MANUFACTURE OF LACTOL DERIVATIVES

摘要

The invention concerns a novel process for the stereospecific manufacture of novel hydroxymethyl lactols of the formula I by a one step reduction of a corresponding lactone carboxylic ester of the formula II (many of which esters are novel) using a reducing agent such as diisobutylaluminium hydride at about ambient temperature. The lactols of formula I are intermediates for the production of pharmacologically active 1,3-dioxane alkenoic acids useful in the treatment of certain cardiovascular and pulmonary medical conditions. Certain of the esters of formula II are novel and are also included in the invention.