cy--X--Y IwhereinX is --CO--O-- or --O--CO--,Y is alkyl or perfluoroalkyl in each case of 1-8 C atoms, --Cy--Cy--R.sup.2, --Cy--Ph--R.sup.2, --Ph--Cy--R.sup.2, --Ph--Ph--R.sup.2 or --Ph--Dio--R.sup.2,Cy is 1,4-cyclohexylene,Ph is 1,4-phenylene,Dio is 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl andR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each alkyl or alkoxy in each case of 1-8 C atoms,can be used as components of liquid crystal dielectrics.

Abstract: Novel polyprenyl compounds have the general formula: ##STR1## represents a cis-isoprene unit, n is an integer of 11-19, Z.sup.1 is --CH.sub.2 OH or a functional precursor thereof, and either one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom and the other is --S(O).sub.m R.sup.3 in which m is an integer of 0 (zero), 1 or 2 and R.sup.3 is a phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl or thiazolinyl group or such group substituted with at least one lower alkyl and/or halogen substituent. The topic novel polyprenyl compounds can be synthesized from derivatives of the polyprenol which is obtainable from leaves of Ginkgo biloba or Cedrus deodara, among others, by extraction, if necessary followed by hydrolytic treatment. The novel polyprenyl compounds can be converted to mammalian dolichols or precursors thereof by reductive elimination of the --S(O).sub.m R.sup.3 group.

Abstract: New decalin-carbonitriles of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl group with 1-10 C atoms, it being possible for up to two CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by O atoms, Z is --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --O--CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O-- or a single bond, A is 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl or a single bond, and R.sup.2 is an alkyl group with 1 to 10 C atoms, it being possible for up to two CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by O atoms, or is F, Cl, Br, CN, --O--COR.sup.3 or --COOR.sup.3, or, if at least one of the groups Z and A is not a single bond, can also be H and R.sup.3 is alkyl of 1 to 6 C atoms, and the acid addition salts of basic compounds of this type, are suitable for use as components of liquid crystal dielectrics.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel 4-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-ylalkenoic acid derivatives of the formula I having cis relative stereochemistry at positions 4 and 5 of the dioxane ring and wherein Ra and Rb are variously hydrogen, alkyl, halogenoalkyl, alkenyl, and optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl, Rc is hydroxy, alkoxy or alkanesulphonamido, n is 1 or 2, A is ethylene or vinylene, Y is (2-5C)polymethylene optionally substituted by alkyl, and benzene ring B is optionally substituted phenyl, or, when Rc is hydroxy, a salt thereof. The acid derivatives antagonize one or more of the actions of thromboxane A.sub.2 (TXA.sub.2) and are expected to be of value in those disease conditions in which TXA.sub.2 is involved. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing an acid derivative of formula I, and processes for their chemical production.

Abstract: Liquid crystal substituted 1,3-dioxanes and mixtures containing the same.The invention relates to liquid crystal substituted 1,3-dioxanes and substances containing the same, for electro-optical arrays for the modulation of incident or transmitted light as well as for the reproduction of figures, symbols and images.The object of the invention is nematic liquid-crystal substances with favorable properties with respect to melting and clear points, stability toward thermal stress, effect of light, chemicals and electric fields as well as loss of color and processes for their production.The object is accomplished by the creation of new nematic liquid-crystal substances.According to the invention, liquid crystal 2,5-disubstituted derivatives of 1,3-dioxane of the general formula ##STR1## are proposed, wherein ##STR2## The new substances may be used in mixtures containing at least one of the substances according to the invention.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which A is C.sub.2-12 -alkenyl, C.sub.4-8 -cycloalkenyl or a grouping--C(R).dbd.C(R')--Y and Y, R, R', R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.3 ' are as defined in patent claim 1, can be prepared in high yields in a simple and economical manner by reacting corresponding bromobenzenes or iodobenzenes with a compound HA in the presence of an alkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 1-12 C atoms or benzoic acid, of a cyclic or N,N-disubstituted amide as the solvent, particularly N,N-dimethylformamide, and of a palladium compound which can, if desired, contain arsenic or phosphorus, as the catalyst.

Abstract: New polyhalogenoaromatic compounds of Formula I ##STR1## wherein Y and Z are each independently alkyl, alkoxy or alkanoyl each of 1 to 12 C atoms, --COOR.sup.1, --O--CO--R.sup.1, CN, NO.sub.2, NH.sub.2 or OH;Q is one or two identical or different radicals selected from Ph, Cy, 1,4-bicyclo[2,2,2]octylene or 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl;X.sup.1 to X.sup.4 are each independently H, F, Cl or Br;R.sup.1 is alkyl of 1 to 4 C atoms, Ph--R.sup.2 or Cy--R.sup.2 ;R.sup.2 is alkyl or alkoxy each of 1-12 C atoms or CN;Ph is 1,4-phenylene; and Cy is 1,4-cyclohexylene,can be used as components of liquid-crystal dielectrics.

Abstract: .omega.,.omega.-Diacyloxy-2,6-dimethyl-octatrienoates and -octatrienals, as novel bifunctional asymmetric C.sub.10 building blocks for terpene syntheses, which possess a formyl or alkoxycarbonyl group at one chain end and 2 geminal acyloxy groups at the other, and a process for their preparation from readily obtainable industrial C.sub.5 building blocks and their use for the synthesis of terpene compounds by carbonyl olefination under conventional conditions.

