The invention provides compounds which directly inhibit IRE-1 activity in vitro, prodrugs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such compounds and prodrugs are useful for treating diseases associated with the unfolded protein response and can be used as single agents or in combination therapies.

The invention relates to processes for preparing carbaprostacyclin analogues and intermediates prepared from the processes. The invention also relates to cyclopentenone intermediates in racemic or optically active form.

Described are methods for preparing a deuterated aldehyde using with a photocatalyst and a hydrogen atom transfer agent in a H.sub.2O free solvent comprising D.sub.2O and an organic solvent under an inert gas. The methods may be used to convert a wide variety of aldehydes (e.g., aryl, alkyl, or alkenyl aldehydes) to C-1 deuterated aldehydes under mild reaction conditions.

Described are methods for preparing a deuterated aldehyde using with a photocatalyst and a hydrogen atom transfer agent in a H.sub.2O free solvent comprising D.sub.2O and an organic solvent under an inert gas. The methods may be used to convert a wide variety of aldehydes (e.g., aryl, alkyl, or alkenyl aldehydes) to C-1 deuterated aldehydes under mild reaction conditions.

Phenol derivatives of general formula (I) and (II), wherein meanings of the substituents are indicated in the description, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, together with the processes for their preparation, their use as antimicrobial, antibacterial, bactericide agents and the corresponding pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed.