The invention is directed to compounds of general formula (I), and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds and compositions have valuable pharmaceutical properties. In particular, they may be used for the treatment of cancer. Novel intermediates and novel methods of preparation are also disclosed.

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Bi-functional cobalt-containing catalysts useful for making stereospecific compounds and compositions, along with methods of making, and uses thereof in the syntheses of optically pure -lactones from aldehydes and ketene are described. Precursors, intermediates, compositions, and particular features of the use if the compositions, such as high enantiomeric selectivity, high yield and low mole percent of catalyst useful are provided.

The present invention relates to a method of producing -caprolactam, the method including the following steps (A) and (B): (A) a step of reacting 5-cyanovaleramide with hydrogen in an aqueous solvent in a presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to obtain a 5-cyanovaleramide hydrogenation reaction mixture; (B) a step of heating the 5-cyanovaleramide hydrogenation reaction mixture at a temperature of 180 C. or higher and 300 C. or lower in an aqueous solvent to obtain -caprolactam.

The present invention relates to a method of producing -caprolactam, the method including the following steps (A) and (B): (A) a step of reacting 5-cyanovaleramide with hydrogen in an aqueous solvent in a presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to obtain a 5-cyanovaleramide hydrogenation reaction mixture; (B) a step of heating the 5-cyanovaleramide hydrogenation reaction mixture at a temperature of 180 C. or higher and 300 C. or lower in an aqueous solvent to obtain -caprolactam.

The present invention relates to a method of producing -caprolactam, the method including the following steps (A) and (B): (A) a step of reacting 5-cyanovaleramide with hydrogen in an aqueous solvent in a presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to obtain a 5-cyanovaleramide hydrogenation reaction mixture; (B) a step of heating the 5-cyanovaleramide hydrogenation reaction mixture at a temperature of 180 C. or higher and 300 C. or lower in an aqueous solvent to obtain -caprolactam.