Abstract: KS-506a, KS-506x and KS-506g having an activity to inhibit cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and KS-506m and KS-506h having an activity to inhibit histamine release are produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Mortierella.

Abstract: A method for racemizing an optically active carboxylic acid, or ester thereof, of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl; R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are different and are hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched haloalkyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl substituted cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkoxy, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryloxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkylthio, C.sub.2 to C.sub.8 cycloalkylthio, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 arylthio, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 arylcarbonyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl, trifluoromethyl, halo, C.sub.4 to C.sub.5 heteroaryl, C.sub.10 to C.sub.14 aryl, or biphenyl unsubstituted or substituted with methyl or halo, comprising heating said optically active carboxylic acid or ester thereof in the presence of water at a temperature of from about 75.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new and useful compounds including methyl p-hydroxyphenyllactate, its analogues, chemical derivatives and chemically related compounds and their use as antitumor agents, as inhibitors of proliferative cell growth and as prophylactic agents to inhibit and prevent cancer and non-malignant cell growth.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I or II ##STR1## in which R, R.sup.0, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined in claim 1. The compounds, some of which are novel, are light stabilizers for color photographic recording materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl; ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 is lower alkyl; R.sub.3 is phenyl, or phenyl substituted by 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, lower alkyl, and lower alkoxy; and R.sub.4 is hydrogen or methyl or the corresponding hydroxy acid of formula ##STR3## and R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are as described above; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said acid, a C.sub.1-4 alkyl ester of said acid, an acetylamino-substituted-C.sub.1-4 alkyl ester of said acid, a phenyl-dimethylamino ester of said acid or a .alpha.-monoglyceride of said acid.The compounds of formulas I and II are useful as agents for the treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Abstract: Highly fluorinated aryloxyfluoroether esters, acids and alcohols, which are intermediates in the production of vinyl monomers, are provided. Also provided is a process for making aryloxyfluoroether esters by the base catalyzed addition of hydroxyaromatic compounds to perfluorovinylether esters.

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: There is described a new process for the preparation of substituted 3-aminoacrylic esters of the general formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, X and n have the meaning given in the description.The 3-aminoacrylic esters of the formula (I) are obtained by reacting acetic esters of the formula (II)R.sup.1 --(X).sub.n --CH.sub.2 --COOR.sup.

Abstract: Novel acid-labile tris(alkoxy)benzyl ester handles for use in linking protected amino acid or peptides to a support during peptide synthesis are disclosed. Methods for producing the handles, for linking them to solid support resins and for using the resin-linked handles in peptide synthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: Toner particles comprising a polyester binder and a charge control agent are provided wherein such agent is a quaternary ammonium salt having one or more ester-containing moieties. Such an ester-containing salt causes toner particles to display lower fusing temperature, improved paper adhesion indexes, and improved polyester binder compatibility compared to nonesterified salts.

Abstract: A mesomorphic compound represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 denotes a linear or branched alkyl group having 2-16 carbon atoms capable of including one or two non-neighboring methylene groups which can be replaced with ##STR2## and capable of including fluorine substituted for hydrogen; A denotes --A.sub.1 -- or --A.sub.1 --A.sub.2 -- and B denotes --B.sub.1 -- or --B.sub.1 --B.sub.2 -- wherein A.sub.1, A.sub.2, B.sub.1 and B.sub.2 respectively denote ##STR3## wherein Y.sub.1 and Y.sub.2 respectively denote H, F, Cl, Br, --CH.sub.3, --CN or --CF.sub.3 ; Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 respectively denote ##STR4## Z.sub.3 denotes ##STR5## R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 respectively denote a linear or branched alkyl group having 1-16 carbon atoms including a methylene group which can be replaced with ##STR6## with proviso that it is not adjacent to the silicon atom; p and q are respectively 0 or 1 with proviso that p+q is 0 or 1; and n is an integer of 1-12.

Abstract: Ferrelectric chiral smetic liquid crystal compound are provided which have the formula, for example ##STR1## wherein R is a C.sub.1-20 alkyl group.

