Patent Publication Number: US-5633279-A

Title: 5-substituted derivatives of mycophenolic acid

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of our application Ser. No. 08/198,749, filed Feb. 18, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,030. The subject matter of this application is related to the subject matter of the following applications: application Ser. No. 08/198,817, Attorney Docket No. 27970, entitled &#34;4-Amino Derivatives of Mycophenolic Acid&#34;, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,879; application Ser. No. 08/198,732, Attorney Docket No. 27980, entitled &#34;4-Amino Derivatives Of 5-Substituted Mycophenolic Acid&#34;, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,568; application Ser. No. 08/198,725, Attorney Docket No. 27990, entitled &#34;6-Substituted Mycophenolic Acid and Derivatives&#34;, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,602, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,072; and application Ser. No. 08/198,741, Attorney Docket No. 28000, entitled &#34;4-Amino 6-Substituted Mycophenolic Acid And Derivatives&#34;; each filed on Feb. 18, 1994, and each incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to mycophenolic acid derivatives, particularly to a series of confounds having novel side chains. The invention is also directed to formulations and methods for treatment. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Mycophenolic acid (&#34;MPA&#34;) was initially described as a weakly-active antibiotic found in the fermentation broth of Penicillium brevicompactum, having the following structure. ##STR1## MPA and certain related compounds, such as mycophenolate mofetil (the morpholinoethyl ester of MPA), having the following structure: ##STR2## have more recently been described as having particularly advantageous properties as immunosuppressant drugs. 
     Various derivatives of mycophenolic acid, their synthesis and uses in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, inflammatory diseases, including, in particular, rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, viruses, and for treatment of allograft rejection, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,686,234; 4,725,622; 4,727,069; 4,748,173; 4,753,935; 4,786,637; 4,808,592; 4,861,776; 4,868,153; 4,948,793; 4,952,579; 4,959,387; 4,992,467; 5,247,083; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/927,260, filed Aug. 7, 1992. 
     As immunosuppressive agents, the previously described esters and derivatives of mycophenolic acid are useful in treating auto-immune related disorders, glomerulonephritis and hepatitis, and in preventing allograft rejection. As anti-inflammatory agents, they are useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. As anti-tumor agents, they are useful in treating solid tumors and malignancies of lymphoreticular origins. 
     See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,825,571 and 3,853,919; Japanese Pat. No. J 01290667; J. Med. Chem., 33(2), 833-8 (1990); Austr. J. Chem., 31(2), 353-64, (1978); and J. Antibiot., 29(3), 275-85, 286-91 (1976). The disclosed compounds are described as having anti-tumor, immunosuppressive, anti-viral, anti-arthritic and/or anti-psoriatic activities. The article by J. W. Patterson and G. Huang, Chemical Communications, 1579 (1991) describes synthetic methodology of interest with respect to such compounds. 
     The above-cited patents, publications, and the references/publications referenced therein, are all incorporated herein by reference. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention concerns mycophenolic acid derivatives, i.e., the compounds of Formula I: ##STR3## wherein: R 1  is H or C(O)R 10 , where R 10  is lower alkyl, aryl or NH-aryl; and 
     Z is a side chain selected from Formulae ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF, ZG and ZH: ##STR4## wherein: Z 1  is H, lower alkyl, halo or CF 3  ; 
     Z 2  is H, OH, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, aryl, or CH 2  -Z 13 , where 
     Z 13  is halo, CN, aryl or heteroaryl; 
     Z 3  is H, OH, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkoxy, halo, phenyl, P(O) (OCH 3 ) 2 , P(O) (OH) (OCH 3 ), NHZ 11 , SH or S(O) m  Z 12 , where 
     Z 11  is H, alkyl, acyl, or lower alkyl sulfonyl, 
     Z 12  is lower alkyl, and 
     m is 0, 1 or 2; 
     Z 4  is H, OH, lower alkyl, halo, or phenyl, 
     provided, however that Z 4  is not OH or halo when Z 3  is OH, 
     halo, P(O)(OCH 3 ) 2 , P(O)(OH)(OCH 3 ), NHZ 11 , or SZ 12  ; 
     or Z 3  and Z 4  taken together with the carbon to which they are attached form cycloalkyl of three to five carbon atoms; and 
     G is OH, lower alkoxy, lower thioalkyl, NG 1  G 2 , O-(CH 2 ) n  -NG 1  G 2 , or O-(CH 2 ) n  -N═G 3 , where 
     n is an integer from 1 to 6, 
     G 1  is H or lower alkyl, 
     G 2  is H or lower alkyl, and 
     ═G 3  is lower alkylene of four to six carbon atoms, or lower alkylene of three to five carbon atoms plus one member that is -O-, -S-, or -N(G 4 )- where G 4  is H or lower alkyl; 
     provided that when Z 1  is methyl, Z 2 , Z 3  and Z 4  are not all H, and 
     provided that when R 1 , Z 3  and Z 4  are all H and Z 1  is methyl, Z 2  is not H or OH; or ##STR5## wherein: Z 5  is H or lower alkyl; 
     Z 8  is H, lower alkyl or forms a double bond with D 2  ; 
     D 1  and D 2  together with their adjacent carbon atoms form an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring of 3 to 7 atoms; and 
     G is as defined above; or ##STR6## wherein: Z 8  is H or lower alkyl; and 
     Z 5  and G are as defined above; or ##STR7## wherein: D 3  is -CH 2  - or -CH 2  -CH 2  -; and 
     G is as defined above; or ##STR8## wherein: Z 6  is H, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, COOH, NH 2 , azido or halo; 
     Z 7  is H, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or halo; and 
     Z 5  and G are as defined above; or ##STR9## wherein: Z 1  and G are as defined above; or ##STR10## wherein: D 3 , Z 2 , Z 3 , Z 4  and G are as defined above; or ##STR11## wherein: D 4  is -CH 2  -, -CH 2  -CH 2  -, -CH 2  -CH 2  -CH 2  -, -O-, or -O-CH 2  -; and 
     Z 1  and G are as defined above; 
     and the pharmceutically acceptable salts thereof. 
