Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which inhibit farnesyl-protein transferase (FPTase) and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras. The invention is further directed to chemotherapeutic compositions containing the compounds of this invention and methods for inhibiting famesyl-protein transferase and the famesylation of the oncogene protein Ras.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactone or an ester represented by the following general formula (2), wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, identical or different, each represents (C.sub.1 --C.sub.20) alkyl group; alkyl group substituted with a terminal alkenyl, halogen, alkoxy, phenoxy or acyloxy; phenyl group; or phenyl group substituted with alkyl, halogen, alkoxy, phenoxy or acyloxy; phenylalkyl group; or phenylalkyl group substituted with alkyl, halogen, alkoxy, phenoxy or acyloxy; provided that when R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, identical or different, each represents unsubstituted alkyl group or alkyl group substituted with a terminal alkenyl, halogen, alkoxy, phenoxy, acyloxy or phenyl, the respective alkyl parts of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be conjunct to each other; which comprises reacting a ketone represented by the following general formula (1), wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid esters in high yield from acetone cyanohydrin and sulfuric acid through the reduction of reaction side products and the recycling of process intermediates.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for efficiently producing methyl .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyrate from .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyramide and methyl formate by means of reaction distillation which comprises feeding .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyramide and an alkali metal hydroxide in a continuous distillation column to prepare therein the dehydrated condensate of .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyramide with the alkali metal hydroxide as the catalyst and reacting remaining .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyramide with methyl formate in the presence of the dehydrated condensate as the catalyst.According to the above process, the objective methyl .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyrate is continuously obtained in high yield and high selectivity without any operational trouble.

Abstract: A process for preparing neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate by base-catalyzed disproportionation of hydroxypivalaldehyde, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a readily water-soluble alkaline earth metal salt and of an alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a humectant with a chemical structure similar to that of natural moisture regulators, residual molasses from sugar beet molasses are treated and the organic acids contained, in particular L-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxlyic acid and lactic acid, are obtained and then neutralized and concentrated to form a humectant.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of acyloxyalkanesulfonatesProcess for the preparation of acyloxyalkanesulfonates of the formula ##STR1## where R denotes C.sub.7 -C.sub.21 -alkyl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.21 -alkenyl, A denotes C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -alkylene and M denotes an alkali metal atom or an alkaline earth metal atom, by esterification of carboxylic acids using salts of hydroxyalkanesulfonic acids, under mild reaction conditions, carboxylic acids of the general formula R--CO.sub.2 H being esterified using a salt of the formula HO--A--SO.sub.3 M in the presence of aqueous hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic method of optically active starting materials for various medicaments, which are represented by Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy protecting group; * is an asymmetric carbon; R.sup.2 ' is hydrogen or an optionally substituted lower alkyl; and Q is --CH.dbd.P(Ph).sub.3, --CH.sub.2 P(O)(OMe).sub.2, or --CH.sub.2 S(O)Me, in high optical purity on a large scale.In more detail, the present invention provides intermediates and a method for the production thereof for synthesizing optically active compounds which are able to inhibit activities of HMG-CoA reductase and are, therefore, useful for inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for efficiently producing a carboxylic acid ester and formamide by reacting a carboxylic acid amide with a formic acid ester or with an alcohol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a strongly basic anion-exchange resin. By the use of the strongly basic anion-exchange resin as the catalyst, the process of the present invention enables the efficient production of the carboxylic acid ester as well as formamide from the Carboxylic acid amide and Formic acid ester, etc. with a high selectivity under mild reaction conditions and facilitates the separation of the catalyst from the reaction product, thereby greatly enhancing the industrial significance of itself.

Abstract: A process for the catalyzed ethoxylation or propoxylation of compounds selected from the group consisting of organic compounds containing active H atoms, esters of fatty acids containing 2 to 22 carbon atoms with monoalkanols containing 1-22 carbon atoms with polyols containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups, wherein the improvement comprises the use as catalyst for the ethoxylation or propoxylation of hydrophobicized hydrotalcites corresponding to the general formula I:Mg.sub.x Al(OH).sub.y (CO.sub.3).sub.m (A).sub.n.zH.sub.2 O (I),in which A is selected from the group consisting of (i) a dianion of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid containing 4 to 44 carbon atoms and (ii) two anions of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids containing 2 to 34 carbon atoms; 1<x<5; y.ltoreq.2x+2; {y+2(m+n)}=2x+3; m+n.ltoreq.0.5; m.gtoreq.0; and 0<z<10.

