Abstract: The invention relates to polymethacrylate acid-polyalkylene oxide block copolymers, to a process for their preparation and to their use as dispersants or suspension stabilizers for pigments and fillers, e.g. for metal oxides in ceramic materials, for pigments in inks used in ink jet printing and for fillers in thermosplastic and thermoset polymers.

Abstract: A method for preparing neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate granules by application of a neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate melt (1) onto a cooling belt (6) on which the melt solidifies, wherein the melt contains at least so 3 wt % of neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate crystals, based on the total amount of neopenlyl glycol hydroxypivalate.

Abstract: Supported phase catalysts in which the support phase is highly polar, most preferably ethylene glycol or glycerol, are disclosed. An organometallic compound, preferably a metal complex of chiral sulfonated 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl is dissolved in the support phase. Such supported phase catalysts are useful for asymmetric synthesis of optically active compounds, including the asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral unsaturated carbon-hetero atom bonds, such as ketones, imines and beta-keto esters.

Abstract: A method of preparing an ester of a carboxylic acid functionalized with a moiety selected from the group consisting of halides, sulfonates, ethers, hydroxyl, amines, and aldehydes, said method comprising: (a) providing either a carboxylic acid having a vinyl group or an ester thereof; (b) functionalizing the vinyl carbon closest to the carboxyl group with said moiety, wherein said functionalizing comprises cleaving said vinyl group.

Abstract: An enantiomerically enriched compound of formula (4) or the opposite enantiomer thereof, wherein R is C1-10 alkyl. This compound, in the form of a transition metal complex, is useful as a catalyst for stereoselective hydrogenation.

Abstract: Novel monomers of the general formula ##STR1## where b is 0 or 1, a is 1, 2, 3 or 4, R.sup.2 is a monovalent alkyl radical and R is an organic radical. The novel monomers may be employed to produce novel copolymers useful as hydrogel, soft non-hydrogel and/or rigid gas permeable contact lens materials.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions which are useful for the treatment of cancer or illnesses which arise due to an abnormally elevated cell proliferation comprise acyl derivatives of aromatic aldehydes, especially arylidene diesters and .alpha.-alkoxyarylidene esters of general formula (I).

Abstract: A unique ashless composition of matter, a method for its preparation and its use as an improved corrosion inhibitor additive for formulated industrial lubricants is disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing allyl 2-hydroxyisobutyrate useful as a raw material for agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, which comprises reacting methyl 2-hydroxyisobutyrate with allyl alcohol preferably by means of reactional distillation in the presence of a transesterification catalyst preferably comprising titanium tetramethoxide or titanium tetraisopropoxide under solventless mild reaction conditions including a reaction temperature in the range of 80 to 150.degree. C. and a reaction time in the range of 10 minutes to 12 hours. The process enables efficient and easy production of the objective allyl 2-hydroxxyisobutyrate in high yield and high efficiency without the need of troublesome operations.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the recovery of purified lactic acid values from an aqueous feed solution containing lactic acid, lactic acid salt, or mixtures thereof, comprising: bringing the feed solution into contact with a substantially immiscible anion exchanger to form a substantially water-immiscible phase comprising an anion exchanger-lactic acid adduct; effecting a condensation reaction in the substantially water-immiscible phase between a carboxylic moiety of the lactic acid adduct and a moiety selected from a hydroxyl moiety and a primary or secondary amine moiety to respectively form a lactic acid ester or amine product; and separating the formed lactic acid product from the anion exchanger.

Abstract: The invention concerns monomers with dilactonic cycle and the corresponding polymers, their preparation, and materials containing these polymers. The monomers are of formula (IIIa) ##STR1## in which R is the residue of an acid derived from an ose such as glyconic, gylcuronic or glycaric acid and X represents in particular a methylene or ethylene group optionally substituted by at least an alkyl, allyl, aryl or aralkyl. The corresponding polymers are in the form of degradable non-toxic products and are used for example for packaging (films) or in medicine (implants).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric- prodrug transport forms of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: B is a leaving group, OH, a residue of a hydroxyl-containing moiety or ##STR2## wherein B.sub.1 is a leaving group, OH or a residue of a hydroxyl-containing moiety;Y.sub.1-2 are independently O or S;M is selected from either X or Q; wherein X is an electron withdrawing group and Q is a moiety containing a free electron pair positioned three to six atoms from C(.dbd.Y.sub.2); R.sub.2-5 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyls, C.sub.3-12 branched alkyls, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyls, C.sub.1-6 substituted alkyls, C.sub.3-8 substituted cycloalkyls, aryls, substituted aryls, aralkyls, C.sub.1-6 heteroalkyls and substituted C.sub.1-6 heteroalkyls;(m) is zero or one;(n) is a positive integer;(p) is zero or a positive integer;Z is an electron withdrawing group; andR.sub.