Abstract: The invention relates to leukotriene-B.sub.4 derivatives of formula I, ##STR1## in which n=1-10,R.sub.1 means radical CH.sub.2 OH, radical COOR.sub.4, radical CONHR.sub.5 or radical CONR.sub.6 R.sub.7,A means a cis, trans or trans, trans--CH.dbd.CH--CH.dbd.CH group or tetramethylene group,B means an alkylene group with up to 10 C atoms,D means a direct compound, oxygen, sulfur, a --C.tbd.C group or a --CH.dbd.CR.sub.8 group,B and D together mean a direct bond,R.sub.2 means a hydrogen atom or an acid radical of an organic acid with 1-15 C atoms andR.sub.3 means a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl radical with 1-10 C atoms,a cycloalkyl radical with 3-10 C atoms, an optionally substituted aryl radical with 6-10 C atoms or a 5-6 member heterocyclic radical and if R.sub.4 means a hydrogen atom, their salts with physiologically compatible bases and their cyclodextrin clathrates, process for their production and their pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: Novel choline salts of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory carboxylic acids and anti-lipidemic carboxylic acids are described. Additionally, blends of choline salts with the above carboxylic acids are also described. The new salts and compositions offer new therapeutic advantages.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and intermediates for preparing 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-carboxylic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition in contact with a corrodable metal surface, comprising a functional fluid and, as corrosion inhibitor, a compound having the formula 1A ##STR1## as well as salts or esters thereof, wherein R.sup.3 is C.sub.9 -C.sub.20 linear or branched alkyl, phenyl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 alkylphenyl;R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl;X is CH.sub.2, O or S;Y is O or S; andZ is--(CH.sub.2).sub.n -in which n is 1,2,3,4 or 5, or Z is--CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)-.

Abstract: Aromatic esters and thioesters of the formula ##STR1## are useful in human and veterinary medicine and in cosmetic formulations. In the formula, X represents oxygen or sulfur, r' and 4" represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl or benzyl optionally substituted, the residue of an amino acid or aminated sugar, or taken together form a heterocycle, R.sub.2 represents .alpha., .alpha.'- dissubstituted alkyl having 4-12 carbon atoms or mono- or polycyclic cycloalkyl having 5-12 carbon atoms whose carbon linking carbon is trisubstituted and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 represent hydrogen or lower alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the alpha,omega-arylation/alkylation of a non-conjugated diene in one step by reacting the diene with an aryl iodide or an aryl bromide and a carbon nucleophile in the presence of an amount of a Pd(O) complex effective to catalyze the reaction.

Abstract: A process for producing an .alpha.-alkoxy acetic acids and salts thereof which comprises reacting an alcohol of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 can be hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halo, phenyl, substituted phenyl, or hydroxy; A can be S, O or --CH.sub.2 --; and Alk is straight or branched chain alkylene, with a base in an aprotic solvent, then reacting the resulting alkoxide with a monohaloacetic acid ester to give an alkoxyacetate followed by reaction of the alkoxyacetate with a hydrogen halide, organic acid or Lewis acid in nitromethane to give the corresponding .alpha.-alkoxyacetic acid which then may be recovered or may optionally be converted to the corresponding salt by contracting the .alpha.-alkoxyacetic acid with a base.

Abstract: Provided are cyclic hydrocarbons of Formula I ##STR1## with an aminoalkyl sidechain that are useful for treating phospholipase A2 mediated conditions, diabetes, and obesity.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel alkanoyl ester compound represented by general formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein A is of --, --O--, ##STR2## B is ##STR3## l and m are 1 or 2 provided that both are not simultaneously 2, k and n are an integer of 1 or more, respectively, provided that k>n, and R is an alkyl group), a liquid crystal composition containing this compound, a novel alkanoylphenyl compound or a novel alkanoylbiphenyl compound as an intermediate for the production of the above compound, and a method of producing the same. These novel alkanoyl ester compounds are excellent in the stability against light and the like and can take a liquid crystal state at a wide temperature range. Particularly, these compounds form liquid crystals of ferroelectricity having a large spontaneous polarization and a fast response rate by introducing an optically active group into the compound, so that they develop a very excellent effect as a starting material for optoelectronics and its related elements.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## and stereoisomers thereof, wherein V is an oxygen or a sulphur atom; X and Y, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen or halogen atoms, or optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substituted arylalkoxy, optionally substituted acyloxy, optionally substituted amino, acylamino, nitro, nitrile, --CO.sub.2 R.sup.3, --CONR.sup.4 R.sup.5, or --COR.sup.6 groups; or the groups X and Y, when they are in adjacent positions on the phenyl ring, may join to form a fused ring, either aromatic or aliphatic, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms; and Z is optionally substituted methylene, optionally substituted amino, oxygen or sulphur and when Z is a substituted methylene group, the substituent may join the 2-position of the phenyl ring to form a non-aromatic fused ring; R.sup.1 and R.

