Abstract: A high yield and high productivity processes for preparing 3-hydroxyglutaronitrile by reacting an epihalohydrin or a 4-halo-3-hydroxy-butanenitrile, or analogous compound containing a different leaving group, with cyanide (CN—) in the presence of water and an ionic liquid. The use of an ionic liquid as a cosolvent with water results in increased productivity and selectivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel nitrile compounds according to formula I and II: (I) Formula I wherein: X=—CH3 or —C?N, (II) Formula II wherein: X=—CH3 or —C?N, each Y is independently chosen from —OH or RC(O)O—, each R is independently chosen from a C1?21 alkyl group. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of nitrile compounds according to formula I and II and to uses of the nitrile compounds.

Abstract: A high yield and high productivity processes for preparing 3-hydroxyglutaronitrile by reacting an epihalohydrin or a 4-halo-3-hydroxy-butanenitrile, or analogous compound containing a different leaving group, with cyanide (CN—) in the presence of water and an ionic liquid. The use of an ionic liquid as a cosolvent with water results in increased productivity and selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for minimizing the decomposition of cyanohydrins in exothermic chemical reactions involving cyanohydrins. The method comprises providing a reaction medium and reactants to a tubular reactor having internal mixing means, mixing the reaction medium and reactants to form a homogenous reaction mixture, removing heat from the reaction process and reacting the reactants to produce a mixed product having a bulk temperature. The method may further comprise cooling the reaction medium to a temperature from 1-10° C. cooler than the bulk temperature of the mixed product prior to providing the reaction medium to the tubular reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid from 3-methylselenoproprion-aldehyde. The 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid is obtained alone or as a mixture with its sulphur-containing analogue. The invention also relates to the compositions, in particular nutritional compositions, comprising a mixture of 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid and 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid, and a physiologically acceptable medium, and to the use of this mixture as a dietary ingredient.

Abstract: A high yield and high productivity processes for preparing 3-hydroxyglutaronitrile by reacting an epihalohydrin or a 4-halo-3-hydroxy-butanenitrile, or analogous compound containing a different leaving group, with cyanide (CN—) in the presence of water and an ionic liquid. The use of an ionic liquid as a cosolvent with water results in increased productivity and selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for minimizing the decomposition of cyanohydrins in exothermic chemical reactions involving cyanohydrins. The method comprises providing a reaction medium and reactants to a tubular reactor having internal mixing means, mixing the reaction medium and reactants to form a homogenous reaction mixture, removing heat from the reaction process and reacting the reactants to produce a mixed product having a bulk temperature. The method may further comprise cooling the reaction medium to a temperature from 1-10° C. cooler than the bulk temperature of the mixed product prior to providing the reaction medium to the tubular reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a process for continuously preparing ethylene cyanohydrin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for minimizing the decomposition of cyanohydrins in exothermic chemical reactions involving cyanohydrins. The method comprises providing a reaction medium and reactants to a tubular reactor having internal mixing means, mixing the reaction medium and reactants to form a homogenous reaction mixture, removing heat from the reaction process and reacting the reactants to produce a mixed product having a bulk temperature. The method may further comprise cooling the reaction medium to a temperature from 1-10° C. cooler than the bulk temperature of the mixed product prior to providing the reaction medium to the tubular reactor.

Abstract: By means of a new process for the resolution of racemic 3-aminopentanenitrile, enantiomerically enriched 3-aminopentanenitrile or its salts can be obtained. For this, racemic 3-aminopentanenitrile is reacted with an enantiomerically enriched organic acid and one of the two diastereomeric salts formed is separated off and then converted into the enantiomerically enriched 3-aminopentanenitrile or its salts.

