Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing an optical active alkoxybenzonitrile derivative in which process a benzonitrile derivative is subjected to condensation reaction with an optical active alcohol.A process is also disclosed for producing an optical active alkoxy benzoic acid derivative in which process a benzonitrile derivative is subjected to condensation reaction with an optical active alcohol and the reaction product thus derived is hydrolyzed.In these processes conversion of an optical active alcohol to tosylate or halide is not required and thus it is possible to produces producing an optical active alkoxybenzonitrile derivative and an optical active alkoxy benzoic acid derivative in a simple and inexpensive manner.

Abstract: Pesticidal 1,4-diaryl-2-fluoro-2-butene compounds having the structural formula I ##STR1## and compositions and methods comprising those compounds for the control of insect and acarid pests.

Abstract: A method or composition for dyeing keratinous fibres using as an oxidation dye precursor a 3-substituted para-aminophenol of formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 represents alkyl, alkenyl, mono- or polyhydroxyalkyl, cyano, cyanoalkyl, halogenoalkyl, aminoalkyl or alkoxyalkyl and R.sub.2 represents hydrogen, alkyl or mono- or polyhydroxyalkyl, provided that when R.sub.2 is hydrogen R.sub.1 is not methyl or trifluoromethyl, and addition salts thereof with an acid.

Abstract: Nucleophilic substitution reactions on halobenzenes or triflyl substituted benzenes are carried out in the presence of catalysts. In particular the present invention provides a process leading to optionally substituted hydroxybenzoic, alkanoyloxybenzoic, formyloxybenzoic and alkoxybenzoic acids and optionally substituted hydroxybenzonitriles and alkoxybenzonitriles from substituted 2,6-dihalobenzenes, 2-halo-6-triflylbenzene and 2,6-ditriflylbenzenes.

Abstract: The present invention provides dihalopropene compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl or the like; L is C(.dbd.O)NH or the like; R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently halogen or the like; R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are independently hydrogen or the like; m is an integer of 0 to 4; n is an integer of 0 to 2; X is chlorine or the like; Y is oxygen or the like; and Z is oxygen or the like, which have excellent insecticidal activity so that they are satisfactorily effective for the control of noxious insects.

Abstract: Nucleophilic substitution reactions on halobenzenes are carried out in the presence of catalysts. In particular the present invention provides a process leading to optionally substituted hydroxybenzoic and alkoxybenzoic acids and optionally substituted hydroxybenzonitriles and alkoxybenzonitriles from substituted 2,6-dihalobenzenes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of substituted 3-amninobenzonitriles, which comprises reacting the appropriate substituted 3-aminochlorobenzene with a cyano-donating reagent, and to the compounds thereby produced. The compounds are intermediates, which after further reaction, produce 1,2,3-benzothiadiazole-derivatives having plant immunizing properties.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aryl ether compound is provided in which an alcohol is reacted with an aromatic compound in the presence of a base, and a transition metal catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum and nickel to form an aryl ether. The aromatic compound comprises an activated substituent, X, said activated substituent being a moiety such that its conjugate acid HX has a pKa of less than 5.0. The catalyst is preferably a soluble palladium complex in the presence of supporting ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrially advantageous process for the preparation of an optically active 2-halo-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol useful as medicines, agricultural chemicals or as intermediates thereof; and a simple process for the preparation of an optically active substituted styrene oxide or 2-amino-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol useful as medicines, agricultural chemicals or intermediates thereof. A 2-halo-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol represented by the following general formula (I) is allowed to contact, in the presence of a carboxylic anhydride, with an enzyme stereoselectively catalyzing ester interchange to produce an optically active 2-halo-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol: ##STR1## (wherein X represents a chlorine atom or a bromine atom, and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C.sub.1-5 alkyl group, a C.sub.1-5 haloalkyl group, a C.sub.

Abstract: Benzene derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## in which n is 1 to 7, Q is --CO or --(CH.sub.2).sub.r -- where r is 1 to 5, s is 0, 1 or 2, t is 0 or 1, where s+t.gtoreq.1, X is F, Cl, --CF.sub.3, --CN, --OCF.sub.3 or --OCHF.sub.2, and Y, L and Z are each, independently of one another, H or F.

