Provided are a method for efficiently producing an asymmetric conjugated diyne from an inexpensive and safe alternative compound to hydroxylamine hydrochloride and a method for producing a Z,Z-conjugated diene compound from the asymmetric conjugated diyne compound thus obtained. More specifically, provided is a method for producing an asymmetric conjugated diyne compound comprising a step of subjecting a terminal alkyne compound (1): HC≡C—Z.sup.1—Y.sup.1 to a coupling reaction with an alkynyl halide (2): Y.sup.2—Z.sup.2—C≡C—X by using sodium borohydride in water and an organic solvent in the presence of a copper catalyst and a base to obtain the asymmetric conjugated diyne compound (3): Y.sup.2—Z.sup.2—C≡C—C≡C—Z.sup.1—Y.sup.1. In addition, provided is a method for producing a Z,Z-conjugated diene compound by reducing the resulting asymmetric conjugated diyne compound, or the like.

Provided are a method for efficiently producing an asymmetric conjugated diyne from an inexpensive and safe alternative compound to hydroxylamine hydrochloride and a method for producing a Z,Z-conjugated diene compound from the asymmetric conjugated diyne compound thus obtained. More specifically, provided is a method for producing an asymmetric conjugated diyne compound comprising a step of subjecting a terminal alkyne compound (1): HC≡C—Z.sup.1—Y.sup.1 to a coupling reaction with an alkynyl halide (2): Y.sup.2—Z.sup.2—C≡C—X by using sodium borohydride in water and an organic solvent in the presence of a copper catalyst and a base to obtain the asymmetric conjugated diyne compound (3): Y.sup.2—Z.sup.2—C≡C—C≡C—Z.sup.1—Y.sup.1. In addition, provided is a method for producing a Z,Z-conjugated diene compound by reducing the resulting asymmetric conjugated diyne compound, or the like.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein R.sub.1 is as defined in the claims, exhibit COMT enzyme inhibiting activity and are thus useful as COMT inhibitors. Methods of treatment and pharmaceutical dosage forms are also disclosed.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein R.sub.1 is as defined in the claims, exhibit COMT enzyme inhibiting activity and are thus useful as COMT inhibitors. Methods of treatment and pharmaceutical dosage forms are also disclosed.

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are GPR120 G protein-coupled receptor modulators which may be used as medicaments.

##STR00001##

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are GPR120 G protein-coupled receptor modulators which may be used as medicaments.

##STR00001##

The present invention provides a novel dihydroorotic acid dehydrogenase inhibitor which is applicable to various diseases. When used as an active ingredient, a compound represented by formula (I): ##STR00001##
(wherein X represents a halogen atom, R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, R.sup.2 represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 7 carbon atoms, R.sup.3 represents —CHO, and R.sup.4 represents —CH.sub.2—CH═C(CH.sub.3)—R.sup.0 (wherein R.sup.0 represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent on the terminal carbon and/or on a non-terminal carbon, etc.)),
an optical isomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has a high inhibitory effect on dihydroorotic acid dehydrogenase and can be used as an immunosuppressive agent, a therapeutic agent for rheumatism, an anticancer agent, a therapeutic agent for graft rejection, an antiviral agent, an anti-H. pylori agent, a therapeutic agent for diabetes or the like.

The present invention provides a novel dihydroorotic acid dehydrogenase inhibitor which is applicable to various diseases. When used as an active ingredient, a compound represented by formula (I): ##STR00001##
(wherein X represents a halogen atom, R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, R.sup.2 represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 7 carbon atoms, R.sup.3 represents —CHO, and R.sup.4 represents —CH.sub.2—CH═C(CH.sub.3)—R.sup.0 (wherein R.sup.0 represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent on the terminal carbon and/or on a non-terminal carbon, etc.)),
an optical isomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has a high inhibitory effect on dihydroorotic acid dehydrogenase and can be used as an immunosuppressive agent, a therapeutic agent for rheumatism, an anticancer agent, a therapeutic agent for graft rejection, an antiviral agent, an anti-H. pylori agent, a therapeutic agent for diabetes or the like.

Provided are an electrophotographic photosensitive member which satisfies wear resistance and electrical characteristics, and in which image deletion is satisfactorily suppressed, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each including the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The electrophotographic photosensitive member comprises a surface layer which includes a polymerized product of a hole transporting substance having a reactive functional group, in which a structure other than the reactive functional group of the hole transporting substance is one of: a structure consisting of a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom; and a structure consisting of a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom and an oxygen atom, and the structure other than the reactive functional group of the hole transporting substance comprises a specific conjugate structure.

Provided are an electrophotographic photosensitive member which satisfies wear resistance and electrical characteristics, and in which image deletion is satisfactorily suppressed, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each including the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The electrophotographic photosensitive member comprises a surface layer which includes a polymerized product of a hole transporting substance having a reactive functional group, in which a structure other than the reactive functional group of the hole transporting substance is one of: a structure consisting of a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom; and a structure consisting of a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom and an oxygen atom, and the structure other than the reactive functional group of the hole transporting substance comprises a specific conjugate structure.