Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion method that is fed with a diol feedstock that comprises at least 90% by weight of diol and a carboxylic acid feedstock that comprises at least 80% by weight of carboxylic acid. The method comprising at least: An esterification step which is fed with at least the diol feedstock and at least the carboxylic acid feedstock, wherein the carboxylic acid/diol molar ratio at the inlet of the esterification step is between 2 and 6, the esterification step comprises at least one reactive distillation column that has a mixed reaction/separation zone located between two separation zones; and A water elimination step that is fed with distillate from the esterification step that comprises water and producing at least one water effluent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clean-up solvent and paint thinner for solvent-borne resins and coatings selected from compositions of Formula (I) wherein R1 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, phenyl or benzyl, R2 is either hydrogen or methyl, R3 is a carbon chain including 4-6 carbon atoms, and n=2-4; of Formula (II) wherein R1 and R4 are, independently, C1-C10 alkyl groups, phenyl or benzyl, R2 is either hydrogen or methyl, R3 is a carbon chain including 0-4 carbon atoms, and n=1-4; and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to a solvent-borne composition including a solvent-borne polymer and the low and zero VOC composition of the invention; and a method for cleaning or thinning a solvent-borne composition.

Abstract: Polyester polyols are produced from at least one carboxylic acid hydride and diethylene glycol by a process in which the formation of 1,4-dioxane is suppressed. These polyester polyols are useful for producing polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams and metal composite elements containing these PUR or PIR foams.

Abstract: Biodegradable flavoring agent compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol are provided, and the 1,3-propanediol in the composition is biologically derived. The compositions exhibit a lower anthropogenic CO2 emission profile. Also provided are biodegradable flavoring agent compositions comprising an ester of 1,3-propanediol. In these compositions, the ester can have at least 3% biobased carbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production and use of polyester polyols, formed from at least one carboxylic acid anhydride and ethylene glycol, wherein a specialized reaction control substantially suppresses the formation of 1,4-dioxane from diethylene glycol.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable and/or biocompatible polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamideurethanes and polyureaurethanes with tunable physical, mechanical properties and hydrolytic degradation profiles are provided for use in biomedical applications such as stents, stent coatings, scaffolds, foams, and films. The disclosed polymers may be derived from biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable polyisocyanates. The present invention also relates to new and improved methods for the preparation of the biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable polyisocyanates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clean-up solvent and paint thinner for solvent-borne resins and coatings selected from compositions of Formula (I) wherein R1 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, phenyl or benzyl, R2 is either hydrogen or methyl, R3 is a carbon chain including 4-6 carbon atoms, and n=2-4; of Formula (II) wherein R1 and R4 are, independently, C1-C10 alkyl groups, phenyl or benzyl, R2 is either hydrogen or methyl, R3 is a carbon chain including 0-4 carbon atoms, and n=1-4; and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to a solvent-borne composition including a solvent-borne polymer and the low and zero VOC composition of the invention; and a method for cleaning or thinning a solvent-borne composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel ester-based plasticizer, and, more particularly, to an ester plasticizer, which is synthesized by esterifying a polyhydric alcohol and an alkylene oxide with an aliphatic carboxylic acid or an aromatic carboxylic acid. When a polyvinylchloride resin is manufactured using the ester-based plasticizer, there are advantages in that products having a high plasticizing efficiency can be obtained and in that products having excellent physical properties, such as hardness, tensile strength, etc., can be obtained.

Abstract: Absorbable polyurethanes, polyamides and polyester urethanes prepared from at least one compound selected from: or the diamines and diisocyanates thereof, wherein each X represents a member independently selected from —CH2COO— (glycolic acid moiety), —CH(CH3)COO— (lactic acid moiety), —CH2CH2OCH2COO— (dioxanone), —CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COO— (caprolactone moiety), —(CH2)yCOO— where y is one of the numbers 2, 3, 4 or 6-24 inclusive, and —(CH2CH2O)z?CH2COO— where z? is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; each Y represents a member independently selected from —COCH2O— (glycolic ester moiety), —COCH(CH3)O— (lactic ester moiety), —COCH2OCH2CH2O— (dioxanone ester), —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O— (caprolactone ester), —CO(CH2)mO— where m is an integer between 2, 3, 4 or 6-24 inclusive, —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n— where n is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; R? is hydrogen, benzyl or an alkyl group, the alkyl group being either straight-chained or branched; p is an integer between 1 and 4, inclusive; and Rn represents one or more

