Abstract: A process for producing trifluoroethoxybenzoic acids or salts thereof by reaction of halobenzoic acids or salts thereof with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol in the presence of a strong base and copper containing materials. The compounds obtained by the process of the present invention may be used as synthetic intermediates in the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a benzoic acid derivative represented by the general formula (1). The method includes the step of reacting an aromatic compound represented by the general formula (2), with carbon monoxide and a hydroxy compound (i.e., water or an alcohol), in the presence of (a) a metal compound containing a metal of 8, 9 and 10 groups of periodic table, (b) a first phosphine derivative represented by the general formula (R1)2P—Q—P(R1)2, and (c) a base, It is possible to easily and efficiently produce the benzoic acid derivative by the method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new efficient processes for various bond forming reactions, including Suzuki reactions and aryl aminations. Organic compounds (e.g., ligands), their metal complexes and compositions using those compounds, provide useful catalysts. The invention also relates to performing Suzuki cross coupling reactions with unreactive aryl-chlorides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new efficient processes for various bond forming reactions, including Suzuki reactions. Organic compounds (e.g., ligands), their metal complexes and compositions using those compounds, provide useful catalysts. The invention also relates to performing Suzuki cross coupling reactions with unreactive aryl-chlorides.

Abstract: A dry chemistry reagent matrix composition is provided containing a matrix material and a reagent composition containing 3-methyl-6(sulfonate salt)-benzothiazolinone-(2)-hydrazone (MBTH-S), N-ethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)aniline, and an oxidase enzyme or a peroxidase enzyme or a mixture thereof. The dry chemistry reagent matrix composition is useful in reagent test strips for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample, such as blood.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of halide compounds, preferably aryl halides, by contacting a gaseous mixture of hydrohalic acid and a compound selected from an aryl halogen formate, an aryl carbonate and equivalents thereof with a Lewis acid catalyst.

Abstract: Formula (I) compounds: wherein R1 is alkyl substituted by fluorine(s); R2 is hydroxy, alkoxy, alkoxy substituted by phenyl, NR3R4, in which R3, R4 is (i) hydrogen, (ii) alkyl, (iii) phenyl, (iv) phenyl substituted by alkoxy or carboxyl, (v) heterocyclic ring containing nitrogen atom, (vi) alkyl substituted by phenyl, phenyl subsituted by alkoxy or carboxyl, heterocyclic ring containing nitrogen atom, (vii) the nitrogen bonded to R3 and R4, taken together is a saturated heterocyclic ring or amino acid residue; and non-toxic salts and acid addition salts thereof.

Abstract: A process of producing benzoic acids from phthalimides is described. The ability to dramatically reduce the reaction time in comparison to currently practiced processes by the addition of readily available compounds is demonstrated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coding combinatorial chemical libraries synthesized on a plurality of solid supports by attaching “tags” that comprise fluorine containing compounds in combinations and/or ratios. The tags can be decoded while attached to the solid support by fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to follow the reaction history of individual beads, and to determine the particular member of the library that is attached on the bead.

Abstract: A process is provided for increasing the fluorine content of benzene or pyridine rings which are optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 inert substituents. The process involves (a) contacting the ring with a metal fluoride composition comprising cupric fluoride (CuF.sub.2) at a temperature above 250.degree. C. sufficient to transfer F from cupric fluoride to the optionally substituted ring, thereby chemically reducing the metal fluoride composition; (b) oxidizing the reduced metal fluoride composition from (a) in the presence of HF to regenerate a metal fluoride composition comprising cupric fluoride; and (c) employing regenerated metal fluoride composition of (b) in (a).