Abstract: Multiphasic reactions, especially those reactions using a phase transfer catalyst, are conducted in microchannel apparatus. Advantageously, these reactions can be conducted with two, planar microlayers of reactants in adjacent laminar flow streams. Microchannel apparatus and methods for conducting unit operations such as reactions and separations in microchannel apparatus is also described. Microchannel apparatus can provide advantages for controlling reactions and separating products, solvents or reactants in multiphase reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to 3,5-dihydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-valeronitriles for the synthesis of epothilones and epothilone derivatives and process for the production of these new intermediate products in the synthesis and the use for the production of epothilones or epothilone derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel dihydroxyl compounds, compositions comprising hydroxyl compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing a variety of diseases and conditions such as, but not limited to aging, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, a disorder of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, hypertension, impotence, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid elimination in bile, obesity, oxysterol elimination in bile, pancreatitis, Parkinson's disease, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, phospholipid elimination in bile, renal disease, septicemia, metabolic syndrome disorders (e.g., Syndrome X), thrombotic disorder. Compounds and methods of the invention can also be used to modulate C reactive protein or enhance bile production in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nonionic compounds of the polyoxymethylene type that are low-foaming and can be used as surfactants, especially in cleaning compositions at an alkaline pH. They are obtained from unsaturated nitriles, that have been epoxidized with e.g. hydrogen perroxide, and alkyl blocked polyalkylene glycols. The nonionic nitrile surfactants can be reacted further with e.g. hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions to obtain nonionic amide surfactants. Amide derivatives of this type could also be obtained by reaction between ammonia or a primary or secondary amine and an acid or ester. The nonionic compounds exhibit one or several structure elements according to formula (II) in the aliphatic carbon chain where AO is an alkyleneoxy group containing 2-4 carbon atom, R3 is an alkyl group with 1-4 carbon atoms and n is a number between 1 and 30.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process of diastereoselective hydrogenation of 1,3-hydroxyketones of formula (I) 1

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of cis-1,3-diols is described where a beta hydroxy ketone is treated with a trialkylborane or dialkylalkoxyborane or a mixture of a trialkylborane and a dialkylalkoxyborane followed by recovery and reuse of the alkylborane species to convert additional beta hydroxy ketone to the cis-1,3-diol.

Abstract: The &bgr;-keto ester compound, &bgr;-hydroxy acid compound and acetonide form of a 1,3-diol derivative of the formulas (I), (V) and (VIII) 1

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing tertiary amine compounds from primary amines and nitrites in the presence of hydrogen gas and a metal catalyst, or metal-containing catalyst composition, at a temperature from about 50° C. to about 200° C. and at a pressure from about 100 psig to 1500 psig. The primary amines and the nitriles used in the process may be diamines and/or dinitriles, or may be combinations of primary amines and/or nitrites. Also disclosed are novel tertiary amine compounds made by the described method.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of cis-1,3-diols is described where a beta hydroxy ketone is treated with a trialkylborane or dialkylalkoxyborane or a mixture of a trialkylborane and a dialkylalkoxyborane followed by recovery and reuse of the alkylborane species to convert additional beta hydroxy ketone to the cis-1,3-diol.

Abstract: A process for the production of 3-hydroxypropionitrile is provided. This process includes (a) reacting acrylonitrile with water at a defined molar ratio in the presence of a weak base under specific temperature and pressure conditions until a conversion in the range of about 40% to about 80% has been achieved; (b) after cooling the mixture obtained in (a), separating off its aqueous phase; (c) distilling off the acrylonitrile from the organic phase remaining after (b); (d) subjecting the mixture obtained in (c) to pyrolysis at specific temperature and pressure conditions in the presence of a basic catalyst to obtain a mixture consisting mainly of 3-hydroxypropionitrile and acrylonitrile; and (e) isolating the desired 3-hydroxypropionitrile by fractional distillation from the mixture obtained in (d). Such a process in which the basic aqueous phase and the acrylonitrile that has been distilled off are recycled represents a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of cis-1,3-diols is described where a beta hydroxy ketone is treated with a trialkylborane or dialkylalkoxyborane or a mixture of a trialkylborane and a dialkylalkoxyborane followed by recovery and reuse of the alkylborane species to convert additional beta hydroxy ketone to the cis-1,3-diol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making 3-hydroxyalkanenitriles comprising the steps of reacting an alkenylnitrile, wherein the alkenylnitrile is an alkenyl-2-nitrile or an alkenylnitrile which under reaction conditions isomerizes to form an alkenyl-2-nitrile, in the presence of a base with benzyl alcohol to form a 3-benzyloxyalkanenitrile adduct and then partially hydrogenating the adduct in the presence of a trace amount of HCl to form the 3-hydroxyalkanenitrile or fully hydrogenating the adduct to form a 3-hydroxyaminoalkane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making 3-hydroxyalkanenitriles comprising the steps of reacting an alkenylnitrile, wherein the alkenylnitrile is an alkenyl-2-nitrile or an alkenylnitrile which under reaction conditions isomerizes to form an alkenyl-2-nitrile, in the presence of a base with benzyl alcohol to form a 3-benzyloxyalkanenitrile adduct and then patrially hydrogenating the adduct in the presence of a trace amount of HCl to form the 3-hydroxyalkanenitrile or fully hydrogenating the adduct to form a 3-hydroxyaminoalkane.

