58110-67-1

Enantiomerically pure tetrahydro-5-oxo-2-furancarboxylic esters can be prepared either by enzymatic resolution of the racemic γ-lactones themselves or by bioreduction with baker's yeast of dialkyl 2-oxoglutarates and subsequent cyclization of the resulting dialkyl 2-hydroxyglutarates. The best results were obtained by the former route, by which the desired compounds were isolated in high enantiomeric excess. Bioreductions were less satisfactory. In fact the hydroxyester intermediates were initially formed as racemic mixtures and their final enantiomeric enrichment was reached by asymmetric destruction, occurring in the bioreaction medium, however at the same time large amounts of alkyl 4-hydroxybutanoates were formed as side products.

C-terminal compounds of formula STR1 are potent inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase and are useful in the treatment of diseases in which matrix metalloproteinase play a role. Also disclosed are matrix metalloproteinase inhibiting compositions and a method of inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase in a mammal.

Adsorption of Fe(ClO4)3(H2O)6 onto chromatographic grade silica gel in the presence of alcohol ( to be used for esterification ) produces a supported reagent, Fe(ClO4)3(ROH)6/SiO2. This reagent, has been found effective for the rapid and high yield of esters, on grinding in the presence of carboxylic acids using pestle and mortar in the solid state.

An efficient and commerically-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.