Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a solid basic catalyst comprising a hydrotalcite structure wherein part at least of the compensating anions are fluoride anions F? for producing Knoevenagel of Michael condensation reactions. The invention also concerns novel solid basic catalysts comprising a hydrotalcite structure characterized by a Mg/Al molar ratio ranging between 2.5 and 3.8 wherein at least part of the compensating anions are fluoride anions F?, and methods for preparing said novel catalysts.

Abstract: An improved method is described for making 9-deoxy-PGF1-type compounds. In contrast to the prior art, the method is stereoselective and requires fewer steps than the known methods for making these compounds.

Abstract: A two step process is described for making 2-alkyl-3-hydroxybenzoic acids or derivatives of benzoic acids by first reacting an allenyl ester or equivalent with furan followed by the ring-opening reaction of the derived bicyclo intermediate with base. The benzoic acids thus prepared are useful intermediates for the preparation of agricultural and pharmaceutical materials.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a Diels-Alder addition product of a conjugated diolefin and acrylonitrile by reacting the conjugated diolefin with acrylonitrile, a vessel type reactor is used. The pressure of the gaseous phase in the reactor is increased by using an inert gas in the reaction. A premixed solution of the conjugated diolefin or a compound which produces the conjugated diolefin in the reactor and acrylonitrile is released through an upper portion of the reactor into the gaseous phase and then dropped into a liquid phase to react. A reaction product is taken out through a lower portion of the reactor. The process can be carried out continuously in a safe manner over an extended period of time without any adhesion of an insoluble polymer to the reactor or to the inlet or outlet pipes, and without sudden pressure fluctuations.

Abstract: The magnesium complexes of cyclic hydrocarbons, such as 1,2-dimethylenecycloalkanes, are readily prepared in high yields using highly reactive magnesium. Reactions of these (2-butene-1,4-diyl)magnesium reagents with electrophiles such as dibromoalkanes, alkylditosylates, or bromoalkylnitriles serve as a convenient method for synthesizing spirocyclic systems. Significantly, spirocarbocycles prepared by thisThe present invention was made with Government support under Contract No. GM35153 awarded by the National Institute of Health. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel monoesters and diesters of 9,10-endoethano-9,10-dihydroanthracene-11,11-dicarboxylic acid.These novel monoesters and diesters correspond to the following structural chemical formula (II): ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and can represent H, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alicyclic group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, defined in their cis or trans variety, or an alkynyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, the said groups optionally being substituted by one or more functional groups such as ether, epoxide, halogeno, cyano, ester, aldehyde, ketone, aryl etc., where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 cannot be H or ethyl simultaneously. These addition products constitute valuable intermediates for the preparation of methylidenemalonates in high yields and with a high purity.