Abstract: Cycolpentadiene derivative compounds, and an electrophotographic photoconductor comprising one cyclopentadiene derivative compound are disclosed. The cyclopentadiene derivative compounds are novel and useful for use in a photoconductive layer, and readily soluble in a binder resin. The electrophotographic photoconductor can be prepared by using a simple, effective production method. The electrophotographic photoconductor comprising one cyclopentadiene derivative compound provides a good light sensitivity and high durability.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein the substituents X, Y and Z have the meaning given in the description, by reaction of compounds of the formula ##STR2## with a cyanide and an oxidizing agent other than Br.sub.2 in the presence of halides which offers industrial hygiene advantages and renders possible large-scale industrial access to dyestuff syntheses has been found.

Abstract: Novel farnesyl derivatives which are inhibitors of the prenylated protein thyltransferase enzyme, and useful as anti-cancer drugs, have the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents farnesyl, geranyl or geranyl-geranyl;Z represents C--R.sup.6 or N;R.sup.2 represents H, CN, the groups COOR.sup.7, SO.sub.3 R.sup.7, CONR.sup.7 R.sup.8 and SO.sub.2 NR.sup.7 R.sup.7, wherein R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, and the groups COOM and SO.sub.3 M, wherein M is a cation;R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each independently hydrogen, carboxyl, alkyl, alkenyl, aminoalkyl, nitroalkyl, nitro, halo, amino, mono- or di-alkylamino, mercapto, mercaptoalkyl, azido, or thiocyanato;X represents O, S, SO, SO.sub.2, NH or Se; and the quaternary ammonium salts and N-oxides of the compounds of formula I wherein Z is N.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure: Diphenylheteroalkyl derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## where A and R.sup.1 -R.sup.6 have the meanings specified in the description, and the preparation thereof are described.The substances are suitable for controlling diseases and as cosmetic agents.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are herein described, A is a straight or branched (C.sub.2 -C.sub.12)alkyl or a phenyl moiety and B is a moiety of the formula: ##STR2## The compounds are effective in potentiating the activity of chemotherapeutic anti-cancer agents by increasing the sensitivity of multi-drug resistant cells to such chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to biphenyl derivatives of general formula ##STR1## wherein A to E and X are defined as in claim 1, the stereoisomers thereof, including their mixtures and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids or bases, which have valuable properties, preferably aggregation-inhibiting effects, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and processes for preparing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a substituted 2-amino-benz[cd]indole of the Formula I: ##STR1## The nitro group of a substituted 1-nitro-8-cyano-naphthalene compound is reduced to an amine group to form a substituted 1-amino-8-cyano-naphthalene compound, which is cyclized to form the substituted 2-amino-benz[cd]indole. The reduction and cyclization may be effected in a one-pot procedure using a reducing agent such as stannous chloride, which generates an acid that cyclizes the reduction product. The syntheses of the 1-nitro-8-cyano-naphthalene compound and its precursors are also described.

Abstract: New compounds having the general formula I ##STR1## wherein L may be H or D; Y may be CN or ##STR2## wherein A may be H, D, alkyl with 1-4 carbon atoms, OR wherein R is H or alkyl with 1-4 carbon atoms, or CR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and are H or alkyl with 1-4 carbon atoms; Z is H, D, Y or alkyl with 1-4 C-atoms, halogen, nitro, amino, monoalkyl amino or dialkyl amino wherein the alkyl groups have 1-4 C atoms, or OR wherein R may be H or alkyl with 1-4 C-atoms, or CR.sub.4 R.sub.5 R.sub.6 wherein R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 may be the same or different and may be H or F; X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 may be the same or different and may be OR, NR.sub.1 R.sub.2 or SR, wherein R, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be the same or different and may be alkyl having 1-22 carbon atoms which may be branched or straight chained and/or may be further substituted; or X.sub.1 and X.sub.

Abstract: Diphenylheteroalkyl derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## where A and R.sup.1 -R.sup.6 have the meanings specified in the description, and the preparation thereof are described.The substances are suitable for controlling diseases and as cosmetic agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are contrast agents of the formula ##STR1## wherein Z is H, halo, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, where the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups can be substituted with halogen or halo-lower-alkyl groups;R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.25 alkyl, cycloalkyl, ##STR2## or halo-lower-alkyl; each of which may be optionally substituted with halo, fluoro-lower-alkyl, aryl, lower-alkoxy, hydroxy, carboxy, lower-alkoxy carbonyl or lower-alkoxy-carbonyloxy;(CR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.p --(CR.sub.3 .dbd.CR.sub.4).sub.m Q, or (CR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.p --C.tbd.C--Q;R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently H or lower-alkyl, optionally substituted with halo;x is 1-4;n is 1-4;m is 1-15;p is 1-20; andQ is H, lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl, lower-alkynyl, lower-alkylene, aryl, or aryl-lower alkyl;in an aqueous, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprising a cellulose derivative.