Abstract: Process for the preparation of .alpha.-alkoxy-.alpha.-trifluoromethyl-arylacetic esters of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is a component selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkenyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 -aryl and C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -halogenoalkyl, R' is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, X is selected from the group consisting of halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -alkenyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 -aryl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy and nitro, and n is zero or an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 3-(substituted)-2-indolinones compounds and physiologically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof which modulate the activity of protein kinases and therefore are expected to be useful in the prevention and treatment of protein kinase related disorders such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a library of compounds, each comprised of a common aminobenzenedicarboxylic acid core structure (scaffold) that serves as a template for synthesizing approximately 10.sup.1 -10.sup.6 compounds which are analogs of the scaffold. The library is employed to study ligand binding by biological receptors, such as enzymes, G-protein coupled receptors and membrane channels. For example, certain individual compounds within the library selectively bind and inhibit the action of trypsin-like serine proteases. The present invention also relates to combinatorial synthetic methods for making such libraries of compounds. Additionally, the present invention relates to novel scaffold-modified solid supports, particularly scaffold-modified polymer resins and methods for preparing said resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation of primary alcohols, RCH.sub.2 OH to corresponding carboxylic acids, RCOOH in the presence of catalytic in the presence of catalytic amount of NaClO and stoichiometric amount of NaClO.sub.2 as an oxidant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new organic compounds (e.g., ligands), their metal complexes and compositions using those compounds. The invention also relates to the field of catalysis. In particular, this invention relates to new compounds which when combined with suitable metals or metal precursor compounds provide useful catalysts for various bond-forming reactions, including Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. The invention also relates to performing Suzuki cross coupling reactions with unreactive aryl-chlorides.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide 2,3-dihalogeno-6-trifluoromethylbenzene derivatives represented by a general formula [I]; ##STR1## wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are the same or different and each independently represents fluoro or chloro; Y represents COOH, CONH.sub.2, CN, CHO, CH.dbd.NOH or COOR', wherein R' is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, except the case that X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are each chloro and Y is COOH, which are useful as the starting materials for producing pesticides, drugs and the like, and a process for producing such derivatives.

Abstract: A dry chemistry dye indicator composition provides improved shelf life, stable color indication end point and capability for a system at near normal pH. The novel dry chemistry dye indication system comprises 3-Methyl-6-(sodium sulfonate)-benzothiazolinone-(2)-hydrazone (MBTH-S). A preferred dye systems are based on the dye couple (MBTH-S) and 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS), and the dye couple MBTH-S and N-(3-sulfopropyl)analine. These dye indicator systems are used in conventional blood chemistry test strips and are particularly preferred for indication of glucose in blood.

Abstract: Polyorganofullerene and polyhydroxyorganofullerene derivatives have the respective formulas, F--(E).sub.n and F--(E).sub.n -- (OH).sub.m, in which F is a fullerene core; E is a nucleophilic substituent; --OH is a hydroxy group; n is 2-30; and m is 1-20. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such polyorgano-fullerene and polyhydroxyorganofullerene derivatives using polynitrofullerenes or polycyclosulfated fullerenes as intermediates.

Abstract: The phenylalkan(en)oic acids of the formula: ##STR1## as defined herein, posses an antagonistic activity on leukotriene B.sub.4.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing aromatic compounds by selectively dehalogenating aromatic starting materials is provided. Compounds may be prepared which are substituted with fluoro, chloro or bromo. The method may be used to remove halogen atoms from sites at which halogenation is not desired, and to form substantially pure halogenated compounds from mixtures of starting materials. The method uses a copper containing dehalogenation agent and an acid with the dehalogenation being controlled by a substituent such as a carboxylic acid, amide, ester, aldehyde, ketone or cyano on the aromatic ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing 4,5-dichloro-2-methylbenzoic acid and also its salts in high yields and in high purities by reacting 3,4-dichlorotoluene with acetyl chloride or chloroacetyl chloride in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst and subsequently oxidizing the acetylated intermediate to give the carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A liquid-phase process for hydrolyzing a carboxylic acid alkyl ester having 2 to 18 carbon atoms to provide a product mixture comprising a carboxylic acid and an alcohol comprising contacting a feedstock comprising the carboxylic acid alkyl ester and water with an acidic carbon catalyst under reaction conditions sufficient to form the product mixture comprising the carboxylic acid and the alcohol. Suitable acidic carbon catalysts include charcoal and carbons produced from a variety of sources including coconut shells, coal, wood and peat. Carbon catalysts may be rendered acidic by treatment with nitric acid.

Abstract: A process for producing crystalline ibuprofen having a crystal habit characterized by a particle length larger than 75 microns average and a length to width aspect ratio of greater than about 4 to 1 to about 5 to 1. The process involves crystallizing ibuprofen from a saturated solution of ibuprofen in a liquid hydrocarbon solvent by seeding and cooling such solution to a temperature of about 0.degree. C. to about -20.degree. C. at a rate to retard primary nucleation and promote secondary nucleation. The crystalline ibuprofen is separated from the slurry produced from such cooling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrially advantageous process for the preparation of an optically active 2-halo-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol useful as medicines, agricultural chemicals or as intermediates thereof; and a simple process for the preparation of an optically active substituted styrene oxide or 2-amino-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol useful as medicines, agricultural chemicals or intermediates thereof. A 2-halo-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol represented by the following general formula (I) is allowed to contact, in the presence of a carboxylic anhydride, with an enzyme stereoselectively catalyzing ester interchange to produce an optically active 2-halo-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol: ##STR1## (wherein X represents a chlorine atom or a bromine atom, and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C.sub.1-5 alkyl group, a C.sub.1-5 haloalkyl group, a C.sub.