Abstract: Novel 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutanoyl hydrazides (10), particularly R-chiral intermediates are described. The intermediates are useful in preparing (R)-3-hydroxy-4-trimethylaminobutyric acid (L-carnitine) and R-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB) and chiral chemical intermediates which are medically useful.

Abstract: A process for preparing bis(hydroxymethyl) compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 represent identical or different electronegative groups, which process entails reacting C--H-acidic compounds of the formula (II) ##STR2## wherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are as defined above, with formaldehyde, wherein the reaction is carried out in an anhydrous medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the formula 1 ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from hydrogen and -R.sub.4 -R.sub.5 where R.sub.4 is selected from nothing C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 linear or branched alkylene C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 cycloalkylene, C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 arylene, C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 alkarylene and C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 arlkylene; and R.sub.5 is one of hydrogen, hydroxy, --CO.sub.2 Z, phenyl hydroxyphenyl pyridyl, nitrophenyl, furyl, and thienyl; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently selected from a group of the formula --R.sub.4 --R.sub.6 ; where R.sub.4 is as defined above and R.sub.6 is one of hydrogen, hydroxy --CO.sub.2 Z. --CH(CO.sub.2 Z)--CH.sub.2 --CO.sub.2 Z and NR.sub.7 R.sub.8 ; where R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 are independently selected from a group of the formula: --(CH.sub.2)k--R.sub.g : where k.dbd.0-20 and R.sub.g is one of hydrogen, hydroxy, --CO.sub.2 Z. and --CH(CO.sub.2 Z)--CH.sub.2 --CO.sub.2 Z: wherein Y is selected from --CO.sub.2 Z. --SO.sub.3 Z and --C.dbd.

Abstract: A stabilization method of a vinyl compound with hydroxy group of an improved stability is achieved by preventing it from being denatured on storage, transportation, manufacturing process while maintaining its reactivity. A composition containing the vinyl compound with hydroxy group of an improved stability is obtained by the described stabilization method. The stabilization method is characterized by coexisting a vinyl compound with hydroxy group of formula (1), a primary antioxidant, alcohol and/or water, ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrogen atom or an organic residue, X is a --CN group, a --COR.sub.0 group or a --COOR.sub.0 group, and R.sub.0 is a hydrogen atom or an organic residue. In this stabilization method, not less than 50 ppm of alcohol and/or water is added with respect to the vinyl compound with hydroxy group. The stabilization method may be achieved by coexisting the above-defined vinyl compound with hydroxy group, the primary antioxidant and organic acid.

Abstract: A process for producing an .alpha.-hydroxy acid or an .alpha.-hydroxyamide which comprises treating an aldehyde and prussic acid or an .alpha.-hydroxynitrile with a microorganism having nitrilase or nitrile hydratase activity in an aqueous medium and maintaining the aldehyde concentration and/or the .alpha.-hydroxynitrile concentration in the reaction mixture within a predetermined range. Also disclosed is a process for producing an .alpha.-hydroxy acid or an .alpha.-hydroxyamide from an aldehyde and prussic acid with a microorganism in an aqueous medium, which comprises maintaining the cyanogen concentration in the reaction mixture within a predetermined range and supplying the aldehyde to the reaction mixture at a predetermined ratio to the prussic acid.