Abstract: Disclosed are herein optically active ester derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 represents an optically active alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen atoms; Y represents --O--, --COO-- or --OCO--; X represents --COO-- or --OCO--; l represents a number of 1 or 2; k and m each represents a number of 0 or 1; n represents a number of 1 to 6), preparation processes therefor, liquid crystal materials containing such ester derivatives as active ingredient, and a light switching element using said liquid crystal materials as liquid crystal element.

Abstract: A herbicidal compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X is O, S(O).sub.n or NR.sup.a where R.sup.a is H or alkyl and n is 0, 1 or 2;R.sup.1 is H or halo;R.sup.2 is N or CR.sup.3 where R.sup.3 is halo or NO.sub.2 ;R.sup.4 is H, halo, NO.sub.2, alkyl, haloalkyl, CN, CO.sub.2 alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, COalkyl, COphenyl, CHO,OH, NH.sub.2, NHCOalkyl or alkoxyR.sup.5 is H, halo or optionally substituted alkyl;R.sup.6 is H, halo or optionally substituted alkyl; provided that at least one of R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 is halo;R.sup.7 is CN, CHO, COOR.sup.8, CONR.sup.8 R.sup.9, where R.sup.8 is H, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl and R.sup.9 is a group R.sup.8, SO.sub.2 alkyl, NR.sup.10 R.sup.11 or N.sup.+ R.sup.10 R.sup.11 R.sup.12 Z.sup.- where Z is an agriculturally acceptable anion e.g. chloride and R.sup.10, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl. Processes for the preparation of these compounds and compositions containing them are also described.

Abstract: An optically active lactic acid derivative represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a linear, branched or cyclic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; C* represents an asymmetric carbon atom; l is 0 or 1; m is 1 or 2; A represents a group selected from the following groups (a) and (b):(a) hydroxyl group, halogen, benzyloxy group, phenoxy group, toluenesulfonic acid group, acetyloxy group, trifluoroacetyloxy group; ##STR2## (wherein R' is an alkyl group or alkoxy group having 4 to 18 carbon atoms, n is 0 or 1, ##STR3## with proviso that when A is selected from the groups in the above group (a), l is 1 and m is 1 or 2; and when A is selected from the groups in the above group (b), m=n=1 when l is 0, or m and n are 0, 1 or 2 and m+n is 1 or 2 when l is 1, and ##STR4##

Abstract: Toner particles comprising a polyester binder and a charge control agent are provided wherein such agent is a quaternary ammonium salt having one or more ester-containing moieties. Such an ester-containing salt causes toner particles to display lower fusing temperature, improved paper adhesion indexes, and improved polyester binder compatibility compared to nonesterified salts.

Abstract: 2-methyl-3-(substituted)-4-(substituted) benzoic acids or their alkyl ester that are useful to prepare herbicidal compounds.

Abstract: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors of formulae (I) and (II) are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel halogen-containing ester compound represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R is an alkyl group, A is selected from a single bond, --O--, --COO-- and --CO--, both of X and Y are halogen atoms or either one of X and Y is a halogen atom and the other is a hydrogen atom, each of m and n is 0 or 1, m+n=0 or 1, each of k and l is an integer of 1 or more, provide k<l), a liquid crystal composition and a light switching element each containing the above compound as well as a novel fluorophenol compound represented by the following general formula (II): ##STR2## (wherein each of k and l is an integer of 1 or more, provided k<l) as an intermediate for the synthesis of the above ester compound and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: An optically active fluorine-containing alcohol of ##STR1## where R.sub.2 is a C.sub.1-18 alkyl and n is 2-10, and liquid crystal compound of ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each is a C.sub.1-18 alkyl, X is O, COO or OCO, Y is COO, OCO, CH.sub.2 O or OCH.sub.2, Z is COO or O, (A) and (B) each is for example ##STR3## and p is zero or one, which is prepared from (I) above.