Abstract: An efficient and commercially-viable method for the stereoselective transformation of a diol to an alcohol is disclosed. The present method is particularly well-suited for the preparation of the unnatural D-isomer of malic acid or its derivatives from the abundant naturally occurring L-tartaric acid or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to dihalogenobenzene derivatives of the formula IR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --Z.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --(Z.sup.2 --A.sup.3).sub.n --R.sup.2wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, A.sup.1, A.sup.2, A.sup.3, Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2 and n are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyacid (PHA) is recovered by heating under pressure in the presence of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alcohol, and optionally also water.

Abstract: Depolymerizing polyhydroxy acid by heating with the alcohol of 1-6 carbon atoms in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce an alkyl ester.

Abstract: .omega.-Formyl-C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 -alkanecarboxylic esters are prepared by reacting C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 -alkenecarboxylic esters with carbon monoxide and hydrogen at from 30.degree. to 150.degree. C. and under from 0.01 to 30 bar in the presence of rhodium carbonyl complexes which are modified with polyphosphites.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing lactic acid, esters of lactic acid, acrylic acid, and esters of acrylic acid, primarily from fermentable carbohydrate materials. An overall process for producing esters of acrylic acid comprises: a) fermenting carbohydrate material with a lactic-acid-forming organism in the presence of NH.sub.3 to produce ammonium lactate; b) combining the ammonium lactate with an alcohol; c) combining the ammonium lactate and alcohol with an effective catalyzing amount of gaseous CO.sub.2 to catalytically esterify the ammonium lactate and alcohol into a lactic acid ester containing solution; d) recovering purified lactic acid ester; and e) vaporizing the lactic acid ester and passing it through a solid catalyst bed comprised of an effective catalyzing amount of crystalline hydrated and partially calcined calcium sulfate to catalytically convert lactic acid ester into an acrylic acid ester. Step "d" would be useful in a process for making low-cost, purified lactic acid.

Abstract: Provided are certain novel fluid ternary glycol mixtures. Also provided is an improved process for preparing polyesters comprised of residues of the glycols which comprise the fluid ternary glycol/water mixtures.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel class of vitamin D-related compounds, namely the 1.alpha.-hydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D analogs, as well as a general method for their chemical synthesis. The compounds exhibit pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells, including malignant cells, and in inducing their differentiation, and thus represent novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of malignant and other diseases characterized by the proliferative growth of undifferentiated cells. Formulations for therapeutic use and treatment methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the derivatives of the formula ##STR1## and their tautomeric forms, as well as their addition salts, and to their use in therapeutics, especially for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and in particular for the treatment of hypertension, cardiac insufficiency and diseases of the arterial wall.

Abstract: Recovery of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) from waste containing high molecular weight polyhydroxy acid polymer by depolymerizing the PHA in water at elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The production of high purity lactate ester or lactic acid from a concentrated fermentation broth by continuous acidification in the presence of an alcohol diluent with sequential or simultaneous esterification, distillation off of high purity ester, and, if desired, hydrolysis of the ester to high purity lactic acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing ethers which comprises contacting a carboxylated ether with a metal oxide catalyst under conditions effective to produce the ether.

Abstract: The asymmetric hydrogenation of aliphatic .alpha.-keto esters in the presence of rhodium catalysts which contain as chiral ligand a diphosphine of formula IV(R.sub.3).sub.2 P--Q--P(R.sub.3)hd 2 (IV)wherein R.sub.3 is phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylphenyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxyphenyl, and Q is [2,2,1]-bicyloheptan-1,2-ylene or [2,2,1]-bicyclohept-4,5-en-1,2-ylene, gives the corresponding (R)- or(S)-.alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acid esters in high rates of chemical conversion and in high enantiomer excesses.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions of matter which are esters with enhanced water solubility, for use in aqueous enzymatic resolution reactions of racemic mixtures of these esters for producing the separate chiral isomers of the racemic mixture. The invention also relates to novel methods for preparing these esters. The importance of the production of the separate chiral isomers of the racemic mixtures resides in the isolation of the isomers which frequently have different biological activities. Of particular significance regarding the water soluble esters of this invention is that they are derivatized with groups which enhance their aqueous solubility and their reactivity with enzymatic resolving methods which are mediated in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid esters and formamide are efficiently obtained by reacting carboxylic acid amides and formic acid esters, or by reacting carboxylic acid amides, alcohols and carbon monoxide in the presence of a dehydrated condensate of carboxylic acid amide with an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the alkoxylation of a carboxylated compound comprising contacting the carboxylated compound with an alkylene oxide in the presence of a mixed metal oxide catalyst or a modified bimetallic or polymetallic catalyst under conditions effective to alkoxylate the carboxylated compound.