     In another aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a therpeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I or a pharmceutically acceptable salt thereof admixed with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 
     In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating immune, inflammatory, tumor, proliferative, viral and psoriatic disorders in mammal by administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention relates to intermediates of Formula II: ##STR12## wherein: R 2  is lower alkyl or benzyl; and 
     Z 3  and Z 4  are H or lower alkyl, provided that at least one is H. 
     Still another aspect of the invention relates to the process of using the intermediates of Formula II in the synthesis of (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2(S),4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid, by 2-alkylation with an alkyl iodide, and hydrolysis of the oxazolidinone using LiOH, to give a mixture of 2(R) and 2(S) isomers, optionally followed by formation of the (+)-α-methylbenzylamine salt and conversion of the salt to (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2(S),4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Definitions and General Parameters 
     The following definitions are set forth to illustrate and define the meaning and scope of the various terms used to describe the invention herein. 
     The term &#34;alkyl&#34; refers to a fully saturated monovalent radical containing only carbon and hydrogen, and which may be a cyclic, branched or straight chain radical. This term is further exemplified by radicals such as methyl, ethyl, t-butyl, pentyl, pivalyl, heptyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmethyl, adamantyl, and the like. 
     The term &#34;lower alkyl&#34; refers to a cyclic, branched or straight chain monovalent alkyl radical of one to six carbon atoms. This term is further exemplified by such radicals as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, i-butyl (or 2-methylpropyl), cyclopropylmethyl, i-amyl, n-amyl, and hexyl. 
     The term &#34;alkylene&#34; refers to a fully saturated divalent radical containing only carbon and hydrogen, and which may be a branched or straight chain radical. This term is further exemplified by radicals such as methylene, ethylene, n-propylene, t-butylene, i-pentylene, and n-heptylene. 
     The term &#34;lower alkylene&#34; refers to a fully saturated divalent alkyl radical of one to six carbon atoms. This term is further exemplified by such radicals as methylene, ethylene, n-propylene, i-propylene, n-butylene, t-butylene, i-butylene (or 2-methylpropylene), isoamylene, pentylene, and n-hexylene. 
     The term &#34;lower alkenyl&#34; refers to an unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon radical of one to six carbon atoms. This term is further exemplified by such radicals as vinyl, prop-2-enyl, pent-3-enyl, and hex-5-enyl. 
     The term &#34;lower acyl&#34; refers to the group -C(O)-R&#39;, where R&#39; is lower alkyl. 
     The term &#34;aryl&#34; refers to a monovalent unsaturated aromatic carbocyclic radical having a single ring (e.g., phenyl) or two condensed rings (e.g., naphthyl), which can optionally be mono-, di- or tri-substituted, independently, with OH, COOH, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, chloro, fluoro, trifluoromethyl and/or cyano. 
     The term &#34;heteroatom&#34; refers to oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen, unless otherwise specified. 
     The term &#34;heteroaryl&#34; refers to a monovalent aromatic carbocyclic radical having at least one heteroatom within the ring, such as quinolyl, benzofuranyl, pyridyl, morpholinyl and indolyl, which can optionally be mono-, di- or tri-substituted, independently, with OH, COOH, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, chloro, fluoro, trifluoromethyl and/or cyano. 
