The present invention relates to a method for producing a specified -amino acid, the method including allowing a specified -amino acid amide and water to react with each other in the presence of a zirconium compound which contains zirconium and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of lithium, nickel, copper, zinc, cesium, barium, hafnium, tantalum, cerium, and dysprosium.

The present invention relates to a method for producing a specified -amino acid, the method including allowing a specified -amino acid amide and water to react with each other in the presence of a zirconium compound which contains zirconium and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of lithium, nickel, copper, zinc, cesium, barium, hafnium, tantalum, cerium, and dysprosium.

The present invention relates to copolymers made from a polymerization mixture comprising (a) one or more polymerizable monomers, which monomers are characterized as having at least one vinylic group and not containing an amino acid residue, (b) one or more not-functionalized side chain-linked amino acids, (c) one or more functionalized side chain-linked amino acids, (d) a free radical initiator and, optionally, (e) a chain-transfer-agent. It also relates to block copolymers comprising the same monomers. The invention also encompasses silicone hydrogel contact lenses coated with or comprising the latter copolymers and block copolymers as well methods for introducing the copolymers and block copolymers into silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

The present invention relates to copolymers made from a polymerization mixture comprising (a) one or more polymerizable monomers, which monomers are characterized as having at least one vinylic group and not containing an amino acid residue, (b) one or more not-functionalized side chain-linked amino acids, (c) one or more functionalized side chain-linked amino acids, (d) a free radical initiator and, optionally, (e) a chain-transfer-agent. It also relates to block copolymers comprising the same monomers. The invention also encompasses silicone hydrogel contact lenses coated with or comprising the latter copolymers and block copolymers as well methods for introducing the copolymers and block copolymers into silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

A production method in which a mercaptophenol compound is obtained using an industrially preferred sulfur atom introduction reaction, and intermediate compounds of the mercaptophenol compound are provided. A method for producing a mercaptophenol compound in which a phenyl carbamate compound is produced using a phenol compound as a raw material, and then a sulfur atom is regioselectively introduced by a reaction with sulfur monochloride, and a phenyl mercaptocarbamate compound is produced as an intermediate.

A production method in which a mercaptophenol compound is obtained using an industrially preferred sulfur atom introduction reaction, and intermediate compounds of the mercaptophenol compound are provided. A method for producing a mercaptophenol compound in which a phenyl carbamate compound is produced using a phenol compound as a raw material, and then a sulfur atom is regioselectively introduced by a reaction with sulfur monochloride, and a phenyl mercaptocarbamate compound is produced as an intermediate.

A production method in which a mercaptophenol compound is obtained using an industrially preferred sulfur atom introduction reaction, and intermediate compounds of the mercaptophenol compound are provided. A method for producing a mercaptophenol compound in which a phenyl carbamate compound is produced using a phenol compound as a raw material, and then a sulfur atom is regioselectively introduced by a reaction with sulfur monochloride, and a phenyl mercaptocarbamate compound is produced as an intermediate.

The present invention includes methods for making and isolating N-acetylcysteine amide, (2R,2R)-3,3-disulfanediyl bis(2-acetamidopropanamide, diNACA), intermediates and derivatives thereof comprising: contacting cystine with an alcohol and a chlorinating reagent to form an organic solution containing L-cystine dimethylester dihydrochloride; combining dried or undried L-cystine dimethylester dihydrochloride with a triethylamine, an acetic anhydride, and an acetonitrile to form a di-N-acetylcystine dimethylester; mixing dried di-N-acetylcystine dimethylester with ammonium hydroxide to form a di-N-acetylcystine amide (diNACA); and separating dried di-N-acetylcystine dimethylester into N-acetylcysteine amide with dithiothreitol, triethylamine and an alcohol.

The present invention provides a compound of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III), (IV) or a salt thereof, compositions and methods of making the compound, methods and reagents for measuring the compound, and kits using the same. The use of a compound of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV) for assessing or monitoring kidney function in a subject, determining predisposition to developing reduced kidney function, classifying a subject according to level of kidney function, and diagnosing or monitoring chronic kidney disease is also described.

The present invention provides a compound of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III), (IV) or a salt thereof, compositions and methods of making the compound, methods and reagents for measuring the compound, and kits using the same. The use of a compound of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV) for assessing or monitoring kidney function in a subject, determining predisposition to developing reduced kidney function, classifying a subject according to level of kidney function, and diagnosing or monitoring chronic kidney disease is also described.