Abstract: Achiral fluorine-containing liquid crystal compounds are provided. The compounds comprise a fluorocarbon terminal portion and a hydrocarbon or another fluorocarbon terminal portion, the terminal portions being connected by a central core, the compounds having smectic mesophases or having latent smectic mesophases. The compounds are useful in liquid crystal display devices both along and in mixtures with other materials. Also provided is a process for preparing these compounds.

Abstract: Optical active compounds of the formula (1), (2), (3) and (4): ##STR1## The compounds (1), (2) and (3) are useful as raw materials of chiral dopants to be added for forming liquid crystal compositions, medicines or agricultural chemicals, and the compound (4) is useful as chiral dopants to be added for forming liquid crystal compositions.

Abstract: The invention lies in novel ferroelectric liquid crystal compounds particularly represented by the general formulae, having a good responsibility in relation to the applied electric field and a wide range of phase transition points inclusive of the room temperature so as to be useful alone as the liquid crystal material but also to be mixed with other liquid crystal compounds for expanding the phase transition points to a desired range and making the response speed of the liquid crystal composition faster. ##STR1## In the formulae, m and n are same or different with each other and represent an integral of 1-20.

Abstract: A perhydrolysis system is provided which includes peroxyacid precursors and a source of peroxygen. Upon dissolution in water these compositions provide high yields of a novel peroxyacid having the structure ##STR1## where R is hydrogen or an alkyl of not more than 5 carbon atoms. The precursors may include hydroxyl nitrogen derivatives as leaving groups, since the .alpha.-substituted phenoxy moiety enhances carbonyl reactivity toward perhydroxyl anion.

Abstract: Azo dyes of the formula ##STR1## where X is alkyl or alkoxy each of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or halogen, X' is hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy each of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or halogen, Y and Y' are independently of each other hydrogen or halogen, Z is hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy or alkylthio each of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or halogen, M is a 1-, 2- or 3-valent metal cation, ammonium or an organic ammonium compound, m is 1, 2 or 3 and n is 2 to 10, are suitable for use as image dyes in photographic silver dye bleach materials.The dyes of the invention can also be used to dye textile materials.

Abstract: An alkenoic acid derivative of the formula ##STR1## in which X and Y are identical or different and represent sulfur, sulfoxide, sulfone, an alkylene chain, --SCH.sub.2 --, or oxygen or a direct bond,W represents --CH.dbd.CH-- or --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --,o represents a number 1 to 5,A and B are identical or different and represent carboxyl, carboxymethylene, tetrazolyl or tetrazolylmethylene, or --CO.sub.2 R.sup.9 or --CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 R.sup.9 or --CONR.sup.10 R.sup.11 or nitrilen represents a number 1 to 10,m represents a number 0 to 7,T and Z are identical or different and represent oxygen or a direct bond andR.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.8 are identical or different and represent hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or nitro andR.sup.9 is lower alkyl and R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 are hydrogen, lower alkyl, alkylsulfonyl or arylsulfonyl or together are an alkylene chain to form a ringand pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: Bicyclooctane and bicycloheptane prostaglandin intermediates have been synthesized.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) and (II): ##STR1## are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition in contact with a corrodable metal surface, comprising a functional fluid and, as corrosion inhibitor, a compound having the formula I: ##STR1## as well as salts or esters thereof, wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 linear or branched alkyl, phenyl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 alkylphenyl;R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 linear or branched alkyl, phenyl or C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 alkylphenyl, or arylalkyl containing 7-20 carbon atoms;X is CH.sub.2, O or S;Y is O or S; andZ is --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- in which n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, or Z is --CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)--.Some of the compounds of formula I are new.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I) and (II): ##STR1## are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)alkanoic acid esters by reacting a hydroxyaromatic ketone derivative with a 2-substituted alkanoic acid ester under basic conditions and thereafter oxidizing the intermediate with subsequent hydrolysis.