     The term &#34;optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring of 3 to 7 atoms&#34; as used with reference to a side chain of Formula ZB encompases side chains of the following structures: ##STR13## where the line inside each respective ring indicates the optional presence of a double bond and X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4  and X 5  can independently be -CHX a  -, -C(O)-, -C(N-X b )-, -C(N-NX d  X o )-, -O-, -S-, -S(O)-, -S(O) 2  - or -NX o  -, 
     where 
     X a  is H, lower alkyl or forms a double bond; 
     X b  is acyl, carbamoyl or ureido; 
     X o  is lower alkyl, C(O)X d , S(O) 2  X d  or C(O)NX d  X o  ; and 
     X d  and X o  are independently H or lower alkyl; 
     provided that if more than one heteroatom is present such heteroatoms are separated by at least one carbon atom. 
     The term &#34;halo&#34; refers to fluoro, bromo, chloro and iodo, unless otherwise specified. 
     The definition &#34;═G 3  is lower alkylene of four to six carbon atoms, or lower alkylene of three to five carbon atoms plus one member that is -O-, -S-, or -N(G 4 )-&#34; means that -N═G 3  represents a heterocyclic derivative such as pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, hexamethyleneiminyl, imidazolidino, thiazolidino, morpholino, thiomorpholino, piperazino, thiopentamethyleneimino, and the like. 
     &#34;Optional&#34; or &#34;optionally&#34; means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not. 
     A &#34;pharmaceutically acceptable salt&#34; is a salt that retains the biological effectiveness and properties of the compounds of formula I and which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. Salts may be derived from acids or bases. The term &#34;pharmaceutically acceptable anion&#34; refers to the anion of acid addition salts. &#34;Pharmaceutically acceptable cation&#34; refers to the cation of base addition salts. 
     The acid addition salts are derived from inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid (giving the sulfate and bisulfate salts), nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like, and organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and the like. 
     The base addition salts may be derived from inorganic bases, and include sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium salts, and the like. Salts derived from organic bases include those formed from primary, secondary and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally-occurring substituted amines, and cyclic amines, including isopropylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, ethanolamine, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, tromethamine, lysine, arginine, histidine, caffeine, procaine, hydrabamine, choline, betaine, ethylenediamine, glucosamine, N-alkylglucamines, theobromine, purines, piperazine, piperidine, N-ethylpiperidine, and the like. Preferred organic bases are isopropylamlne, diethylamine, ethanolamine, piperidine, tromethamine, and choline. 
     The term &#34;treatment&#34; or &#34;treating&#34; means any treatment of a disease in a mammal, including: 
     (i) preventing the disease, that is, causing the clinical symptoms of the disease not to develop; 
     (ii) inhibiting the disease, that is, arresting the development of clinical symptoms; and/or 
     (iii) relieving the disease, that is, causing the regression of clinical symptoms. 
     The term &#34;effective amount&#34; means a dosage sufficient to provide treatment for the disease state being treated. This will vary depending on the patient, the disease and the treatment being effected. 
     &#34;Isomers&#34; are different compounds having the same molecular formula. 
     &#34;Stereoisomers&#34; are isomers that differ only in the way the atoms are arranged in space. 
     &#34;Enantiomers&#34; are a pair of stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. A 1:1 mixture of a pair of enantiomers is a &#34;racemic&#34; mixture. The term &#34;(±)&#34; is used to designate a racemic mixture where appropriate. 
     &#34;Diastereoisomers&#34; are stereoisomers that have at least two asymmetric atoms, but which are not mirror-images of each other. 
     The absolute stereochemistry is specified according to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog R-S system. When the compound is a pure enantiomer the stereochemistry at each chiral carbon may be specified by either R or S. Resolved compounds whose absolute configuration is unknown are designated (+) or (-) depending on the direction (dextro- or laevorotary) which they rotate the plane of polarized light at the wavelength of the sodium D line. 
     The compounds of the invention may possess one or more asymmetric centers, and can be produced as a racemic mixture or as individual enantiomers or diastereoisomers. The number of stereoisomers present in any given compound of Formula (I) depends upon the number of asymmetric centers present (there are 2 n  stereoisomers possible where n is the number of asymmetric centers). The individual stereoisomers may be obtained by resolving a racemic or non-racemic mixture of an intermediate at some appropriate stage of the synthesis, or by resolution of the compound of Formula (I) by conventional means. The individual stereoisomers (including individual enantiomers and diastereoisomers) as well as racemic and non-racemic mixtures of stereoisomers are encompassed within the scope of the present invention, all of which are intended to be depicted by the structures of this specification unless otherwise specifically indicated. Specific examples of the separation of isomers are set forth in the Examples. 
     &#34;Structure of Formula I&#34; refers to the generic structure of the compounds of the invention. The chemical bonds indicated as a wavy line, for example for Z 3  and Z 4  in Formula 105 below, indicate a racemic mixture. 
     Nomenclature 
     The naming and numbering of the compounds of the present invention is illustrated below. 