Abstract: Biodegradable detergent compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol are provided, and the 1,3-propanediol in the composition is biologically derived. The compositions exhibit a lower anthropogenic CO2 emission profile. Also provided are biodegradable detergent compositions comprising an ester of 1,3-propanediol. In these compositions, the ester can have at least 3% biobased carbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alcohols and in particular to C4 to C15 alcohols that are used in the production of esters.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel solid state forms of tapentadol salts, process for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions, and method of treating thereof. The tapentadol salts include an L-(?)-camphorsulfonate salt, a dibenzoyl-(L)-tartrate salt, a dibenzoyl-(D)-tartrate salt, a malate salt, a maleate salt, or a salicylate salt.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for producing a steroid compound. The present invention provides a method for producing 3,7-dioxo-5?-cholanic acid or ester derivatives thereof, which uses, as raw materials, sterols having double bonds at positions 5 and 24, such as cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3?-ol, ergosta-5,7,24(28)-trien-3?-ol, desmosterol, fucosterol, or ergosta-5,24(28)-dien-3?-ol, and which comprises the following 4 steps: (I) a step of performing oxidation of a hydroxyl group at position 3 and isomerization of a double bond at position 5 to position 4; (II) a step of converting position 24 to a carboxyl group or an ester derivative thereof by the oxidative cleavage of a side chain; (III) a step of introducing an oxygen functional group into position 7; and (IV) a step of constructing a 5?-configuration by reduction of a double bond at position 4.

Abstract: Absorbable polyurethanes, polyamides and polyester urethanes prepared from at least one compound selected from: or the diamines and diisocyanates thereof, wherein each X represents a member independently selected from —CH2COO— (glycolic acid moiety), —CH(CH3)COO— (lactic acid moiety), —CH2CH2OCH2COO— (dioxanone), —CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COO— (caprolactone moiety), —(CH2)yCOO— where y is one of the numbers 2, 3, 4 or 6-24 inclusive, and —(CH2CH2O)z?CH2COO— where z? is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; each Y represents a member independently selected from —COCH2O— (glycolic ester moiety), —COCH(CH3)O— (lactic ester moiety), —COCH2OCH2CH2O— (dioxanone ester), —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O— (caprolactone ester), —CO(CH2)mO— where m is an integer between 2, 3, 4 or 6-24 inclusive, —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n— where n is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; R? is hydrogen, benzyl or an alkyl group, the alkyl group being either straight-chained or branched; p is an integer between 1 and 4, inclusive; and Rn represents one or more

Abstract: A process produces a 2-benzoyloxyacetaldehyde derivative represented by following Formula (3): wherein R1 and R2 may be the same as or different from each other and are each a hydrocarbon group, wherein R1 and R2 may be combined to form a ring with the adjacent oxygen-carbon-oxygen bond, and wherein the benzene ring in the formula may be substituted, by allowing a halogenated acetaldehyde acetal derivative represented by following Formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are as defined above; and X represents a halogen atom, to react with a benzoate represented by following Formula (2): wherein M represents an alkali metal atom and wherein the benzene ring in the formula may be substituted, in the presence of an alkali-metal halide.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emulsifier of formula (I): wherein: R1 through R5 are each independently H, —OH, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy and wherein R9 through R11 are each independently H or an alcohol protecting group; R6 through R8 are each independently H, an alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkoxy group, or an alcohol protecting group; and x and y are each independently an integer from 0 to 50; or a salt or hydrate thereof, provided that if R1 through R5 are all H, x is not 0.

Abstract: Provided is a novel triethyleneglycol based compound, a plasticizer composition for polyvinyl chloride resin including the same, and a method of preparing the plasticizer composition. In particular, the plasticizer composition for polyvinyl chloride resin includes the novel compound, 2-(2-(2-(2-ethylhexanoyloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl 2-ethylhexanoate, and 2-(2-(2-phenylcarbonyloxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl benzoate in a proper mixture ratio. A polyvinyl chloride prepared using the plasticizer composition has low heating loss, excellent adhesion, high plasticization efficiency, high elongation, high tensile strength, and high transparency.