Abstract: A novel liquid crystal material having a carbon chain containing a conjugated diene as a terminal substituent of the molecule and exhibiting superior characteristics is provided, which is a diene derivative expressed by the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R and R' each independently represent 1-5C alkyl; A and B each independently represent 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; n is 0 or 1; m is an integer of 0 to 2; X and X' each independently represent H atom or F atom when A is 1,4-phenylene or represent H atom when A is 1,4-cyclohexylene; Y is alkyl, halogen or CN, alkoxy, methyl group substituted by 1-3 halogen atoms or trihaloalkoxy when A is 1,4-phenylene, or represent alkyl, alkoxy, methyl group substituted by 1-3 halogen atoms or trihaloalkoxy when A is 1,4-cyclohexylene; and R and R' are not simultaneously alkyl chain of 4 or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: A fuel additive having the formula: ##STR1## where A.sub.1 is a thioether, a sulfoxide, a sulfone, a sulfonic acid, a sulfonamide, a nitrile, a carboxylic acid or ester, or a carboxamide; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkyl, or lower alkoxy; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl and each R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is independently selected in each --O--CHR.sub.3 --CHR.sub.4 -- unit; R.sub.5 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 100 carbon atoms, phenyl, aralkyl having 7 to 100 carbon atoms or alkaryl having 7 to 100 carbon atoms, or an acyl group of the formula: ##STR2## where R.sub.6 is alkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, phenyl, aralkyl having 7 to 36 carbon atoms or alkaryl having 7 to 36 carbon atoms; n is an integer from 5 to 100; and x is an integer from 0 to 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing (E)-alkoxyiminoacetamide compounds useful as agricultural fungicides and a process for producing (E)-hydroxyiminoacetamide compounds useful as intermediates for producing them. The present invention also relates to an industrial process for producing (E)-methoxyiminoacetamide compounds useful as agricultural fungicides. This process is advantageous in terms of the cost, safety and the like.

Abstract: Competitive progesterone antagonists, including two novel steroids, viz., 11.beta.,19-[4-(cyanophenyl)-o-phenylene]-17.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-(3-hy droxyprop-1(Z)-enyl)-4-androsten-3-one and 11.beta.,19-[4-(3-pyridinyl)-o-phenylene]-17.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-(3-hy droxyprop-1(Z)-enyl)-4-androsten-3-one, inhibit formation of endometrial glands at below their ovulation inhibiting dose and the abortive dose, and thus achieve oral contraception in females without adversely affecting the menstrual cycle and without risk of aborting a previous implanted fertilized egg or a fetus.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aromatic compounds of the general formula I,Ar--X Iin which Ar represents an optionally substituted aryl group and X represents a group OH, Cl, Br or CN, by reaction of an aryl diazoniumsalt of the formula II,Ar--N.dbd.N.sup.+ Y.sup.- IIin which Ar is as defined above and Y represents a suitable counterion, with water, hydrogen chloride or a salt thereof, hydrogen bromide or a salt thereof, or a cyanide in the presence of a copper(I)salt, characterized in that the copper(I)salt is a copper(I)salt derived from an hydroxy carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Angiotensin II inhibition is exhibited by ##STR1## wherein: X is --CH.sub.2 -- or O;R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or cycloalkylalkyl;R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently O or absent;R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, or haloalkoxy;R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, --R.sup.8 --OH, or --R.sup.8 CO.sub.2 R.sup.9 ;and the remaining symbols are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Compounds having non-linear optical activity of the general formula ##STR1## wherein D and A are electron donor and acceptor groups, respectively, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are aromatic bridging groups, X and Y are preferably groups capable of partaking in polymerization reactions are suitable for use in polymer-based light modulator devices.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein Z.dbd.H, halo, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, wherein thealkyl and cycloalkyl groups can be substituted with halogen or halo-lower-alkyl groups;R.dbd.C.sub.1 -C.sub.25 alkyl, cycloalkyl, ##STR2## or halo-lower-alkyl; each of which may be optionally substituted with halo, fluoro-lower-alkyl, aryl, lower-alkoxy, hydroxy, carboxy, lower-alkoxy carbonyl or lower-alkoxy-carbonyloxy, (CR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.p -(CR.sub.3 .dbd.CR.sub.4).sub.m Q, or (CR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.p --C.tbd.C-Q;R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently H, or lower-alkyl, optionally substituted with halo;x is 1-4;n is [1-5]1-4;m is 1-15;p is 1-20; andQ is H, lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl, lower-alkynyl, lower-alkylene, aryl, these compounds are useful as X-ray contrast agents or aryl-lower alkyl.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel unsymmetrical dithiol ketals which are useful in the treatment or prevention of hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, and atherosclerosis.