Abstract: Acetal glycol diacrylates of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents H or CH.sub.3 and R.sub.2 represents CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or C.sub.3 H.sub.7,and a process for producing them are provided.

Abstract: Esters of monoacetals of pentaerythritol. The monoacetals result from the reaction of a 4-hydroxyphenylpropionaldehyde and pentaerythritol, and the further reaction of this monoacetal with either of two particular acid chlorides yields the esters of the invention. These esters are useful, in small proportions, to stabilize polymer compositions, especially olefin polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid crystal nematic substances based on new derivatives of 1,3-dioxanes in electro-optical components, which are used, for instance, as displays in electronic clocks and computer systems.The subject of the invention is nematic liquid crystal substances with favorable properties concerning melting and clear temperatures, stability against thermal stress and electrical fields, low viscosity and low threshold voltage.It was found that liquid crystal 2,5-di-substituted cyclohexyl derivatives of 1,3 dioxanes, having the general formula ##STR1## R.sup.1 =C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 ; C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 O; C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 COO; CN; NO.sub.2 ; F; Cl; Brand R.sup.2 =C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 with n+1 to 9are suitable for use in electro-optical components.

Abstract: Processes for preparing isomerically pure 3-methylthiophene-2-carboxaldehyde, an intermediate for synthesis of anthelmintic agents, by reaction of mercaptoacetaldehyde or the dimer, or a polymer thereof, or a dialkylacetal thereof in the presence of a base with (1) methyl vinyl ketone or an alpha- or beta-oxidized derivative of methyl vinyl ketone to form a 3-oxobutylmercaptoacetaldehyde or dialkyl acetal thereof, or an alpha- or beta-substituted derivative thereof which is then converted to 3-methylthiophene-2-carboxaldehyde via appropriate steps including, if necessary, treatment with acid, followed, if necessary, by enamine catalyzed cyclization and, in the case of using methyl vinyl ketone as reactant, a dehydrogenation step; or (2) 3-butyn-2-one to produce a mixture of isomeric 3-oxobut-1-enylmercaptoacetaldehyde or dialkyl acetals thereof which is cyclized to 3-methylthiophene-2-carboxaldehyde.

Abstract: Pentaerythritol retinoates and monobenzal acetals thereof such as (E)-2.sub..alpha. -phenyl-5.sub..alpha. -hydroxy-methyl-5.sub..beta. -retinoyloxymethyl-1,3-dioxane, (E)-2.sub..alpha. -phenyl-5.sub..beta. -hydroxymethyl-5.sub..alpha. -retinoyloxymethyl-1,3-dioxane, and pentaerythritol monoretinoate are disclosed. These retinoids are useful as chemopreventive agents and as therapeutic agents for treating nonmalignant skin disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and X is a dioxane, cyclohexane, or benzene ring. The compounds of the invention are suitable as liquid crystal materials in electrooptical displays. Specifically, when added to nematic liquid crystals, these compounds provide an increase in the positive dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal composition.

Abstract: A novel nematic liquid crystalline composition is provided. A novel liquid crystalline chiral compound, (+)5-(2-methyl) butyl-2(4-cyanophenyl)-1, 3-dioxane, is also provided. When admixed together, these novel components form a phase-change cholesteric liquid crystalline composition which is highly useful as the host medium in a guest-host electrooptical display as a result of its low electrical threshold and optical saturation voltages, steep saturation curve, relatively low optical birefringence, low viscosity and broad liquid crystalline mesomorphic range.The host medium in conjunction with a suitable pleochroic dye provides an improved guest-host composition which exhibits a contrast of greater than 3:1 in certain displays, especially those having liquid crystal alignment layer means providing a moderate tilt angle of 10.degree.-40.degree. at the substrate/guest-host composition interface.

Abstract: Prostanoic acid derivatives represented by the general formula: ##STR1## in which X represents hydrogen or hydroxy, X.sub.1 represents hydrogen or X and X.sub.1, when they are taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, represent a carbonyl group and Z represents hydrogen or hydroxy and pharmaceutically acceptable alkali metal salts thereof.They can be used as bronchodilators and/or inhibitors of blood-platelet aggregation.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which p, m, Z, R, R' and Y are as defined in claim 1, can be obtained in a simple and economical manner by a novel process which comprises reacting a halide of the formula ##STR2## with the corresponding acrylic acid derivative, in the presence of a base and of certain palladium catalysts, such as palladium acetate. The compounds (I), and functional derivatives prepared therefrom, are useful for the preparation of photocrosslinkable polymers, which can in particular be employed as (so-called) photoresists.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 6-membered cyclic acetals of trans-4-chloro-3-methyl-but-2-en-1-al by reacting the corresponding acetals of 3-methyl-but-2-en-1-al (prenal), in a halohydrocarbon, with sulfuryl chloride and for their subsequent oxidation to trans-3-methyl-but-2-ene-1,4-dial-1-monoacetals (3-methyl-fumarodialdehyde-1-monoacetals). The trans-3-methyl-but-2-ene-1,4-dial-1-monoacetals are of great importance in terpene syntheses, since they make it possible to carry out successive Wittig reactions giving a very large number of compounds of biological and pharmacological importance.