The invention relates to the use of ruthenium complexes, which are homogeneous catalysts and/or precatalysts of the olefin metathesis reaction, which lead to the production of alkenes containing an internal (non-terminal) double C═C bond. ##STR00001##

Methods for the preparation of alkenes including insect pheromones are described. The methods include homologation reactions employing reagents such as 1,3-diesters, epoxides, cyanoacetates, and cyanide salts for elongation of starting materials and intermediates by one or two carbon atoms. The alkenes include insect pheromones useful in a number of agricultural applications.

Methods for the preparation of alkenes including insect pheromones are described. The methods include homologation reactions employing reagents such as 1,3-diesters, epoxides, cyanoacetates, and cyanide salts for elongation of starting materials and intermediates by one or two carbon atoms. The alkenes include insect pheromones useful in a number of agricultural applications.

The invention provide a compound of formula I:

##STR00001##

or a salt thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, processes for preparing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, intermediates useful for preparing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and therapeutic methods comprising the administration of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds and salts are useful for inhibiting glycolysis and mitochondrial function and are useful for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, NASH, CGvHD, and obesity. The compounds and salts are are useful for treating transplant rejection.

The invention provide a compound of formula I:

##STR00001##

or a salt thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, processes for preparing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, intermediates useful for preparing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and therapeutic methods comprising the administration of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds and salts are useful for inhibiting glycolysis and mitochondrial function and are useful for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, NASH, CGvHD, and obesity. The compounds and salts are are useful for treating transplant rejection.

This invention relates to a process for producing electron deficient olefins, such as 2-cyanoacrylates, using an acid catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

This invention relates to a process for producing electron deficient olefins, such as 2-cyanoacrylates, using an acid catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

This invention relates to a process for producing electron deficient olefins, such as 2-cyanoacrylates, using an acid catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

This invention relates to a process for preparing electron deficient olefins, such as 2-cyanoacrylates, using an acid catalyzed two-step process including a transesterification reaction followed by a Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

This invention relates to a process for preparing electron deficient olefins, such as 2-cyanoacrylates, using an acid catalyzed two-step process including a transesterification reaction followed by a Knoevenagel condensation reaction.