Abstract: This invention concerns processes for the reductive hydrolysis of nitriles to alcohols utilizing as a catalyst a transition metal complex of the formula MHZ(CO)L.sub.n (PR.sub.3).sub.2 wherein: M is a transition metal selected from the group consisting of: Fe, Ru and Os; Z is an anionic ligand; L is a neutral ligand; n is 0 or 1; and PR.sub.3 is a phosphine ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing 2-cyanoacrylic acid, characterized by subjecting a 2-cyanoacrylate and an organic acid to transesterification reaction. The 2-cyanoacrylic acid obtained by the process of the present invention is useful as a starting material for the preparation of polyfunctional 2-cyanoacrylates.

Abstract: A new and versatile route to N'-[5-[[4-[[5-(acetylhydroxyamino)pentyl]amino]-1,4-dioxobutyl]hydroxyamin o]pentyl]-N-(5-aminopentyl)-N-hydroxybutanediamide, desferrioxamine B (DFO) is described. N-Benzyloxy-1,5-diaminopentane is selectively protected at the primary amino site. The product is reacted at the benzyloxyamine with an anhydride to produce a carboxylic acid which is, in turn, acylated regio-specifically with a diamine at the primary amine to give a benzyloxyamine. The previous two steps are repeated to afford a DFO reagent. Acetylation of the DFO reagent, followed by hydrogenolysis and tert-butoxycarbonyl group removal, furnishes DFO.

Abstract: 5-Oxaspiro[2.4]heptan-6-one: ##STR1## is obtained from [3-(hydroxymethyl)oxetan-3-yl]acetonitrile by reaction with hydrogen bromide and then cyclizing the intermediate product 4,4-bis(bromomethyl)dihydro-2-furanone with zinc. 5-Oxaspiro[2.4]heptan-6-one is an intermediate product for the production of leukotriene antagonists.

Abstract: Alkali metal salts of cyanoacetone are prepared by reacting an acetonitrile, an acetic acid ester and an alkali metal alkoxide without distilling off the alcohol formed during the reaction. The reaction products are obtained with high yields and high purity.

Abstract: Dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer comprising a support having thereon a dye layer containing a dye corresponding to the following formula ##STR1## wherein Z represents CN, COOR.sup.1 or CONR.sup.2 R.sup.3 ;R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently represent hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together represent the necessary atoms to close a heterocyclic nucleus or substituted heterocyclic nucleus;Y represents OR.sup.4 or NR.sup.5 R.sup.6 or CN;R.sup.4 represents hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, SO.sub.2 R.sup.7, COR.sup.7, CSR.sup.7, POR.sup.7 R.sup.8 ;R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 each independently has one of the significances given to R.sup.4 or represent substituted or unsubstituted amino, or R.sup.5 and R.sup.

Abstract: Synthesis of desferrioxamine B and analogs and homologs thereof beginning with O-protected, N-protected hydroxylamine, which is N-alkylated to produce a protected N-4-cyanoalkylhydroxylamine which is acylated with a suitable anhydride. The resulting half-acid amide is subjected to a series of high yield condensations and reductions which vide desferrioxamine B in high overall yield. Alternatively, polyether analogs of desferrioxamine B can be prepared by reacting an activated polyether with the O-protected, N-protected hydroxylamine and subjecting the resulting product to a series of similar steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing optically active alcohols which consist substantially (at least 75% e.e.) or entirely of one enantiomer of formula 4 ##STR1## wherein R and A are as defined therein. The method comprises, which maintaining enantiomeric excess, converting an optically active cyanohydrin of formula 1 ##STR2## into optically active protected cyanohydrin of formula 2 ##STR3## converting the protected cyanohydrin of formula 2 into an optically active compound of formula 3 ##STR4## removing the protecting group B.

Abstract: Acyclic terpene compounds useful as intermediates for producing sarcophytol A which have an anti-carcinogenic promotor activity and anti-tumor activity, which compounds are shown by the general formula (I): ##STR1##

Abstract: Novel monocyclic terpene derivative of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen atom, trimethylsilyl group or 1-ethoxyethyl group, and novel intermediates therefor. The terpene derivative (I) is a useful intermediate for preparing Sarcophytol A having an anti-carcinogenesis promoter activity and an antitumor activity.

