Abstract: The present invention is directed to a regio-and stereoselective bioconversion of selected aliphatic dinitriles into corresponding cyanocarboxylic acids. More particularly, the present invention provides methods for the conversion of 2-isobutyl-succinonitrile into (S)-3 cyano-5-methylhexanoic acid, which is a useful intermediate in the synthesis of (S)-3(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid (pregabalin). Pregabalin can be used for treating certain cerebral diseases, for example, in the treatment and prevention of seizure disorders, pain, and psychotic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising the reaction of a cyanide with an amino acid and an aldehyde, characterized in that the cyanide is a cyanide salt, the amino acid is aspartic acid and/or glutamic acid in the acidic form, and the process is performed under acidic pH by the addition of between 0 and 1 equivalent of an acid based on the amount of aspartic or glutamic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to titanium catalysts for asymmetric synthesis reactions produced by bringing a reaction mixture obtained by contacting water and a titanium alkoxide into contact with an optically active ligand represented by the general formula (a), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or the like, and A* represents a group with two or more carbon atoms having an asymmetric carbon atom or axial asymmetry. The invention further relates to a process for asymmetric cyanation of imines, wherein the process comprises reacting an imine with a cyanating agent in the presence of the titanium catalyst.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for hydrocyanation of ethylenically unsaturated organic compounds comprising at least a nitrile function. The invention provides a method for hydrocyanation of an ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon compound by reacting in liquid medium the hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal element selected among transition metals and an organophosphorous ligand, characterised in that the organophosphorous ligand is a furylphosphine. The invention is in particular useful for synthesizing adiponitrile from butadiene.

Abstract: There is a significant demand for organic nitriles, based on their versatility in reactions. Compounds prepared from nitriles have properties including superoxide inhibition, ferrielectric liquid crystal dopant, antipicornaviral agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-asthma agents, and fibringoen antagonists. The present invention discloses a facile synthesis for 2,4-dihydroxybenzonitrile, and ethers and diethers thereof, from 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. The present invention also discloses a method of preparing a class of iron chelating agents related to desferrithiocin, all of which contain a thiazoline ring. In this method, 2,4-dihydroxybenzonitrile is condensed with (S)-2-methylcysteine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optically active 4-substituted-2-hydroxybutanoate represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein X is Cl, Br, I or Cn, R is alkyl, and * shows an asymmetric carbon.The compounds which are useful as starting materials for medical agents, are obtained by a process comprising ring-opening optically active .alpha.-hydroxy-.gamma.-butyrolactone and esterifying the compound obtained.

Abstract: A process for preparing an (S,S) or (R,R) diastereoisomer of the formula: ##STR1## or salts, esters or amides thereof, wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or aryl substituted with halogen, alkyl, nitro or alkoxy, and n and m independently represent integers from one to six, comprising combining a cyanide compound of the formula:M.sup.1 C.tbd.N (III)wherein M.sup.1 is hydrogen, trimethylsilyl or a metal, with an optional proton source, a solvent and a Lewis acid of the formula:M.sup.2 X.sub.4, AlCl.sub.3 or BF.sub.3 (IV)wherein M.sup.2 is Sn or Ti and X represents chloro, bromo, fluoro or iodo, with an .alpha.-amino acid compound or salts or esters thereof, followed by addition of an acyl or acetal compound to give the diastereoisomer of formula (X).

Abstract: A process for producing an aromatic compound is disclosed, which comprises coupling an aromatic sulfinic acid or a salt thereof with an aromatic halogen compound having at least one halogen atom attached to the carbon atom of the aromatic nucleus thereof or a vinyl group-containing halogen compound having at least one halogen atom attached to the carbon atom of said vinyl group in the presence of a catalyst compound containing an element selected from platinum metals.

Abstract: 1-Cyano-1-(4-alkylphenyl)alkenes having utility as chemical intermediates, especially in the preparation of ibuprofen and related pharmaceuticals, are prepared by reacting an alkylbenzene with an alkali metal cyanide and an acid halide in the presence of aluminum chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of nitriles having an amine function on the adjacent carbon.