Abstract: To provide a method for improving optical purity of an optically active 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, which is useful as a raw material in the manufacture of medicines, agrochemicais, and industrial products. The method of the invention for improving purity of a hydroxycarboxylic acid of the following formula (1a) or (1b) or a derivative thereof includes the steps of reacting the hydroxycarboxylic acid of the following formula (1a) or (1b) with at least one optically inactive base selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, alkoxide and a secondary amine in the presence of a solvent and, subsequently, performing recrystallization, to thereby form a hydroxycarboxylic acid salt of the following formula (IIIa) or (IIIb): wherein R1 represents a C1-8 alkyl group, and R2 represents an alkali metal or a secondary amine.

Abstract: A method for preparing a high purity (e.g. greater than 70 wt. %) mono-hydrolyzed acyl halide compound as a precipitate from solution comprising the steps of preparing a solution comprising: i) at least 80 v/v % of a hydrocarbon solvent, ii) water at a molar concentration greater than its solubility limit within the solvent but less that its solubility limit in solution, iii) a tri-hydrocarbyl phosphate compound, and iv) a polyfunctional acyl halide compound at molar ratio to both water and the tri-hydrocarbyl phosphate compound of at least 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for separating monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid from one another via extractive distillation using (a) an extractive agent that is chemically stable and has a BF3 affinity of between 65 kJ/mole and 110 kJ/mole and (b) an organic solvent that is either an acid with a lowest pKa of between 3.0 and 6.

Abstract: A method for preparing a high purity (e.g. greater than 70 wt. %) mono-hydrolyzed acyl halide compound as a precipitate from solution comprising the steps of preparing a solution comprising: i) at least 80 v/v % of a hydrocarbon solvent, ii) water at a molar concentration greater than its solubility limit within the solvent but less that its solubility limit in solution, iii) a tri-hydrocarbyl phosphate compound, and iv) a polyfunctional acyl halide compound at molar ratio to both water and the tri-hydrocarbyl phosphate compound of at least 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for separating monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid from one another via extractive distillation, comprising the steps of (i) contacting a mixture comprising monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid with an extractive agent which is chemically stable and which has a BF3 affinity of between 65 kJ/mole and 110 kJ/mole, (ii) distilling the mixture to obtain a monochloroacetic acid stream and a stream comprising dichloroacetic acid and the extractive agent, and (iii) regenerating the extractive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide absorbent, an ionic liquid obtained by reacting amide and an organic acid and a method of using the same. The amidium-based ionic liquid of the present invention has excellent CO2 absorption capability, which is hardly reduced even with repeated use, is easy to synthesize and has low manufacturing cost thus being useful as a CO2 absorbent.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the hydrochlorination of electron deficient alkenes, particularly alkenes having the functional groups COOH, CONH2, and CN. Specific alkenes discussed include acrylic acid, crotonic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, and methacrylonitrile. The alkene is combined with a primary or secondary alcohol (e.g., isopropanol) and an acid chloride (e.g., acetyl chloride) under conditions suitable to chlorinate the alkene. Products formed by the invention include 3-chorosubstituted carbonyl compounds such as 3-chlorpropionic acid (3-CPA), 3-chloropropionamide (3-CPAD), and 3-chloropropionitrile among other products.

Abstract: Compositions which modulate mitochondrial functions treat diseases associated with cells that are hyperactively using their endoplasmic reticulum. Screening assays identify agents which modulate mitochondrial functions.