Abstract: The invention consists of esters of anhydrosugar alcohols useful as plasticizers for polymeric compounds. Specifically, esters are formed of bis-anhydrohexitols, such as isosorbide, isomannide and isosiditide, and used as substitutes for the phthalate-based plasticizers in common use. The bis-anhydrohexitols are preferably produced from biological sources.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a method by which desired optically active carboxylic acids may be prepared from a carboxylic acid having a carbon-carbon double bond through asymmetric hydrogenation with a catalyst consisting of a transition metal complex containing a water-soluble ligand and which permits easy separation of the used catalyst from the product by liquid-liquid separation alone and enables the recovery of an expensive transition metal and the reuse of the catalyst. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] Phosphines represented by the general formula (1): wherein X1 is oxygen or methylene; X2 is methylene, ethylene, trimethylene, 1,2-dimethylethylene, isopropylidene, or difluoromethylene; A is a Group IA alkali metal of the periodic table, hydrogen, or an ammonium ion; and a, b, c and d are each an integer of 0 or 1, with the proviso that the cases wherein the sum of a, b, c, and d is 0 are excepted.

Abstract: The acetaldehyde compounds, 2-thiobenzoylacetaldehyde diethylacetal, 2-benzoyloxyacetaldehyde bis(2-methoxyethyl)acetal, 2-hydroxyacetaldehyde bis( 2-methoxyethyl)acetal, 2-thiobenzoylacetaldehyde bis(2-methoxy-ethyl)acetal, and 2-thioacetaldehyde bis(2-methoxyethyl)acetal, are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of substituted 1,3-oxathiolanes and substituted 1,3-dioxolanes.

Abstract: A compound of plasticizers for the water dispersability of diol diarylate-type resins is disclosed; wherein the compound contains a high amount of diol monocarylates and optionally contains triol mono- or diarylates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns esters of R-enantiomers of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which is substantially free from the S-enantiomer. The compounds of the invention may be used in treating a disease or illness in a mammal. To this end, a composition comprising a compound mentioned above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof where salt formation occurs, is administered to the mammal in an amount sufficient to elicit a chemopreventative effect or a chemoprotective effect or a therapeutic effect or a prophylactic effect.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing compounds of formula (I) where R is H, optionally halogen-substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkyl-aryl or heteroaryl, and, in alkyl and cycloalkyl, one or more CH2 groups may be replaced by —O—. The compounds of the formula (I) are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of PPAR agonists.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) or therapeutically acceptable salts thereof, are selective protein tyrosine kinase-B (PTP1B) inhibitors. Preparation of the compounds, compositions containing the compounds, and treatment of disorders using the compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a high temperature stable mixed polyol ester lubricant composition partly containing an aromatic carboxylic acid ester and a process of making the same. Typically, the aromatic acid ester is benzoic acid, and the lubricant composition preferably comprises a mixture of linear C5, i-C9, and linear C7-10 aliphatic carboxylic acid. The esters are preferably formed from an aliphatic polyol. These mixed polyol esters are useful in aero-derived gas turbine engines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trimethylolpropane ester-based plasticizer composition for polyvinyl chloride resin, more particularly a plasticizer composition comprising trimethylolpropane ester capable of using as plasticizer of polyvinyl chloride resin. The present invention can prepare polyvinyl chloride resin having superior tensile strength, elongation, migration, and sheet heating loss etc. by using the plasticizer composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the alkoxylation of organic compounds comprising the reaction of at least one organic compound with at least onealkoxylating agent in the presence of a catalyst system, wherein a polyetheralcohol is obtained. The catalyst system comprises a metallo organic framework mate-rial comprising pores and at least one metal ion and at least one at least bidentate organic compound, which is coordinately bounded to said metal ion. Furthermore it relates to polyurethanes or polyurethane foams, which are obtainable by using a prepared polyether alcohol as a starting material.