Abstract: Arylcarboxylates of 2-hydroxypropionates are known, amongst other compounds, as dopes for converting tilted smectic liquid-crystal phases into ferroelectric liquid-crystal phases.The novel chiral aryloxypropionates of the general formula ##STR1## are two-fold chiral and in which the symbols have the following meaning: R.sup.1 denotes a straight-chain alkyl or alkoxy radical having 1 to 16 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl or alkoxy radical having 4 to 16 carbon atoms, it being possible for one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups to be replaced by a sulfur and/or oxygen atom;A denotes one, two or three aromatic or heteroaromatic rings which are linked to one another directly or via one or two COO groups;B denotes a chemical bond or one or two aromatic or heteroaromatic rings which are linked directly to one another;R.sup.2(a) if B is a chemical bond, denotes an alkyl radical having 2 to 10 carbon atoms which contains an asymmetrical carbon atom which is substituted by CH.sub.3, halogen or a COOC.sub.2 H.sub.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of D-hydroxyphenoxypropionic acid and its purification from its reaction mixture containing the acid, together with inorganic salts and various organic impurities, by crystallization of D-hydroxyphenoxypropionic acid by cooling followed by washing the crystals of D-hydroxyphenoxypropionic acid by elution.

Abstract: A ferroelectric liquid crystal composition containing an optically active mesomorphic compound represented by the following formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are respectively an alkyl, and C with * represents an asymmetric carbon atom. The mesomorphic compound provides the ferroelectric liquid crystal composition with an extended operational life in a liquid crystal device.

Abstract: Diethers of m- or p-hydroxyphenol, as well as the monoethers, are prepared by reacting m- or p-tert.-butoxyphenol of the formula II ##STR1## with a halogen compound in the presence of a hydroxide, carbonate and/or bicarbonate of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and an organic solvent which is inert under the reaction conditions, at from 20.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., and, if desired, reacting the resulting diether with a dilute aqueous inorganic acid at from 30.degree. to 100.degree. C. to give the monoether.The end products which can be prepared by the process according to the invention are useful starting materials for the preparation of dyes, drugs and crop protection agents.

Abstract: Ortho-substituted benzyl carboxylates of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is alkoxy, alkylthio, halogen or amino, R.sup.2 is alkoxycarbonyl, cyano or CONH.sub.2, R.sup.3 l is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, aryl, aryloxy, a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, cycloalkyl, or substituted cyclopropyl, X is alkylene, and n is 0 or 1, and fungicides containing these compounds.

Abstract: Aromatic esters and thioesters have the formula ##STR1## wherein X represents oxygen or sulfur,R.sub.1 represents --CH.sub.2 OH, --CH(OH)--CH.sub.3, --COOR.sub.5 or ##STR2## R.sub.5 represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, monohydroxyalkyl or polyhydroxyalkyl,r' and r" represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl or benzyl optionally substituted, the residue of an amino acid or aminated sugar, or taken together form a heterocycle,R.sub.2 represents .alpha.,.alpha.'-disubstituted alkyl having 4-12 carbon atoms or mono- or polycyclic cycloalkyl having 5-12 carbon atoms whose carbon linking carbon is trisubstituted,R.sub.3 represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, or --Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 R'.sub.3 wherein R'.sub.3 represents lower alkyl, andR.sub.4 represents hydrogen or lower alkyl, andthe salts of these aromatic esters and thioesters of formula (I) when R.sub.5 represents hydrogen.

Abstract: Liquid Crystal compounds represented by the following formula are disclosed. ##STR1## wherein R and R' are independently selected from alkyl groups containing 1.about.20 carbon atoms; X is --O--, --O--CO--O-- or direct bond; A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 are independently cyclic groups (such as phenylene and biphenylene), said cyclic groups may be substituted with 1.about.4 fluorine, chlorine or bromine atoms, or 1 or 2 substituent groups selected from the group consisting of cyano, nitro and trifluoromethyl groups; Y is --CO--O--, --O--CO--, --C.tbd.C--, --CH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.N--, --N.dbd.CH--, --N.dbd.N--, --CH.sub.2 S--, --SCH.sub.2 -- or direct bond; and * represents asymmetric atom providing optical activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparation of dialkyl (phenylenedioxy)acetates such as dimethyl (1,3-phenylenedioxy)acetate in high yield.The process involves controlling certain reaction conditions such as order of addition of reactants and rate of addition.

Abstract: Differentiation of the two enantiotopic groups in prochiral glycerol derivatives gives chiral molecules directly, which in turn are easily converted either into the S-series or into the R-series by selective manipulation of the functional groups.