Abstract: An article is provided for immobilizing functional organic biomolecules (e.g. proteins, DNA, and the like) through a covalent bond to a thiolate or disulfide monolayer to a metal surface wherein an extra activation step of the surface layer or an activation step of the functional biomolecules or bioreceptors could be avoided. The article comprises mixed self-assembled monolayers of thiol or disulfide molecules of formula X1—(CH2)c—O—([CH2]t—CH2—O)n—R1—S—X2 incorporating poly(ethylene oxide) groups and two functional groups, X1 and X2. Preferably, one functional group resists nonspecific adsorption and the other functional group directly (without activation) reacts with functional groups on the biomolecules. The functional group X1 is selected from the group consisting of flurophenyl, fluorobenzoyl, fluorophenoxycarbonyl, nitrophenoxycarbonyl, C2-12 alkenyl, sulfonyl halide, isothiocyanato, isocyanato, carbonyl halide, haloalkylcarbonyl, and diazonium carbonyl.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for labeling synthesis of organohalides by transition metal mediated carbonylation reactions using carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled organohalides are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use as precursors in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated PET tracers and kits for PET studies are also provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing racemic alkyl-5-halopent-4-enecarboxylic acids and esters thereof of the formula (I), in which R is a C1-C6-alkyl radical, R1 is H or C1-4-alkyl and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, which comprises a) reacting a dialkyl alkylmalonate of the formula (II),in which R is as defined above and R2 is a C1-C4-alkyl radical, in the presence of a metal alkoxide of the formula MOR3, in which M may be Na, K or Li, and R3 is a C1-C4-alkyl radical, and in an organic solvent, with 1,3-dihalopropene to give the corresponding allylated malonate, then b) after full conversion, adding an inorganic salt and a C1-C6 alcohol to the reaction mixture, heating the reaction mixture to reflux temperature, then c) isolating the desired racemic ester of the formula (I) from the reaction mixture by extraction or direct distillation and d) if the racemic acid is the desired end product, hydrolyzing the ester function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a granular hydrohalide salt of a particular metal complex compound which is composed of a divalent metal cation as central ion and of an amino dicarboxylic acid ion and, where appropriate, water as ligand, where the hydrohalide salt is obtained with a specific particle size distribution.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for producing efficiently optically active 2-halogenocarboxylic acids useful in the preparation of drugs or the like and salts thereof with amines. Specifically, an optically active 2-halogenocarboxylic acid is produced by halogenating an optically active amino acid in water in the presence of a hydrophobic organic solvent and nitrous acid with the configuration retained and with the racemization inhibited through the removal of 2-hydroxy-bromocarboxylic acid formed as a by-product; the obtained optically active 2-halogenocarboxylic acid is transferred to an aqueous phase by converting it into a salt thereof with a base, followed by the removal of the organic phase; and the optically active 2-halogenocarboxylic acid is transferred again to an organic solvent phase, followed by the removal of the aqueous phase, whereby an optically active 2-halogenocarboxylic acid is obtained through the removal of a halogen component.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of 3-aminocaprolactam derivatives for preparing a medicament intended to prevent or treat inflammatory disorders, and uses compounds of general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein X is —CO—R1 or —SO2—R2, and R1 and R2 are carbonaceous substituents.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-natural desamino alkyl amino acid compounds, methods of making, and peptides containing these compounds as their N-terminus moieties. A preferred example is neurotensin (8-13) in which the N terminus is an alpha desamino, alpha methyl N,N dimethyl homolysine residue.

Abstract: A fluorocarboxylic acid preparation process which includes hydrolyzing fluorocarboxylic acid fluoride in the presence of an aqueous sulfuric acid solution to form a reaction product containing a fluorocarboxylic acid and hydrogen fluoride (present as hydrofluoric acid); and removing at least some of the hydrogen fluoride from the reaction product by washing the reaction production with aqueous sulfuric acid solution. The hydrolyzing and washing are carried out at a temperature at which the fluorocarboxylic acid is a liquid.

Abstract: A method for treating respiratory disorders comprises administering to a patient a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation comprising: (i) a compound of formula (I) or a salt or solvate thereof, wherein: n represents an integer 1 to 6; N represents an integer 1 to 15; R1 represents —(CO)xC1-9 alkyl or —(CO)xC1-9 fluoroalkyl, which fluoroalkyl moiety contains at least 1 fluorine atom and not more than 3 consecutive perfluorocarbon atoms wherein x represents 0 or 1; and R2 and R3 independently represent C1-3alkyl or hydrogen, (ii) at least one medicament, and (iii) at least one propellant.