Abstract: A process to prepare an improved fluid rare earth phosphate catalyst composition useful in preparing alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms is provided. The catalyst is prepared by dissolving a rare earth salt in a C9-C30 active hydrogen containing organic compound and then adding phosphoric acid to the organic compound rare earth mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a process in which, when a hydroxyalkyl ester is produced by carrying out a reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alkylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst, the contamination of the hydroxyalkyl ester with water can be inhibited to the maximum limit without washing the inside of a production apparatus together with the raw carboxylic acid or the hydroxyalkyl ester as an aimed product, or without carrying out azeotropic distillation with water and an azeotropic solvent. The process comprises a washing step and thereafter a drying step in the interval of from the stop of a production of the hydroxyalkyl ester till the restart of this production, wherein the washing step is a step of washing the inside of a production apparatus with water and/or an aqueous basic solution, and wherein the drying step is a step of drying under reduced pressure and/or hot-air-drying the inside of the production apparatus.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing reduced-odor or odorless esters, preferably benzoate esters, octanoate esters, aliphatic emollient esters and glycol dibenzoate esters. The improved process comprises, in part, removing the esterification catalyst from the crude ester after the esterification reaction is substantially complete, before neutralization of acidity. The resultant ester compositions are odorless or have substantially reduced odor as compared to commercially available esters.

Abstract: A process for producing (2R, 3S)-3-amino-4-phenylbutane-1,2-epoxide compounds which comprises treating a (2S, 3S)-3-amino-1-halo-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutane compound or a (2S, 3S)-3-amino-4-phenylbutane-1,2-epoxide with a carboxylic acid quaternary ammonium salt or a carboxylic acid metal salt a quaternary ammonium salt and a quaternary ammonium salt, to give a (2S, 3S)-1-acyloxy-3-amino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutane compound, further treating the same with a sulfonic acid halide in the presence of an organic base to give a (2S, 3S)-1-acyloxy-3-amino-2-sulfonyloxy-4-phenylbutane compound, furthermore treating said compound with an inorganic base. An intermediate for the production of an HIV protease inhibitor can be produced from L-phenylalanine.

Abstract: The specification describes various polymers having monomer of formula (I): In formula (I), R1 and R2 are, independently, hydrogen, a C1-C24 alkyl group, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group, a C3-C8 cycloalkyl or C2-C7 heterocycloalkyl group, or a —C(O)R3 group in which R3 is a C1-C24 alkyl group, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group, a C3-C8 cycloalkyl or C2-C7 heterocyclic group; or a —CH2—C(O)—R4 group in which R4 is a C1-C6 alkyl group. At least one of R1 and R2 is a —C(O)R3 group. The polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer containing other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The polymer may be used in a variety of coating compositions such as inks, adhesives, paints and films. Unique monomers where both R1 and R2 are acetoacetyl groups and novel monomers where R2 is an acetoacetyl group are also described.

Abstract: The specification describes various polymers having monomer of formula (I): 1

Abstract: The present invention deals with the composition, and application of novel carboxylated polymers. The complexes are made by a series of reactions which include reaction of an anhydride with an allyl alcohol alkoxylate, polymerization of the carboxylated allyl alkoxylate, then formation of a complex of the poly carboxylate with quaternary compounds.

Abstract: A process for preparing an organic compound, comprising conducting an organic reaction in the presence of a phosphine oxide represented by formula (1); ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is the same or different and each represents a hydrogen or hydrocarbon group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and x is the amount of water as a molar ratio which is 0 to 5.0, exhibiting a high catalytic performance especially in an organic reaction involving an alkylene oxide.

