Described here are transition metal-catalyzed enantioselective arylation and vinylation reactions of -substituted lactams, such as -lactams. The use of various electrophiles and ligands are described, and result in the construction of -quaternary centers in good yields (up to 91% yield) and high enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee).

Shown is a compound represented by formula (1). For example, R.sup.1 is alkyl having 1 to 15 carbons; MES is a mesogen group having at least one ring; Sp.sup.1 is a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 10 carbons; M.sup.1 is methyl; and R.sup.2, M.sup.2 and M.sup.3 are hydrogen. ##STR00001##

Shown is a compound represented by formula (1). For example, R.sup.1 is alkyl having 1 to 15 carbons; MES is a mesogen group having at least one ring; Sp.sup.1 is a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 10 carbons; M.sup.1 is methyl; and R.sup.2, M.sup.2 and M.sup.3 are hydrogen. ##STR00001##

The present invention relates to an amidine of the formula (I) and its use as a catalyst for crosslinking a curable composition. The amidine of the formula (I) contains at least one aliphatic amidine group. It is substantially odorless and nonvolatile at room temperature and accelerates the crosslinking of curable compositions very efficiently, without impairing the storage stability of the compositions. It is particularly suitable for compositions based on polymers containing silane groups, with which it is compatible, as a result of which such compositions do not have a tendency to separation or migration or evaporation of the catalyst.

The present invention relates to an amidine of the formula (I) and its use as a catalyst for crosslinking a curable composition. The amidine of the formula (I) contains at least one aliphatic amidine group. It is substantially odorless and nonvolatile at room temperature and accelerates the crosslinking of curable compositions very efficiently, without impairing the storage stability of the compositions. It is particularly suitable for compositions based on polymers containing silane groups, with which it is compatible, as a result of which such compositions do not have a tendency to separation or migration or evaporation of the catalyst.

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I):

##STR00001##

or stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, wherein all the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are selective ROCK inhibitors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating cardiovascular, smooth muscle, oncologic, neuropathologic, autoimmune, fibrotic, and/or inflammatory disorders using the same.

The present invention provides contrast agents of the formula [N(A.sub.1,A.sub.2,A.sub.3) M](counter ion(s)) for use in a diagnostic method practiced on the human or animal body. It also refers to the contrast agents, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same. Further, it relates to a method of in vitro medical imaging, especially of diagnostic imaging, comprising administering said compound to a sample.

The present invention provides contrast agents of the formula [N(A.sub.1,A.sub.2,A.sub.3) M](counter ion(s)) for use in a diagnostic method practiced on the human or animal body. It also refers to the contrast agents, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same. Further, it relates to a method of in vitro medical imaging, especially of diagnostic imaging, comprising administering said compound to a sample.

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof wherein all the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are selective ROCK inhibitors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating cardiovascular, smooth muscle, oncologic, neuropathologic, autoimmune, fibrotic, and/or inflammatory disorders using the same. ##STR00001##

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof wherein all the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are selective ROCK inhibitors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating cardiovascular, smooth muscle, oncologic, neuropathologic, autoimmune, fibrotic, and/or inflammatory disorders using the same. ##STR00001##