Abstract: An organic material for non-linear optics, in which the structure of the molecule includes an electron donor group and an electron attractor group connected by means of an electron-transmitting group, the material being characterized by the fact that it satisfies the formula: ##STR1## where R is selected from (CH.sub.3).sub.2 N and CH.sub.3 O, with the first material being dimethylamino 4, cyano 4' biphenyl and the second being methoxy 4, cyano 4' biphenyl.

Abstract: A cyano-substituted compound containing an ether bond is described, which is represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a straight-chain alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; X represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; n represents an integer of 2 to 8; m represents 1 or 2; and the cyclohexane ring is arranged at a trans-configuration.

Abstract: R=C.sub.1 -C.sub.25 alkyl, cycloalkyl, ##STR2## or halo-lower-alkyl, each of which may be optionally substituted with halo, fluoro-lower-alkyl, aryl, lower-alkoxy, hydroxy, carboxy, lower-alkoxy carbonyl or lower-alkoxy-carbonyloxy, (CR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.p --(CR.sub.3 =CR.sub.4).sub.m Q ,or (CR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.p --C.tbd.C--Q;R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently H, or lower-alkyl, optionally substituted with halo;x is 1-4;n is 1-4;m is 1-15;p is 1-20; andQ is H, lower-alkyl, lower-alkenyl, lower-alkynyl, lower-alkylene, aryl, or aryl-lower alkylThese compounds are combined in a polymer for use as an X-ray contrast agent.

Abstract: N,N'-disubstituted-amidines, e.g., of the formula ##STR1## wherein R, R' and R" are substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon and/or heterocyclic groups.Methods are provided for the treatment or prophylaxis of anxiety in an animal, for treating psychosis, and for treating hypertension by administering an effective amount of an N,N'-disubstituted amidine which, preferably, has a high affinity for the sigma receptor.

Abstract: Catechol compounds of formula I ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and X are as described herein are effective Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors.

Abstract: Novel diarylacetylenes of the formula I ##STR1## where A, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 have the meanings stated in the description, are useful for the treatment of disorders.

Abstract: A method of enantiomerically enriching chiral cyanohydrins is disclosed that involves selective cleavage of the unwanted enantiomer into its cleavage products HCN and the corresponding aldehyde or ketone by use of an enantioselective dehydrocyanation catalyst, coupled with simultaneous removal of at least one of the dehydrocyanation products.

Abstract: 9.alpha.-Hydroxy-19,11.beta.-bridged steroids of general formula I ##STR1## are described. The more detailed meaning of A, B, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, G, Z, R.sup.4 --Y and R.sup.4' --Y' follows from the description. The steroids of general formula I have antigestagen and/or antiglucocorticoidal action and can be used for the production of pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which R is the group --OC.sub.m H.sub.2mn R.sub.1 and M is two H or is Cu or Ni, R.sub.1 is --OH, --Cl, --Br, C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 alkoxy or --OC(O)R.sub.2, m is an integer from 2 to 6 and n is a number from 1 to 20, and R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 arylmethyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl.The compounds are dyes and IR absorbers and can be used for optical information storage systems employing diode lasers.

Abstract: A compound and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound are provided, which compound, when added to a nematic liquid crystal composition, increases the dielectric anisotropy value, lowers its threshold voltage and raises the ratios of elastic constants and hence makes steep the voltage-transmittance characteristic,which compound is an alkenyl ether compound expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein R is a 2-8C alkyl group having a double bond at its end or a double bond of trans configuration at an optional position and n is 0 to 4.