Abstract: A process for preparing mixtures of 3-aminopropionitrile of the formula IH.sub.2 N--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CN (I)and ethylene cyanohydrin of the formula IIHO--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CN (II)comprises reacting bis(2-cyanoethyl) ether of the formula IIINC--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CN (III)with ammonia at from 50 to 170.degree. C. and under from 1 to 500 bar thermally or in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst.

Abstract: Synthesis of desferrioxamine B and analogs and homologs thereof beginning with O-protected, N-protected hydroxylamine, which is N-alkylated to produce a protected N-4-cyanoalkylhydroxylamine which is acylated with a suitable anhydride. The resulting half-acid amide is subjected to a series of high yield condensations and reductions which provide desferrioxamine B in high overall yield. Alternatively, polyether analogs of desferrioxamine B can be prepared by reacting an activated polyether with the O-protected, N-protected hydroxylamine and subjecting the resulting product to a series of similar steps.

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: A method of producing diethanolamine derivatives or acid salts thereof according to the reaction scheme: ##STR1## wherein X stands for a leaving group; and R.sup.1 stands for an alkylcarbamoyl group, which provides an industrially advantageous method of preparing the subject matter useful as an antiarrhythmic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel acyclic terpenes of the formula: ##STR1## which are useful as intermediates for the industrially advantageous production of sarcophytol A.

Abstract: Process for oxidating paraffinic compounds in order to yield the corresponding alcoholic and/or ketonic compounds, which process consists of reacting said paraffins with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, possibly dissolved in a solvent, by operating at a temperature comprised within the range of from 0.degree. C. to 100.degree. C., in the presence of a titanium-silicalite of formulapHMO.sub.2.qTiO.sub.2.SiO.sub.2whereinM is a metal selected from among aluminum, gallium and iron,p is comprised within the range of from 0 to 0.05 andq is comprised within the range of from 0.0001 to 0.04, and the H.sup.+ of HMO.sub.2 can be least partially replaceable or replaced by cations.

Abstract: A process for the purification of crude cyanohydrins which contain 3 to 6 carbon atoms, especially of crude acetone cyanohydrin, by distilling off the unreacted reactants namely hydrogen cyanide and the carbonyl compound. The purification becomes very simple, and the unreacted reactants can be fed directly into the cyanohydrin synthesis, when the vacuum is generated with a liquid jet pump. The exhaust vapors arising in the distillation or desorption are led into the driving jet of the pump, the liquid jet pump is driven with crude cyanohydrin which contains basic catalyst, and the exhaust vapors absorbed in the crude cyanohydrin are reacted to completion in a cooled reaction circuit in which the liquid jet pump is incorporated.

Abstract: Process of preparation of secondary or tertiary alcohols by the action of an organic halide on metallic manganese, in the presence of a carbonyl compound in a solvent followed by hydrolysis; a compound of a metal of Groups II to VIII of the Periodic Classification of the Elements, less electropositive than manganese, is present in the reaction medium.

Abstract: Process of preparation of alcohols by the reaction of an organic halide with a carbonyl compound in an organic solvent, in the presence of metallic manganese, followed by hydrolysis of the reaction product; the reaction is initiated and activated by an ester present in the reaction medium.

Abstract: A novel process is disclosed for the preparation of 3-pyrrolidinol compounds selected from the group having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is selected from hydrogen, loweralkyl, loweralkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl-loweralkyl, phenyl-loweralkyl and substituted phenyl-loweralkyl; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are selected from hydrogen, loweralkyl, and loweralkenyl; and the optical isomers thereof. In the process, 4-amino-3-hydroxybutyronitriles are reductively cyclized with Raney nickel to produce the 3-pyrrolidinol compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthesis of desferrioxamine B and analogs and homologs thereof beginning with the generation of the O-protected N-(4-cyanobutyl)hydroxylamine which is acylated at the O-benzylhydroxylamine nitrogen with either succinic or acetic anhydride. The resulting half-acid amide or amide respectively, is subjected to a series of high yield condensations and reductions which provide desferrioxamine B in 45% overall yield. Finally, a desamino analog of desferrioxamine is prepared in order to demonstrate the synthetic utility of the scheme as applied to desferrioxamine derivatives.

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.