Abstract: Substituted biphenyl poly(oxyalkylene) ethers having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or hydroxyl; R.sub.2 is hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, aminomethyl, N-alkylamino or N-alkylaminomethyl wherein the alkyl group contains 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, N,N-dialkylamino or N,N-dialkylaminomethyl wherein each alkyl group independently contains 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, with the proviso that R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are ortho relative to each other and meta or para relative to the adjoining phenyl substitutent; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl having 1 to about 6 carbon atoms and each R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is independently selected in each --OCHR.sub.3 --CHR.sub.4 -- unit; R.sub.5 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to about 100 carbon atoms, phenyl, aralkyl having about 7 to about 100 carbon atoms, alkaryl having about 7 to about 100 carbon atoms; or an acyl group having the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: A fuel additive having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl; 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: A process for the production of a phenol derivative of the formula (2), which comprises subjecting a diester compound of the formula (1) in which a hydroxyl group is protected by an acyl group, to a reaction for removal of protection, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of an aliphatic amine as a protection-removal agent, ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen or fluorine, Y is --CH.sub.3 or --CF.sub.3, Q is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, p is 0 or 1, m is an integer of 2 to 7, n is an integer of at least 1, and C* is an asymmetric carbon,the process enabling to obtain the phenol derivative of the formula (2) useful as an intermediate for a liquid crystal compound with ease and at high purity.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active aromatic polyenic compounds have the structural formula (I): ##STR1## and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular, bone and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of the formula ##STR1## characterized in that the radical X in sulphones of the formulaX--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.m --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 OH (2)is replaced by ##STR2## or a compound of the formula ##STR3## is added to the sulphone of the formulaCH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --OH (3),the substituents having the meanings given in the description.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1,2-bis(acyloxyates) comprises acylation of epoxides with carboxylic anhydrides in the presence of a catalytic composition containing a tertiary amine and a carboxylic acid. Preferably, the carboxylic acid is a conjugate acid of the carboxylic anhydride. The carboxylic acid acts as a co-catalyst and its use in conjunction with the tertiary amine significantly increases the rate of reaction and results in higher selectivity. The catalytic composition may be prepared prior to acylation or in situ providing application versatility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-surface staining, light stable antioxidant compounds which reduce the fading, decoloration and degradation of various surfaces, ie., fabrics, from sunlight. These antioxidant compounds are butylated hydroxytoluene and sorbic acid derivatives, containing at least one C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 hydrocarbon fatty amine organic moiety and are either solid materials having a melting point of less than about 80.degree. Celsius, or are liquids at a temperature of less than about 40.degree. Celsius.

Abstract: Polytetrahydrofuran or C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 -alkylene oxide/tetrahydrofuran copolymers having a molecular weight of from 250 to 20,000 Dalton are prepared by the cationic polymerization of tetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran and C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 -alkylene oxides in the prsence of a promoter by a process in which the catalyst used is a mixture of one or more C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -di- or tricarboxylic acids with boric acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to two classes of prepolymers containing a perfluoropolyethereal chain and carboxylic end groups, suitable as cross-linking agents for epoxy prepolymers. The first class contains anhydride-derived end groups; the second lactone-derived end groups; prepolymers therefrom are also disclosed. Additional non-fluorinated curing agents may also be added.

Abstract: Disclosed are herein optically active aromatic compounds represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X represents --COO-- or --OCO--; Y represents --COO--, --OCO-- or --O--; R.sub.2 represents an alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms unsubstituted or substituted by a halogen atom; R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms;Z represents ##STR2## wherein p represents a number of 1 to 5 and * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom; l and k each represents a number of 1 or 2; m and s each represents a number of 0 or 1, which are useful as a liquid crystal.

Abstract: 15,16-Seco-19-nor progestins are provided which display elevated progestational activity with a minimum of ancillary hormonal activity. Processes for the preparation of the novel progestins are provided as are methods of use. A preferred method of use is in the suppression of ovulation in the human female.

Abstract: In a process for reacting a low molecular weight hydroxy compound with a carboxylic acid halide, a small amount of the acid halide is introduced into the reaction vessel and the remainder of the acid halide and the hydroxy compound are added gradually in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. The hydrogen halide formed is thus prevented from dissolving in the reaction medium. The heat of reaction to be dissipated is negligible.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## can advantageously be prepared by reacting compounds the formula II ##STR2## in which the substituents R.sup.1 -R.sup.4 have the meanings given, with the anhydride of the formula III ##STR3## in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide and the acid corresponding to the anhydride of the formula III.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalyst which comprises one or more compounds comprising a rare earth element and phosphorus supported on an inert porous support. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvents, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active aromatic polyenic compounds have the structural formula (I): and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular, bone and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.