Abstract: A process for reacting certain carboxylic reactants with olefinic compounds then reacting the intermediate prepared thereby with ammonia, a hydrazine or an amine, and/or a reactive metal or reactive metal compound, products prepared thereby and, additive concentrates and lubricating oil and fuel compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for and methods of treating, preventing or ameliorating cancer and other proliferative diseases as well as methods of inducing wound healing, treating cutaneous ulcers, treating gastrointestinal disorders, treating blood disorders such as anemias, immunomodulation, enhancing recombinant gene expression, treating insulin-dependent patients, treating cystic fibrosis patients, inhibiting telomerase activity, treating virus-associated tumors, especially EBV-associated tumors, augmenting expression of a tumor suppressor gene and inducing tolerance to an antigen. The methods of the invention use tricarboxylic acid substituted oxyalkyl esters.

Abstract: Proposed is a method of producing alkaline-earth salts of aliphatic .beta.-keto compounds by reacting alkaline-earth hydroxides with aliphatic .beta.-ketoesters and/or .beta.-diketones in the absence of solvent to give the corresponding alkaline-earth salts. The .beta.-keto compound is added in portions to the powdered alkaline-earth hydroxide and the reaction mixture subsequently dried. Good yields are obtained of a fine-grained, light colored product.

Abstract: The compounds of Formula I are useful as immunosuppressive agents.

Abstract: Neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate (NGH) is isolated from a mixture containing NGH, lower- and higher-boiling products and inorganic salts and purified in a two-stage process, whereinin a first separation stage, the inorganic salts and part of the higher-boiling products are separated off in a wiped-film evaporator and a vapor stream consisting of NGH, lower- and higher-boiling products is discharged and fed to a heat exchanger and condensed therein,and, in a second separation stage, the resulting condensate is distilled in a rectification column from which NGH is taken off in a side stream and condensed. Further discharges of the rectification column containing lower-boiling products or higher-boiling products are separately taken off. The higher-boiling products which comprise residual NGH are partly or completely recycled to the lower region of the rectification column.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are also disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are further disclosed.

Abstract: Briefly, in one aspect, the present invention provides compositions of open-chain, .alpha.-branched fluoroalkylcarbonyl fluorides, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing carboxylic acid derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## where X is OR.sup.2 or NH.sub.2,R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl, C.sub.l -C.sub.20 -hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.12 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4 -C.sub.12 -alkylcycloalkyl, C.sub.4 -C.sub.12 -cycloalkylalkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.20 -alkylcycloalkylalkyl, aryl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 -aralkyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 -alkylaryl, a heteroaliphatic or heteroaromatic ring with 5 to 8 carbon atoms andR.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl,from carbonitriles of the formula IIR.sup.1 --C.tbd.N (II),where R.sup.1 has the abovementioned meanings, and alcohols of the formula IIIR.sup.2 --OH (III),where R.sup.2 has the abovementioned meanings, at from 50 to 300.degree. C. under from 0.1 to 350 bar in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst, wherein the reaction is carried out in liquid phase.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting bacterial sialidase comprising administering to a subject an inhibiting effective amount of a compound of formula I: ##STR1## wherein A is CO.sub.2 H, PO.sub.2 H, or SO.sub.2 H; B is N; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are H; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are, independently, H, OH, NO.sub.2, guanidino, or alkyl or alkenyl of from 1 to 3 carbons where the alkyl or alkenyl is unsubstituted or is substituted, independently, with one or more of OH, NH2, or halide; R.sub.5 is H; and R.sub.6 is COCH.sub.3, or COCI.sub.3 ; or an analog, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, derivative, or mixture thereof. A method of preventing a bacterial or trypanosomal infection using the compounds of formula I. A method of treating a bacterial or trypanosomal infection using the compounds of formula I. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier admixed with an inhibiting effective amount of a compound of formula I.