Abstract: A nitrous acid salt is added at a temperature of 10 to 80° C. to an aqueous solution which contains an optically active 2-aminocarboxylic acid (4) and a protonic acid, the amount of the latter acid being 1 to 3 equivalents to the former, and which has a proton concentration of 0.5 to 2 mol/kg to conduct a reaction to thereby produce an optically active 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid (1). Thionyl chloride and a basic compound are caused to act on the compound (1) to chlorinate it and simultaneously invert the configuration in the 2-position. Thus, an optically active 2-chlorocarboxylic acid chloride (5) is induced. The compound (5) is hydrolyzed to induce an optically active 2-chlorocarboxylic acid (2). The compound (2) is reacted with a thioacetic acid salt to incorporate an acetylthio group thereinto and simultaneously invert the configuration in the 2-position to thereby produce an optically active 2-acetylthiocarboxylic acid (3).

Abstract: Compositions including a conjugate of ?-difluoromethylornithine can be applied topically to reduce hair growth.

Abstract: A process for producing 4-bromo-2-oxyimino butyric acid, predominantly as the (Z)-isomer of formula (I), wherein R is hydrogen; a linear or branched C1-4 alkyl group; a linear or branched C1-4 alkyl group substituted by a carboxylic acid or an aryl group; a substituted or unsubstituted cyclic alkyl group of 3-6 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group. The product is produced by reacting bromine with a 2-(oxyimino)-3-oxo butyric acid derivative of formula (II) wherein R is as defined above and R1 is a tert-butyl group in presence of an organic solvent and in presence of a C1-4 alcohol and acetyl bromide at a temperature ranging from about ?15° C. to about +15° C. Bromine is used in a proportion of about 0.90 to about 1.35 moles per mole of compound (II), preferably 0.90 to 1.10 moles. The acetyl bromide is used in molar proportions of 0.9 to 2 moles per mole of compound (II), preferably 0.9 to 1.5 moles.

Abstract: Sulfonamide-containing hydroxyethylamine compounds are effecive as retroviral protease inhibitors, and in particular as inhibitors of HIV protease.

Abstract: Fluorinated emulsifiers, in particular, perfluorooctanoic acid are bound to anionic exchange resins for the purification of aqueous effluent from the production of fluoropolymers. Said emulsifiers may be quantitatively eluted from the exchanger with a water-miscible organic solvent, containing a small amount of ammonia. It is of advantage to distil off the ammonia containing solvent, recycle the emulsifier to a further polymerization and recycle the ammoniacal solvent for elution. Addition of alkalis improves the elution efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention discloses halogenated 2-amino-5,6 heptenoic acid derivatives useful as nitric oxide synthase inhibitors.

Abstract: A process for fluorinating a hydrocarbon substrate by mixing it with an inert diluent and mixing the diluted substrate with a gaseous fluorinating reagent to form a foam reaction mixture. The fluorinating reagent reacts with the substrate in the form to foam product. The foam is separated into a liquid component which contains product and a gas component. Product is withdrawn from the liquid component which is then returned to the diluting step. Fluorinating reagent is fed into the gas component which is then recirculated to the mixing step.

Abstract: It has been discovered that it is possible to produce enantioselectively, a chiral 2-haloalkanoic acid or salt thereof, by subjecting a 2-halo-&agr;,&bgr;-alkenoic acid or salt, e.g., a 2-haloacrylic acid or salt, to asymmetric hydrogenation in the presence of an enantiometrically-enriched (BINAP)Ru(II) catalyst. In contrast to asymmetric hydrogenation of olefinic compounds having an electron rich, electropositive substituent in the 2-position, the substituent in the 2-position is an electronegative, electron-withdrawing halide substituent. The reaction is accelerated by inclusion of an alkali metal halide or quaternary ammonium halide in the reaction mixture.

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: Mesogens are provided based on substituted unsaturated carboxylic acids such as acrylic and methacrylic acid. Substitution of a variety of hydrophobic tails onto the carboxylic acid or acid derivative via the vinyl carbon proximal to the carbonyl of the carboxylic acid results in mesogens that are capable of forming thermotropic and single-phase lyotropic mesophases over a broad range of compositions. The mesophases can be polymerized to lock in the ordered phases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stabilized medicaments containing thyroid hormone the stabilizing component of which is sodium thiosulfate in a mass ratio of thyroid hormone to sodium thiosulfate of 1:0.1 to 1:50 and processes for preparing such medicaments.

Abstract: Mesogens are provided based on substituted unsaturated carboxylic acids such as acrylic and methacrylic acid. Substitution of a variety of hydrophobic tails onto the carboxylic acid or acid derivative via the vinyl carbon proximal to the carbonyl of the carboxylic acid results in mesogens that are capable of forming thermotropic and single-phase lyotropic mesophases over a broad range of compositions. The mesophases can be polymerized to lock in the ordered phases.