Abstract: A region-specific monofunctionalization of a phenolic hydroxy onto a polyphenol for the preparation of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 8 carbon atoms, --CN, formyl, carboxy, alkoxy carbonyl of up to 9 carbon atoms, aralkoxy carbonyl or up to 12 carbon atoms and halogen and R' is a hydroxy protective group comprising reacting a polyphenol of the formula ##STR2## wherein R has the above definition with a base to form the corresponding dianion, reacting the latter with a trialkyl borate of the formulaB(OAlk).sub.3wherein Alk is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms to form a compound of the formula ##STR3## reacting the latter with a reagent capable of introducing a hydroxy protective group and reacting the latter with a hydrolysis agent for the oxygen-boron bond to obtain the corresponding compound of Formula I.

Abstract: Compound of formula ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or 1, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently methyl, ethyl or cyclopropyl and R is an optionally substituted phenyl or heteroaryl group or salt or ester thereof are useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Polyhydroxy-substituted benz, phenylacet and mandelamidines, amidates, amidoximes and hydroxyamidoximes--ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors, and free radical scavengers.

Abstract: A new process for preparing oxalyl- and oxamyl-hydrazides which comprises contacting oxamide or diacetyloxamide with the corresponding hydrazine derivative of formulaR.sub.1 R.sub.2 N--NHR.sub.3wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or aryl-alkyl group, R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom represent a saturated heterocyclic ring, and R.sub.3 is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group.

Abstract: Phenolic compounds, notably admixtures of 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,6-dichlorophenol, are selectively chlorinated at the ortho positions thereof, with gaseous chlorine and in a molten medium, in the presence of a selectivity-enhancing effective amount of an organic cation.

Abstract: Fluorine-containing acetophenones, optionally halogenated on the CH.sub.3 group, of the formula ##STR1## in which X represents hydrogen, chlorine or bromine and the radicals R.sub.1 to R.sub.5 have the following meaning,a) R.sub.1 and R.sub.4 denote fluorine, R.sub.2 and R.sub.5 denote chlorine and R.sub.3 denotes CF.sub.3, orb) R.sub.1, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 denote fluorine and R.sub.2 and R.sub.5 denote hydrogen, orc) R.sub.1, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 denote hydrogen, R.sub.2 denotes chlorine and R.sub.3 denotes CF.sub.3, ord) R.sub.1, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 denote hydrogen, R.sub.2 denotes chlorine and R.sub.3 denotes OCF.sub.3, ore) R.sub.1, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 denote hydrogen and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 denote CF.sub.3, orf) R.sub.1 denotes chlorine, R.sub.2 denotes CF.sub.3 and R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 denote hydrogen, org) R.sub.1 denotes chlorine, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 denote hydrogen and R.sub.5 denotes CF.sub.3, orh) R.sub.1 denotes chlorine, R.sub.2, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 denote hydrogen and R.sub.

Abstract: Reactions between a solid polar and a non-polar compound, especially nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions between an alkali metal salt of a hydroxyaromatic compound or thio analog thereof and an activated halo- or nitro-substituted aromatic compound, are conducted in a non-polar organic solvent such as toluene or xylene, in the presence of a hexaalkylguanidinium or .alpha.,.omega.-bis(pentaalkylguanidinium)alkane salt, or a corresponding heterocyclic salt, as a phase transfer catalyst. The method is particularly useful for the preparation of bisimides from bisphenol A or 4,4'-biphenol salts and 4-nitro- or 4-halophthalimides.

Abstract: Polytetrahydrofuran derivatives of the general formula ##STR1## where n is from 2 to 70, X is the bridge member --NH-- or --O-- and R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 are each hydrogen or various radicals.

Abstract: Oxidized diphenylheteroalkanes of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 and A have the meanings specified in the description, and the preparation thereof are described. The substances are suitable for controlling diseases and as cosmetic agents.

Abstract: Novel diarylacetylenes of the formula I ##STR1## where A, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 have the meanings stated in the description, are useful for the treatment of disorders.

Abstract: A method of enantiomerically enriching chiral cyanohydrins is disclosed that involves selective cleavage of the unwanted enantiomer into its cleavage products HCN and the corresponding aldehyde or ketone by use of an enantioselective dehydrocyanation catalyst, coupled with simultaneous removal of at least one of the dehydrocyanation products.