Abstract: Stable, topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological compositions well suited for artificially tanning or browning human skin and appropriately packaged, comprise at least one dihydroxyacetone (DHA) derivative convertible into DHA and, advantageously, at least one active species for effecting such conversion.

Abstract: For use in transporting biologically active species into and through membrane barriers, a symmetrical cationic diamine compound having the general structure ##STR1## wherein m=1-10; R.sub.1 is a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a hydroxylated alkyl or alkenyl group, or an ether containing alkyl or alkenyl group; R.sub.2 is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or an alkyl or alkenyl containing acyl group; R.sub.3 is a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a hydroxylated alkyl or alkenyl group, or an ether containing alkyl or alkenyl group; R.sub.4 is a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a hydroxylated alkyl or alkenyl group, or an ether containing alkyl or alkenyl group; and X.sup.- is an anion.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to processes for producing one or more substituted or unsubstituted epsilon caprolactones and/or hydrates and/or esters thereof which comprise subjecting one or more substituted or unsubstituted penten-1-ols to carbonylation in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst, e.g., a metal-organophosphorus ligand complex catalyst, to produce said one or more substituted or unsubstituted epsilon caprolactones and/or hydrates and/or esters thereof. The substituted and unsubstituted epsilon caprolactones and/or hydrates and/or esters thereof produced by the processes of this invention can undergo further reaction(s) to afford desired derivatives thereof, e.g., epsilon caprolactam. This invention also relates in part to reaction mixtures containing one or more substituted or unsubstituted epsilon caprolactones and/or hydrates and/or esters thereof as principal product(s) of reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 2-aryl-3-hydroxy-cyclopent-2-en-1-one derivatives of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which X represents halogen, nitro, cyano, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl, halogenoalkyl or halogenoalkoxy,Y represents hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl, halogenoalkyl or halogenoalkoxy,Z represents halogen, nitro, cyano, alkyl, alkoxy or halogenoalkoxy andA, B, D.sup.1, D.sup.2, G and n have the meaning given in the description,several processes for their preparation and their use as compositions for controlling pests and as herbicides.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lactate which includes: (a) preparing lactonitrile from prussic acid and acetaldehyde, (b) hydrating the lactonitrile to form lactamide, (c) forming the desired lactate and formamide from lactamide and formate (or methanol and carbon monoxide), (d) separating and collecting components, having a lower boiling point than that of lactate from the reaction liquid in step (c), by distillation under specified conditions, and (e) dehydrating formamide from step (d) to form prussic acid and recycling the prussic acid to step (a). Heretofore, lactates had been manufactured by forming lactonitrile (cyanohydrin) from acetaldehyde and prussic acid, and then esterifying lactonitrile with a mineral acid or the like. However, in this conventional process, ammonium salts were formed as by-products in an amount equal to that of the lactate.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for the preparation of novel alkali metal diphosphinate salts by the reaction of an acetylenic compound with an alkali metal hypophosphite in the presence of a free radical source, the use of these novel compounds in further reactions to prepare diphosphonate compounds and diphosphinate containing adducts, oligomers and polymers and utilization of these compounds, polymers and oligomers to control calcium carbonate scale and mild steel corrosion in cooling water.

Abstract: Compositions comprising unsaturated hydroxycarboxylic compounds, a process for reacting olefinic compounds with carboxylic reagents and products prepared by the process. The compositions containing the hydroxycarboxylic compounds and the products of the process are useful as intermediates for preparing additives for lubricants and fuels.

Abstract: An acetamide derivative having the general formula (I): ##STR1## or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof; a synthetic intermediate of the above-mentioned acetamide derivative; a treating agent for peptic ulcer and for gastritis which comprises the above-mentioned compound having the general formula (I) as an effective ingredient, and a process for treating peptic ulcer and gastritis using the above-mentioned compound having the general formula (I), are disclosed.

Abstract: A compound of the general formula(M.sup.1).sub.n -Q-(M.sup.2).sub.1-n -L-A Iwherein: n is 0 or 1;M.sup.1 is an amino group;Q is an aromatic heterocyclic group containing a basic nitrogen atom;M.sup.2 is an imino group;L is a template group; andA is an acidic group, or an ester or amide derivative thereof, or a sulphonamide group;and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and pro-drugs thereof, for use in the treatment of a disease in which platelet aggregation mediated by the binding of adhesion molecules to GPIIb-IIIa is involved and the optically active compound (-)-(3R)-3-methyl-4-{4-?4-(4-pyridyl)-piperazin-1-yl!phenoxy}butyric acid is also disclosed.

