This invention relates to a process for the synthesis of a non-racemic cyclohexene compound of formula (I) by a Diels-Alder reaction of a compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (III) wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9 and Y have the meanings as defined in the description in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one m-valent metal cation M.sup.m+ wherein the metal M is selected from Scandium (Sc), Yttrium (Y), Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium 15 (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium (Lu), Gallium (Ga) and Indium (In), and m is an integer of 1, 2 or 3, and a chiral ligand of the formula (IV) wherein R.sup.10a, R.sup.10b, R.sup.10c, R.sup.10d, R.sup.10a, R.sup.10b, R.sup.10c, R.sup.10d, Z and Z have the meanings as defined in the description.

This invention relates to a process for the synthesis of a non-racemic cyclohexene compound of formula (I) by a Diels-Alder reaction of a compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (III) wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9 and Y have the meanings as defined in the description in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one m-valent metal cation M.sup.m+ wherein the metal M is selected from Scandium (Sc), Yttrium (Y), Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium 15 (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium (Lu), Gallium (Ga) and Indium (In), and m is an integer of 1, 2 or 3, and a chiral ligand of the formula (IV) wherein R.sup.10a, R.sup.10b, R.sup.10c, R.sup.10d, R.sup.10a, R.sup.10b, R.sup.10c, R.sup.10d, Z and Z have the meanings as defined in the description.

Disclosed is a compound represented by formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preparation method thereof, and use thereof in preventing or treating fatty liver or in preparing pharmaceuticals for weight loss.

##STR00001##

Disclosed is a compound represented by formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preparation method thereof, and use thereof in preventing or treating fatty liver or in preparing pharmaceuticals for weight loss.

##STR00001##

The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or reducing microbial growth, particularly the growth of dermatophytic fungi, and/or aciduric and acidogenic gram-positive bacteria. More particularly, it relates to the use of trans-3,5,4-trihydroxybibenzyl, also known as dihydro-resveratrol, or its dihydrostilbene derivatives and/or chemical variants as an anti-microbial agent. The present invention further relates to the management of dermatophytosis often caused by dermatophytic fungi and the management of dental caries often mediated by aciduric and acidogenic gram-positive Streptococci. The present invention therefore has applications in preventing, alleviating and/or treating dermatophytosis and dental caries.

The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or reducing microbial growth, particularly the growth of dermatophytic fungi, and/or aciduric and acidogenic gram-positive bacteria. More particularly, it relates to the use of trans-3,5,4-trihydroxybibenzyl, also known as dihydro-resveratrol, or its dihydrostilbene derivatives and/or chemical variants as an anti-microbial agent. The present invention further relates to the management of dermatophytosis often caused by dermatophytic fungi and the management of dental caries often mediated by aciduric and acidogenic gram-positive Streptococci. The present invention therefore has applications in preventing, alleviating and/or treating dermatophytosis and dental caries.

Provided is a process for preparing 4-phenyl-1-butyric acid, comprising: reacting 4-phenyl-1-butanol with sodium chlorite, a nitroxyl radical catalyst and sodium hypochlorite in an organic solvent and a phosphate buffer; and quenching the reaction with sodium sulfite to produce 4-phenyl-1-butyric. Also provided is 4-phenyl-1-butyric acid prepared by such a process.

Provided is a process for preparing 4-phenyl-1-butyric acid, comprising: reacting 4-phenyl-1-butanol with sodium chlorite, a nitroxyl radical catalyst and sodium hypochlorite in an organic solvent and a phosphate buffer; and quenching the reaction with sodium sulfite to produce 4-phenyl-1-butyric. Also provided is 4-phenyl-1-butyric acid prepared by such a process.

Provided is a process for preparing 4-phenyl-1-butyric acid, comprising: reacting 4-phenyl-1-butanol with sodium chlorite, a nitroxyl radical catalyst and sodium hypochlorite in an organic solvent and a phosphate buffer; and quenching the reaction with sodium sulfite to produce 4-phenyl-1-butyric. Also provided is 4-phenyl-1-butyric acid prepared by such a process.

A thermochromic pigment composition including compounds of formula (I): ##STR00001## in which: X represents CHR.sub.2, O, OCO or CH?CH; Y represents O, COO, or OCOO; R.sub.1 represents H or (CH.sub.2).sub.pCH.sub.3; R.sub.2 represents phenyl or H; m=12-18; n=0-14; p=12-18; and on the condition that, if n=0, X represents CHR.sub.2 or CH?CH. The thermochromic pigment compositions having compounds of formula (I), include thermochromic pigment microcapsules. The thermochromic pigment capsules are useable for thermochromic pigment compositions in ink which may be used writing instruments.