Abstract: Novel 4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is cyclopropyl which may have 1 to 3 substituents of alkyl and halogen; phenyl which may be substituted by 1 to 3 substituents of alkoxy, halogen and OH; alkyl which may be substituted by halogen, alkanoyloxy or OH; alkenyl; or thienyl, R.sup.2 is 5- to 9-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring which may be substituted, R.sup.3 is alkyl, R is H or alkyl, and X is halogen, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, said compounds having excellent antimicrobial activity and hence being useful as an antimicrobial agent, and a pharmaceutical composition containing said compound as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of bromine-containing aromatic compounds, to novel bromine-containing compounds and to their use as intermediates in the synthesis of active substances. Processes according to the invention for the preparation of known and novel bromine-containing compounds are characterized by specific conditions.

Abstract: A dry chemistry dye indicator composition provides improved shelf life, stable color indication end point and capability for a system at near normal pH. The novel dry chemistry dye indication system comprises 3-Methyl-6-(sodium sulfonate)-benzothiazolinone-(2)-hydrazone (MBTH-S). A preferred dye systems are based on the dye couple (MBTH-S) and 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS), and the dye couple MBTH-S and N-(3-sulfopropyl)analine. These dye indicator systems are used in conventional blood chemistry test strips and are particularly preferred for indication of glucose in blood.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of fluorine-containing compounds by reduction in a container provided with a stirrer, the stirrer being constructed entirely or partly of a carbon material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a nucleophilic reagent which is useful for grafting a substituted difluoromethyl group onto a compound containing at least one electrophilic function, characterized in that it comprises:a) a fluorocarboxylic acid of formula Ew--CF.sub.2 --COOH where Ew represents an electron-withdrawing atom or group, at least partially salified with an organic or inorganic cation, andb) a polar aprotic solvent;and in that the content of releasable protons carried by its various components, including their impurities, is at most equal to half the initial molar concentration of the said fluorocarboxylic acid.

Abstract: It is known to prepare fluorinated aromatic compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which X, Y and Z can have the meaning specified in the description, by reacting aromatic compounds of the formula II ##STR2## in which X, Y and Z have the meaning specified for formula I, with fluorine in a reaction medium.According to the invention, the direct fluorination is carried out in a reaction medium containing polyfluoroalkanesulfonic acids of the formula IIICF.sub.n H.sub.3-n (CFY).sub.m --SO.sub.3 H (III)in whichm, n and Y have the meaning specified in the description.By this means, it is possible, particularly advantageously to provide a process, which improves the known processes not only with regard to the selectivity and the yield, but also with respect to the quality of the resulting products of the process in a manner not readily predictable.Fluorinated aromatic compounds of the formula I as intermediates for active compound synthesis.

Abstract: A process for preparing polycyclic aromatic compounds, which comprises reactinga) an aromatic boron compound withb) an aromatic halogen compound or an aromatic perfluoroalkylsulfonate in the presence ofc) a base,d) a nickel or palladium catalyst,e) a phosphorus-containing ligand andf) a polyhydric alcohol, a sulfoxide or sulfone.The process gives high yields, in particular also in the coupling of chloroaromatics.

Abstract: Supported phase catalysts in which the support phase, is non-aqueous and highly polar, such as a primary alcohol, and most preferably ethylene glycol, are. disclosed. An organometallic compound, preferably a metal complex of chiral sulfonated 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl is dissolved in the ethylene glycol. Such supported phase catalysts are useful for asymmetric synthesis of optically active compounds, such as the preparation of dehydronaproxen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of salts of substituted or unsubstituted phthalic acids, by reacting a compound of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are identical or different and are H, F, Cl, Br, CF.sub.3, OH, an alkoxy or alkyl radical in each case having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a radical --NR.sup.7 R.sup.8, in which R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are identical or different and are H, an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a phenyl radical, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are identical or different and are H, a --CO-- alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, or a benzoyl group, or R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 together form a radical of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are identical or different and are H, F, Cl, Br, CF.sub.3, OH, an alkoxy or alkyl radical in each case having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a radical --NR.sup.7 R.sup.8, in which R.sup.7 and R.sup.