Abstract: For use transporting biologically active species into and through membrane barriers, a symmetrical cationic diamine compound having the general structure ##STR1##

Abstract: The invention is to provide an asymmetric reaction catalyst useful for the production of medical or agricultural chemicals or intermediates thereof. The catalyst comprises an optically active monophosphino carboxylic acid derivative represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## where R.sup.1 represents a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group or phenyl group which may be optionally substituted with a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group or C.sub.1-4 alkoxy group,R.sup.2 represents a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group,R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 each represents independently a hydrogen atom, C.sub.1-4 alkyl group or phenyl group which may be optionally substituted with a C.sub.1-4 alkyl or C.sub.1-4 alkoxy group and a transition metal compound.

Abstract: Compositions comprising hydroxyl group containing acylated nitrogen compounds, a process for reacting certain carboxylic reactants with olefinic compounds then reacting the product prepared thereby with ammonia, a hydrazine or an amine, products prepared thereby and lubricating oil and fuel compositions.

Abstract: An optically active phenol useful in the preparation of liquid crystalline compounds which is represented by the formula (V): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 represents an alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen atoms; Z' represents ##STR2## wherein q represents a number of 1 to 5 and * indicates asymmetric carbon atom; l represents a number of 2; t represents a number of 1 to 5; s represents a number of 0 or 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of suppressing human body malodor by utilizing a deodorant composition containing a competitive substrate for the enzymatic creation of axillary body malodor. The compound is present in a dermatologically acceptable vehicle, and in an amount effective to reduce the conversion of malodor producing precursor. The present invention also relates to novel O-acylated serine compounds and method for the production thereof.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ester is caused to act on a 2-substituted-3-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester as a racemate in the presence of hydrolase under substantially anhydrous conditions to effect a transesterification resulting in the resolution.The compound thus resolved is converted to an optically active 2,6-cis-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one and the resulting compound is recrystallized to give optically active 5,6-anti-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one and 5,6-syn-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one. Thus an optically active compound having plural chiral centers.Further, an optically active 2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one obtained by transesterification and recrystallization is reacted with an alcohol to produce an optically active 2-substituted-3-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester.

Abstract: Diisocyanates containing carboxylic acid ester groups corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## in which R and R.sup.1 represent specified groups are produced by phosgenation of the corresponding diamines, optionally present in the form of an ammonium salt. These diisocyanates are useful as starting materials in the production of plastics containing urethane and/or urea groups and as starting materials for the production of intermediate products used for the production of such plastics.

Abstract: 1,3-propanediol is prepared in a process comprising the steps of:contacting ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an essentially non-water-miscible solvent in the presence of an effective amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt catalyst and an effective amount of a lipophilic phenol at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure within the range of about 500 to about 5000 psig, under reaction conditions effective to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than about 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: For use in transporting biologically active species into and through membrane barriers, a symmetrical cationic diamine compound having the general structure ##STR1##

Abstract: Inhibition of farnesyl transferase, which is an enzyme involved in ras oncogene expression, and inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, are effected by compounds of the formula ##STR1## their enantiomers, diastereomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and solvates, wherein:x is --ONR.sup.1 C(O)--, --N(OR.sup.1)C(O)--, --NR.sup.1 C(O)--, --C(O)NR.sup.1 --, --NR.sup.1 S(O.sub.2)--, --C(O)O--, --OC(O)--, --C(O)--, --O--, --NR.sup.1 -- or --(S).sub.q --;Y is --CO.sub.2 R.sup.2, --SO.sub.3 R.sup.2 or --P(O) (OR.sup.2) (R.sup.3);R is alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkenylene or aryl;R.sup.3 is --(O).sub.t R.sup.4 ;R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or aralkyl;m and n are each independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5;p and t are each independently 0 or 1; andq is an integer from 1 to 2.

Abstract: .beta.- or .gamma.-Ketoesters and .beta.- or .gamma.-ketoamides are asymmetrically reduced with a Ru(II)-BINAP derived catalyst at about 40.degree. C. and about 50N/mm.sup.2 of hydrogen in the presence of a strong acid.

