The present invention provides compounds useful in treating or preventing inflammation, acne, bacterial conditions and promoting the appearance of healthy skin and compositions including these compounds.

The present invention provides a method for preparing a chiral 4-aryl-β-amino acid derivative. The preparation method comprises hydrogenating an enamine compound having a structure as shown in Formula III in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst containing a transition metal and BIBOPs. The preparation method of the present invention uses a small amount of a selected asymmetric catalyst, and has a simple operation, mild reaction conditions, a high yield, a high stereoselectivity, and better industrial application and economic values.

The present invention provides a method for preparing a chiral 4-aryl-β-amino acid derivative. The preparation method comprises hydrogenating an enamine compound having a structure as shown in Formula III in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst containing a transition metal and BIBOPs. The preparation method of the present invention uses a small amount of a selected asymmetric catalyst, and has a simple operation, mild reaction conditions, a high yield, a high stereoselectivity, and better industrial application and economic values.

There is provided a novel optically active bisphosphinomethane useful as a ligand for an asymmetric catalyst, excellent in oxidation resistance in air, and easy in handling. There is also provided a transition metal complex using the optically active bisphosphinoraethane having excellent asymmetric catalytic ability as a ligand. The optically active bisphosphinomethane is represented by the general formula (1), and the transition metal complex has the optically active bisphosphinomethane as a ligand. ##STR00001##
(In the formula, R.sup.1 represents an adamantyl group; R.sup.2 represents a branched alkyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms; and * represents an asymmetric center on a phosphorus atom.)

There is provided a novel optically active bisphosphinomethane useful as a ligand for an asymmetric catalyst, excellent in oxidation resistance in air, and easy in handling. There is also provided a transition metal complex using the optically active bisphosphinoraethane having excellent asymmetric catalytic ability as a ligand. The optically active bisphosphinomethane is represented by the general formula (1), and the transition metal complex has the optically active bisphosphinomethane as a ligand. ##STR00001##
(In the formula, R.sup.1 represents an adamantyl group; R.sup.2 represents a branched alkyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms; and * represents an asymmetric center on a phosphorus atom.)

Disclosed is a compound of formula (I′): R′—O—CH2-CH(OH)—[CH2-O—CH2]s-[CH(OH)]p-CH2-O—R″ (I′), formula (I″), wherein s is equal to 0 or 1, and p is equal to 0, 1, 2 or 3, R′ and R″, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, or a monovalent radical of formula (II′a), or a monovalent radical of formula (II′b), in order to prevent or slow down the appearance of the signs of ageing of the human skin or lips or to eradicate these signs. Also disclosed are a novel product, novel composition and cosmetic method.

Disclosed is a compound of formula (I′): R′—O—CH2-CH(OH)—[CH2-O—CH2]s-[CH(OH)]p-CH2-O—R″ (I′), formula (I″), wherein s is equal to 0 or 1, and p is equal to 0, 1, 2 or 3, R′ and R″, identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, or a monovalent radical of formula (II′a), or a monovalent radical of formula (II′b), in order to prevent or slow down the appearance of the signs of ageing of the human skin or lips or to eradicate these signs. Also disclosed are a novel product, novel composition and cosmetic method.

The subject matter of the present invention is the novel molecules of formulae E, E′ and F. These molecules prove to be synthesis intermediates that are very advantageous for the manufacture of derivatives of sphingosine or of ceramides functionalized in position 1, with good yields, in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are fatty chains, R.sub.3 is an alkyl group and R.sub.4 is a protective group for alcohol functions. Another subject of the invention is the use of the intermediates of type F for converting same into intermediates of type G, by means of reduction in the presence of lithium borohydride. The G molecules are precursors that are known to make it possible to obtain sphingolipids or sphingomyelin.

The subject matter of the present invention is the novel molecules of formulae E, E′ and F. These molecules prove to be synthesis intermediates that are very advantageous for the manufacture of derivatives of sphingosine or of ceramides functionalized in position 1, with good yields, in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are fatty chains, R.sub.3 is an alkyl group and R.sub.4 is a protective group for alcohol functions. Another subject of the invention is the use of the intermediates of type F for converting same into intermediates of type G, by means of reduction in the presence of lithium borohydride. The G molecules are precursors that are known to make it possible to obtain sphingolipids or sphingomyelin.

The present invention provides a novel method for preparing lacosamide with high chiral purity from D-serine. The method of the present invention can obtain lacosamide with high chiral purity in a high yield through a simple and environmentally-friendly process and thus can be easily applied to mass production.