Abstract: Neopentyl glycol is made by reacting isobutyraldehyde with paraformaldehyde in the presence of a tertiary amine and cadmium or yttrium oxide; then hydrogenating the resulting reaction mixture containing hydroxypivaldehyde and at least about 20% 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropylhydroxypivalate.

Abstract: Asymmetric hydrogenation of .alpha.-ketocarbonyl compounds, especially .alpha.-ketolactones, to the corresponding, optically active .alpha.-hydroxycarbonyl compounds in the presence of iridium diphosphine complexes as catalyst and dicarboxylic acid imides as co-catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of halogenated carboxylic acid esters of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl, R.sub.2 hydrogen is alkyl or cycloalkyl, and R.sub.3 is halogen having an atomic number of from 9 up to and including 53, which process comprises reacting an acylal of formula II ##STR2## with a hydrogen halide of the formula H--R.sub.3 (III).

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of chlorinated carboxylic acid esters of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl and R.sub.2 hydrogen is alkyl or cycloalkyl, which process comprises reacting an acylal of formula II ##STR2## with thionyl chloride.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel chiral rhodium-diphosphine complexes having the formula[Rh(X) (Y) (Lp)]owherein X represents a residue of the formula X--COO.sup.- in which Z signifies a group ##STR1## aryl or substituted aryl, wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 =hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, perfluoro-C.sub.1-20 -alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, the group --OR.sup.7, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --COA or AOC--(CF.sub.2).sub.n, with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 represents --OR.sup.7, aryl or substituted aryl,R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 =hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, perfluoro--C.sub.1-20 -alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --COA or AOC--(CF.sub.2).sub.n,R.sup.7 =hydrogen, lower alkyl, partially or completely halogenated lower alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl or aryl-lower alkyl,A=The residue --OR or NR'.sub.

Abstract: The invention provides an optically active compound which is R- or S- ester having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or acyl of 2-20 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl of 3-40 carbon atoms, and the carbon indicated by * is an asymmetric carbon atom.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid esters, comprising:1) a step involving alcoholysis of the polyhydroxybutyrate in the presence of an alcohol, a halogenated solvent, and an acid,2) a neutralization step comprising the addition of an alcoholate in solution in the alcohol,3) a purification step comprising the addition of a halogenated solvent and the azeotropic removal of water and the alcohol,4) a step for recovery of the ester, comprising a filtration, a distillation of the halogenated solvent and a distillation of the ester.This process enables .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid esters of high purity to be obtained.

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: Processes are disclosed for producing lactic acid, esters of lactic acid, acrylic acid, and esters of acrylic acid, primarily from fermentable carbohydrate materials. An overall process for producing esters of acrylic acid comprises: a) fermenting carbohydrate material with a lactic-acid-forming organism in the presence of NH.sub.3 to produce ammonium lactate; b) combining the ammonium lactate with an alcohol; c) combining the ammonium lactate and alcohol with an effective catalyzing amount of gaseous CO.sub.2 to catalytically esterify the ammonium lactate and alcohol into a lactic acid ester containing solution; d) recovering purified lactic acid ester; and e) vaporizing the lactic acid ester and passing it through a solid catalyst bed comprised of an effective catalyzing amount of crystalline hydrated and partially calcined calcium sulfate to catalytically convert lactic acid ester into an acrylic acid ester. Step "d" would be useful in a process for making low-cost, purified lactic acid.

Abstract: Ester group-containing dihydroxy compounds of reduced reactivity for use in polyurethane chemistry have the formula I ##STR1## where R is linear or branched alkylene of from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene of from 5 to 10 carbon atoms or polyoxyalkylene of from 2 to 50 oxyalkylene groups in a random or blockwise arrangement and having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkylene radical, and are prepared by transesterification of alkyl hydroxypivalates with alkanediols, cycloalkanediols or polyoxyalkylene glycols.