Abstract: Di-, tri- and poly-perfluoroalkyl-substituted alcohols and acids and derivatives thereof are described which are prepared from perfluoroalkyl iodides and di-, tri- or polyallyl alcohols or acids. These compounds contain two or more perfluoroalkyl-iodoalkyl or perfluoroalkyl-alkenyl groups and one or two alcohol or acid groups or derivatized alcohol or acid functions. They can be reacted with isocyanates, epoxy compounds, anhydrides, acids or acid derivatives to prepare a great variety of oil- and water-repellent compositions which are useful for oil- and water-repellent treatment of textiles, glass, paper, leather and other substrates.

Abstract: Crystallization of adipic acid using low intensity ultrasonic agitation during crystallization results in purer product that is more readily handled. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: 1,3-propanediol is prepared in a process comprising the steps of:contacting ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an essentially non-water-miscible solvent in the presence of an effective amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt catalyst and an effective amount of a lipophilic quaternary ammonium salt at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and a, pressure within the range of about 500 to about 5000 psig, under reaction conditions effective to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: 1,3-Propanediol is prepared in a process comprising the steps of:contacting, in an essentially non-water-miscible organic solvent, ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalytic amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt compound and an effective amount of a lipophilic quaternary phosphonium salt promoter at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure within the range of about 500 to about 5000 psig, to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid a major portion of the 3-hydroxypropanal at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: 1,3-propanediol is prepared in a process comprising the steps of:(a) contacting ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an essentially non-water-miscible solvent in the presence of an effective amount of a non-phosphine-ligated cobalt catalyst and an effective amount of a lipophilic arsine at a temperature within the range of about 50 to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure within the range of about 500 to about 5000 psig, under reaction conditions effective to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than about 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;(b) adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid at a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A glycolic acid ester is produced by hydrogenating an oxalic acid diester of the formula, (COOR).sub.2, wherein R is a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, with hydrogen in the presence of a solid catalyst comprising, for example, copper and silver metals carried on a solid carrier, and in the additional presence of an aliphatic alcohol, and collecting the resultant glycolic acid ester from the reaction mixture by distillation, preferably in the presence of an ester of a C.sub.3-12 dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: An influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitor, its analogs, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, derivatives, and mixtures thereof having the following formula: ##STR1## where A is CO.sub.2 H, CO.sub.2 H.sub.3, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.3 H or PO.sub.3 H.sub.2, B is CH, N, O or S, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are H, NO.sub.2 or (CH.sub.m).sub.n X.sub.1 where m=1 or 2, n is an integer from 0 to 4 and X.sub.1 is guanidino, OH, NH.sub.2, SH, NO.sub.2, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CF.sub.3, CO.sub.2 H, SO.sub.3 H or PO.sub.3 H.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are H, (CH.sub.o).sub.p X.sub.2, (CH.sub.o).sub.p CHX.sub.2 CH.sub.2 X.sub.2, NH(CH.sub.o).sub.p CHX.sub.2 CH.sub.2 X.sub.2, NHCO(CH.sub.o).sub.p CH.sub.2 X.sub.2 or NHCO(CH.sub.o).sub.p CHX.sub.2 CH.sub.2 X.sub.2 where o=1 or 2, p is an integer from 0 to 4 and X.sub.2 is H, guanidino, OH, NH.sub.2, SH, NO.sub.2, CF.sub.3, CO.sub.2 H, SO.sub.3 H or PO.sub.3 H.sub.2 , R.sub.5 =H, OH, NH.sub.2, (CH.sub.k).sub.1 X.sub.3, CO(CH.sub.k).sub.1 X.sub.3, SO(CH.sub.k).sub.1 X.sub.3 or SO.sub.2 (CH.sub.

Abstract: A process for producing an optically active .beta.-hydroxyketone represented by formula (I): ##STR1## by catalytic asymmetrical aldol reaction is disclosed, comprising reacting a silyl-enol ether represented by formula (II): ##STR2## with a substituted aldehyde represented by formula (III):R.sup.5 CHO (III)in the presence of a binaphthol-titanium complex represented by formula (IV): ##STR3## An optically active .beta.-hydroxyketone is efficiently produced with diastereo-specificity and enantio-specificity.