Abstract: A process for the full or partial resolution of a mixture of enantiomers of a genus of chiral carboxylic acids is disclosed. The process uses a pure enantiomer of 1-aminoindan-2-ol as the resolving agent and achieves separation of the diastereomeric salts by fractional crystallization followed by liberation of the chiral acid from the salt by treatment with mineral acid. Diastereomeric salts and solyates of those salts are disclosed. The production of ketoprofen, flurbiprofen and other chiral medicaments and precursors thereto is disclosed.

Abstract: Neurotrophic and antiproliferative compounds related to the antiepileptic drug valproate are provided. These compounds are useful for promoting neuronal function as in neurodegenerative disorders and for treating neoplastic disease.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2-chloro-4,5-difluorobenzoic acid and 2,4,5-trifluorobenzoic acid as well as synthetic intermediates useful in and prepared according thereto, comprising reacting a nitrobenzene having the formula ##STR1## wherein X is chloro or fluoro, with an appropriate carbanion to form a compound having the formula ##STR2## wherein one of Y and Z is chloro and the other is nitro, and R is a radical selected from the group consisting of --CCl.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 NO.sub.2, --CH(NO.sub.2)R.sup.1, --CH(CO.sub.2 R.sup.1).sub.2, --CH(C(O)R.sup.2).sub.2, --CH(CN)CO.sub.2 R.sup.1, --CH(CO.sub.2 R.sup.1)COR.sup.2 and --COR.sup.2 where R.sup.1 is alkyl or arylalkyl and R.sup.2 is alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl and, where appearing more than once in such a radical, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be the same or different at each occurrence.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are disclosed that are useful in inhibiting the TNF-.alpha. converting enzyme (TACE) responsible for cleavage of TNF-.alpha. precursor to provide biologically active TNF-.alpha.. The compounds employed in the invention are peptidyl derivatives having active groups capable of inhibiting TACE such as, hydroxamates, thiols, phosphoryls and carboxyls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 5-fluoroanthranilic alkyl esters and/or 5-fluoroanthranilic acid, which comprises dissolving a 3-fluorobenzoic alkyl ester in sulfuric acid and reacting the solution with a nitrating acid at from -10.degree. to 30.degree. C., then adding water, separating off the nitrated reaction product and reacting it with hydrogen at from 50.degree. to 120.degree. C. under elevated pressure in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal of the platinum group and sulfur, and, if desired, removing 5-fluoroanthranilic alkyl esters by distillation and hydrolyzing them to give 5-fluoroanthranilic acid.

Abstract: 2,4,5-Trihalogenobenzene derivatives of the formula ##STR1## in which R is --COOH, --COCl, --COF, --CN, --CONH.sub.2, --CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 Cl, --CHCl.sub.2, --CCl.sub.3 or --CHO,R.sup.1 is H, Cl or F, andR.sup.2 is Cl or F,it only being possible for R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 to be F, and processes for their preparation starting from benzonitriles reacted with potassium fluoride. The novel compounds are intermediates for antibacterials such as quinolone carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A process for producing tetrafluorophthalic anhydride, which comprises chlorinating tetrachlorophthalic anhydride to obtain 3,3,4,5,6,7-hexachloro-1-[3H]-isobenzofuranone, then fluorinating it to obtain 3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophthaloyldifluoride and/or 3,3,4,5,6,7-hexafluoro-1-[3H]-isobenzofuranone, and further reacting the tetrafluorophthalolyldifluoride and/or the hexafluoro-1-[3H]-isobenzofuranone with an inorganic base or an organic acid to obtain tetrafluorophthalic anhydride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 5-fluoroanthranilic acid, which comprises reacting 5-fluoro-2-bromotoluene in the presence of a catalyst and of an acidic solvent, with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas at from 80.degree. to 220.degree. C., separating off the 5-fluoro-2-bromobenzoic acid formed and reacting it with ammonia at from 70.degree. to 180.degree. C.