Abstract: Optically active .alpha.-bromo- or .alpha.-chlorocarboxylic compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is bromine or chlorine;M is hydrogen, NR.sub.4.sup.+1 or a cation of an alkali or alkaline earth metal;R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl;n is 0 or 1;R is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl substituted in the terminal position with --NR.sup.2.sub.2, --COOR.sup.2, --OR.sup.3, a free or protected --CHO group or a ring A;R.sup.2 is hydrogen or a lower alkyl;R.sup.3 is hydrogen or a protecting group;ring A is an unsubstituted or substituted ring; and* is a center of chirality,are prepared by enantioselectively hydrogenating, in the presence of a ruthenium complex of an optically active diphosphine ligand, a (Z)-.alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated compound of the general formula ##STR2## wherein R, n, X and M are as defined above.

Abstract: An optically-active or chiral compound is described which comprises(A) at least one quaternary nitrogen or phosphorus cation provided that if the cation is a quaternary nitrogen cation containing a hydroxyalkyl group, the hydroxyalkyl group is free of chlorine, and(B) at least one optically-active anion.In one embodiment, the optically-active anion is an optically-active carboxylic acid anion. The process for preparing such optically-active compounds also is described and such compounds may be prepared by reacting(A) at least one quaternary nitrogen or phosphorus salt with(B) at least one optically-active reactant capable of reacting with the salt provided that if the salt is a quaternary nitrogen salt containing a hydroxyalkyl group, the hydroxyalkyl group is free of chlorine.

Abstract: A process for preparing compounds corresponding to the formula RCFXC(O)Cl, in which X is fluorine or chlorine and R is fluorine or a perfluorinated C1- C10-alkyl group, preferably chlorodifluoroacetyl chloride, by photochemical oxidation of R122 (CF.sub.2 ClCHCl.sub.2) and the preparation of trifluoroacetyl chloride by photochemical oxidation of R123 (CF.sub.3 CHCl.sub.2) with oxygen under irradiation. The reaction is preferably carried out without pressurization and without addition of elemental chlorine.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the production of 2-fluoroisobutyric acid or its ester, which comprises reacting 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid or its ester with thionyl chloride and a hydrogen fluoride source.

Abstract: Tert-alkylmethoxy-substituted vanadium compounds, several of which are novel, are useful as catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene or the copolymerization of ethylene with alphaolefins and (optionally) nonconjugated polyenes. Also disclosed is a novel catalyst composition comprising such vanadium compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst comprising a rare metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table of Elements which has been deposited on an inert support and which has been used to dehalogenate .alpha.-halogenated carboxylic acids in the presence of hydrogen, and a rare metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table of Elements which has been deposited on an inert support and which is such that the granulometry of b) is very much lower than that of a) to form a homogeneous mixture as a result of the action of currents of .alpha.-halogenated carboxylic acid and hydrogen wherein said invention is particularly useful for regenerating palladium catalyst used in the purification of crude monochloroacetic acid.

Abstract: Described are preferred processes for hydrolyzing activated esters using, as catalysts, siloxanes having 4-dialkylaminopyridyl groups incorporated into their polymer backbones. The preferred siloxane catalyst materials demonstrate unexpected catalytic efficacy in the hydrolysis as well as enzyme-like selectivity for ester substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the preparation of iodonium salts. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved method for the production of symmetric or asymmetric diaryliodonium triflate (trifluoromethane sulfonate) salts. The diaryliodonium salts of the present invention are useful as photoacid catalysts for use in acid-sensitive polymerization and in curing systems such as radiation curable release coating compositions.

Abstract: A composition of matter including an onium salt and a method of forming images. The onium salt has a chromophore which absorbs ultraviolet radiation, an S, Se, As, N or P atom which is free of substituents exhibiting a higher energy occupied molecular orbital than the chromophore; an insulating group which links the chromophore to the S, Se, As, N or P atom of the salt and substantially prevents .pi. resonance from the chromophore through the S, Se, As, N or P atom; and an anion. The onium salt is capable of forming a Bronsted acid upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of a proton source. In the method of forming images, the onium salt is exposed to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of a proton source, to convert said onium salt to a Bronsted acid.