Abstract: A novel optically active allyl alcohol derivative represented by the following general formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV): ##STR1## The novel optically active allyl alcohol can be used effectively for producing leucotrienes B.sub.4 by the process of reacting an optically active halogen substituted allyl alcohol and a novel optically active acetylene-substituted allyl alcohol.

Abstract: A process for producing a .beta.-hydroxyester product or a .beta.-hydroxyaldehyde product from ethylene oxide, carbon monoxide, and, optionally, hydrogen, is disclosed. This process uses, as a catalyst, a catalyst comprising rhodium, ruthenium, and a Group Va promoter.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I ##STR1## are described which are useful to inhibit the formation of serum cholesterol by virtue of their ability to inhibit .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylglutaryl-CoA(HMG CoA), the rate-controlling substance in the synthesis of serum cholesterol.

Abstract: Compounds which are inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis (by inhibiting de novo squalene biosynthetis), and thus are useful as hypocholesterolemic agents and antiatherosclerotic agents, are provided which have the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.2 is a metal ion, lower alkyl or H; R.sup.3 is a metal ion or lower alkyl;R is R.sup.1 --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --, R.sup.1 --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --O-- orR.sup.1 --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --OCH.sub.2 --, wherein n is 1 to 4 and m is 0 to 3, andR.sup.1 is R.sup.5 --Q.sup.1 --Q.sup.2 --Q.sup.3 -- wherein R.sup.5, Q.sup.1, Q.sup.2 and Q.sup.3 are as defined herein.New intermediates, new methods of preparation and a method for using such compounds to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis are also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropionate (HPN) and neopentyl glycol (NP) blends from a neopentyl glycol production by-product stream containing neopentyl glycol, hydroxypivalic acid, and HPN using an acid catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically active aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.2 represents an alkoxyalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, which alkyl group may be substituted with a halogen atom; represents a number of 1 or 2; m represents a number of 0 or 1; and * indicates asymmetric carbon atom) and a process for producing such derivatives through the following reaction steps: ##STR2## The optically active aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives represented by the above-described formula (I) are useful as a liquid crystal material and can be also utilized as an intermeidate for the preparation of pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of carboxylic acid esters from carboxylic acids and alcohols which is characterized in that neutral phosphites containing oxetane groups are used as esterification catalysts.

Abstract: Composition containing a chlorine-containing polymer and at least one compound of the formula IA ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 independently of one another are C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, phenyl, phenyl which is substituted by one to three C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl groups, C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 phenylalkyl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 phenylalkyl which is substituted on the phenyl ring by one to three C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl groups and R.sup.1 is additionally --R.sup.2 --X--R.sup.3, R.sup.2' is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkylene, R.sup.4 is hydrogen, C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkoxycarbonyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkanoyl and X is oxygen or sulfur.Compounds of the formula IA in which R.sup.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid esters, industrially important compounds, are obtained by reacting carboxylic acid amides and formic acid esters, or carboxylic acid amides, alcohols and carbon monoxide in the presence of metal alcoholate.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid esters and formamide are efficiently obtained for reacting carboxylic acid amides and formic acid esters, or carboxylic acid amides, alcohols and carbon monoxide in the presence of an alkaline earth metal oxide catalyst.

Abstract: The process described makes it possible to obtain optically pure 4-amino-3-hydroxycarboxylic acids by means of a series of stereoselective steps. The starting material is an alpha-amino acid in the L or D configuration, with which Meldrum's acid is reacted. The resulting pyrrolone derivative is reduced prior to opening of the pyrrolidine ring. The invention also relates to the new products obtained by the said process and to the pyrrolone derivatives obtained as intermediates.

Abstract: The lower lactate esters are difficult to separate one from another by conventional distillation or rectification because of the close proximity of their boiling points. Lactate esters can be readily separated from each other by extractive distillation. Typical examples of effective agents are: for methyl lactate from ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol; ethyl lactate from isopropyl lactate, diethylene glycol; isopropyl lactate from n-propyl lactate, isophorone; n-propyl lactate from butyl lactate, 2-hydroxyacetophenone.

Abstract: A process for producing a .beta.-hydroxyester product or a .beta.-hydroxyaldehyde product from ethylene oxide, carbon monoxide, and, optionally, hydrogen, is disclosed. This process uses, as a catalyst, a catalyst comprising rhodium, ruthenium, and a Group Va promoter.