Abstract: The new fluoro-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid derivatives of the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein the substituents R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 have the meaning given in the description, are suitable as starting substances for the preparation of antibacterial agents and feed additives.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of halogenated benzoic acids of formula (1): ##STR1## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or bromine atoms or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aidehyde, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxycarbonyl, -SO.sub.2 -C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, -SO.sub.2 -phenyl, -CONH.sub.2, -CON(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl).sub.2, hydroxy, carboxy, -NH.sub.2 or -N(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 - alkyl).sub.2 groups, at least one of the substituents R.sub.1 -R.sub.5 being one of said halogen atoms, which comprises reacting 1 mol of a benzophenone, asymmetrically substituted on the benzene rings A and B, of general formula (2): ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 -R.sup.10 are as defined above for R.sub.1 -R.sub.

Abstract: The present invention describes the novel intermediates 2,3-difluoro-6-nitrobenzonitrile and 2-chloro-5,6-difluorobenzonitrile, a process for their preparation and their advantageous use for the preparation of 2,3,6-trifluorobenzoic acid, which in turn is a valuable intermediate for the preparation of insecticides and antibacterial agents. The intermediates according to the invention are prepared from 2,3,4-trifluoronitrobenzene by fluorine/cyanide exchange and subsequent denitrating chlorination. 2,3,6-Trifluorobenzoic acid can be prepared from the novel intermediates, in a manner known per se in the literature, by simple chlorine/fluorine exchange and subsequent hydrolysis in a process which overall is industrially advantageous and economically favorable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is --CN, --COOH, --COOR', R' being an organic radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, --CONH.sub.2, --COCl or --CHO and R.sup.2 is H or Cl, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 is as defined above and R.sup.3 is H or Cl, with a chlorinating agent in the presence of a chlorination catalyst at -10.degree. to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 4,4'-stilbenedicarboxylate esters by a 3-step process utilizing p-toluic acid, an alkyl p-formylbenzoate and a trialkyl phosphite. The steps comprise(1) preparing p-(chloromethyl)benzoic acid by chlorinating p-toluic acid with sulfuryl chloride in the presence of a free radical initiator and chlorobenzene or dichlorobenzene;(2) contacting the p-(chloromethyl)benzoic acid of step (1) with a trialkyl phosphite to obtain a phosphonate compound; and(3) contacting the phosphonate ester compound of step (2) with an alkyl p-formylbenzoate in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide and an inert solvent to obtain the dialkyl 4,4'-stilbenedicarboxylate.

Abstract: Process for improving a controlled oxidation reaction between at least one reactant and oxygen, in which at least one reactant is reacted with oxygen or an oxygen containing gas, constituting a reaction mixture, in the presence of at least one additional gas which is introduced into said reaction mixture and is selected from methane, ethane and helium, and the resulting reaction product from the oxidation reaction is possibly treated so as to give a final product.

Abstract: Hydroxycornexistin (1), the free dibasic acid thereof (2) ##STR1## agronomically acceptable bis-ester, monoester, monoamide, and monothioesters thereof, and agronomically acceptable salts thereof are selective herbicides for broad spectrum broadleaf and grass weed control in corn.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected according to the following:A. R is (C.sub.11 -C.sub.16) alkyl (straight or branched), and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are joined to form a morpholine, pyrrolidine, or piperidine ring with the N;B. R is (C.sub.11 -C.sub.16) and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3) alkyl which in the case of C.sub.3 can be branched; andC. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same and are (C.sub.6 -C.sub.12) alkyl, straight or branched, and R is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.16) alkyl, straight or branched; andX.sup.- =an anion preferably selected from chlorine, bromine, iodine, phosphate, acetate, benzoate, citrate, tartrate, alkyl- or aryl-sulfonate, and alkylsulfate.

Abstract: A chemical process is disclosed for the preparation of a pharmaceutically active compound in stereospecific form selected from the group of compounds having the formula: ##STR1## and their physiologically compatible salts and esters, wherein R is a lower alkyl and Ar a monocyclic, polycyclic or orthocondensed polycyclic aromatic group having up to 12 carbon atoms in the aromatic ring, and which may be substituted or unsubstituted in the aromatic ring, comprising the steps:a) reacting a carbonyl substrate of the formula: ##STR2## where R and Ar have the meanings given above, with a stereospecific reagent in the presence of a reducing agent and an organic solvent to form the enatiomeric carbinol andb) reacting the enantiomeric carbinol obtained to form the end product.