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

Abstract: A process for preparing halogenated compounds of formula RCY(Z)CH.sub.2 CH(X)C(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 COR.sup.1 where X, Y and Z are halo, R is alkyl, halo, haloalkyl or aryl, and R.sup.1 is hydroxy, halo, alkoxy, alkyl or haloalkyl, or the residue of a pyrethroidal alcohol, in which a compound of formula CH.sub.2 =CHC(CH.sub.3).sub.2 COR.sup.1 is reacted with a sulphonyl halide of formula RCY(Z)SO.sub.2 X. The process avoids the use of volatile halocarbons in the production of valuable intermediates for insecticides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for recovering 2-chloropropionic acid so that this compound can be separated in a high-purity form. According to the method, crude 2-chloropropionic acid is heat-treated in the presence of a metal compound at a temperature in the range of 130.degree.-180.degree. C. where dichloro derivatives are contained as impurities or at a temperature not exceeding 160.degree. C. where no dichloro derivatives are contained. The metal compound is then removed at 160.degree. C. or lower. Final purification is thereafter conducted to obtain 2-chloropropionic acid as a high-purity product.

Abstract: A 2-fluoroisobutyric acid ester can be obtained at a high yield in one pot by reacting a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid ester with fluorosulfuric acid in the absence or presence of a hydrogen fluoride source, or by reacting a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid ester with chlorosulfuric acid in the presence of a hydrogen fluoride source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the coproduction of (1) an alkyl iodide and (2) an .alpha.-iodocarboxylic acid, a mono-.alpha.-iodocarboxylic anhydride or a mixture thereof which comprises contacting a mixture of an iodine compound and a carboxylic anhydride with a peroxide at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Halogenated N-sulfamyl propionamidine addition salts corresponding to the formula ##STR1## are provided, in which X represents halogen and A represents an acid selected from sulfuric acid, nitric acid, benzenesulfonic acid; toluenesulfonic acid; 2,4,5-trichlorobenzenesulfonic acid; trichloroacetic acid; trifluoroacetic acid or methanesulfonic acid. They are useful as intermediates in the preparation of famotidine. They are prepared by reacting a halogenated propionitrile with the respective acid.

Abstract: A process for the production of pimelic acid comprising reacting .epsilon.-caprolactone with carbon monoxide and water in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst, such as a Group VIII metal and hydrogen halide.

Abstract: An improved method for the synthesis of omega-unsaturated carboxylic acids is disclosed which precludes double bond migration or hydrogenation in order to prepare a high purity product necessary for high resolution in forming a resist by electron beam microlithography. This result can be obtained by a coupling reaction between a Grignard reagent of an unsaturated organochloride compound as defined in the application with a halo magnesium salt of a long chain organic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing .alpha.,.alpha.-dimethyl-.delta.-valerolactone which comprises carrying out the addition reaction of hydrogen bromide and 2,2-dimethyl-4-pentenoic acid in the presence or absence of a catalyst to synthesize 2,2-dimethyl-5-bromovaleric acid which is then subjected to ring-closure reaction by alkali treatment.

Abstract: The following process steps are shown: ##STR1## Intermediates I, II and IV are new. End product III is known, useful as an intermediate in the manufacture of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and dyestuffs.

Abstract: Optically active compounds having a chlorine atom attached to the chiral carbon atom such as 2-chloroaliphatic acids can be racemized without by-product formation by heating an acidified solution of the compound in the presence of chloride ion at sufficient strength, and at a pH and temperature sufficient to accomplish racemization. The preferred acidifying agent and source of chloride ion is hydrochloric acid. The use of hydrochloric acid at room temperature as well as the use of either sulfuric acid or caustic soda failed to produce racemization.

Abstract: Optically active compounds having a chlorine atom attached to the chiral carbon atom such as 2-bromoaliphatic acids can be racemized without by-product formation by heating an acidified solution of the organic acid at a temperature sufficient to accomplish racemization, the solution being substantially devoid of ionized halogen other than bromine ions. The preferred acidifying agent is hydrobromic acid. The use of hydrochloric acid causes extensive by-product formation.