     The isobenzofuranyl nucleus of the compounds of Formula I is numbered as follows: ##STR14## 
     Side chains of Formula ZA are numbered as shown below: ##STR15## Representative compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZA are as follows: 
     
         __________________________________________________________________________
No.                                                                       
   R.sup.1                                                                
          Z.sup.1                                                         
              Z.sup.2                                                     
                 Z.sup.3                                                  
                        Z.sup.4                                           
                             G       Isomer                               
__________________________________________________________________________
1  H      Methyl                                                          
              H  H      Methyl                                            
                             OH      S                                    
2  H      Methyl                                                          
              H  H      Ethyl                                             
                             OH      S                                    
3  C(O)C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                    
          CF.sub.3                                                        
              OH NHSO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                      
                        Phenyl                                            
                             Methoxy RS                                   
4  H      Cl  CH.sub.3                                                    
                 SO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                        
                        H    O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 N═G.sup.3              
                                     RS                                   
5  C(O)Phenyl                                                             
          H   CH.sub.3                                                    
                 OCH.sub.3                                                
                        Cl   SCH.sub.3                                    
                                     (2)R                                 
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     and are named: 
     1. (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(S),4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid; 
     2. (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(S)-ethyl-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid; 
     3. methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-propionyloxy -isobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-hydroxy-2-methylsulfonylamino-2-phenyl-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hexenoate; 
     4. 2-morpholinoethyl (E)-4-chloro-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-S-yl)-3-methyl-2-methylsulfonyl-4-hexenoate (where G 3  is -(CH 2 ) 2  -O-(CH 2 ) 2  -); 
     5. thiomethyl (E)-2-(R)-chloro-6-(4-benzoyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methoxy-3-methyl-4-hexenoate. 
     Side chains of Formula ZB in which D 1  and D 2  do not contain a heteroatom are numbered as shown below: ##STR16## representative compounds of which are as follows: 
     
         __________________________________________________________________________
No. R.sup.1                                                               
         D.sup.1 --D.sup.2                                                
                  Z.sup.5                                                 
                      Z.sup.8                                             
                          G     Isomer                                    
__________________________________________________________________________
1   H    (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                 
                  H   H   OH    S                                         
2   H    (CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                 
                  H   Ethyl                                               
                          OH    RS                                        
3   C(O)CH.sub.3                                                          
         (CH.sub.2).sub.5                                                 
                  Methyl                                                  
                      H   NG.sup.1 G.sup.2                                
                                RS                                        
4   H    (CH.sub.2).sub.2 C(O)CH.sub.2                                    
                  H   H   OH    RS                                        
5   H    (CH.sub.2) 2                                                     
                  Hexyl                                                   
                      H   Thiomethyl                                      
                                (1)-R                                     
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     and are named: 
     1. (E)-2-{2-[2-[1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]cyclopent-1-(S)-yl}acetic acid; 
     2. (E)-2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]-1-ethylcyclohex-1-yl}acetic acid; 
     3. (E)-2-{2-[2-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohept-1-yl}propionic acid dimethylamide (where G 1  and G 2  are both methyl); 
     4. (E)-2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]-5-oxocyclohex-1-yl}acetic acid, which can also be named {4-[2-(4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo -1,3-dihydro-isobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]- tetrahydro-pyran- 3-yl}-acetic acid; 
     5. thiomethyl (E)-2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclobut-1-(R)-yl}octanoate. 
     Side chains of Formula ZB that include a heteroatom are numbered starting with the heteroatom as position I of the ring, for example, as shown below for a 6-atom heterocycle. ##STR17## Representative compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZB including a heteroatom are as follows: 
     
         __________________________________________________________________________
No. R.sup.1                                                               
         D.sup.1 -D.sup.2                                                 
                   Z.sup.5                                                
                       Z.sup.8                                            
                           G    Isomer                                    
__________________________________________________________________________
1   H    CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                                           
                   H   H   OH   RS                                        
2   C(O)CH.sub.3                                                          
         (CH.sub.2).sub.2 --NH--CH.sub.2                                  
                   Methyl                                                 
                       Methyl                                             
                           O-Hexyl                                        
                                (3)-S                                     
3   H    (CH.sub.2).sub.2 --S--CH.sub.2                                   
                   Hexyl                                                  
                       H   NG.sup.1 G.sup.2                               
                                RS                                        
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     and are named: 
     1. (E)-2-{4-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]tetrahydrofuran-3-yl}acetic acid; 
     2. hexyl (E)-2-{4-[2-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]-3-methylpiperidin-3(S) -yl}propionate; 
     3. (E)-2-{4-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]thiepan-3-yl}heptanoic acid dimethylamide (where G 1  and G 2  are both methyl). 
     Side chains of Formula ZC are numbered as shown below: ##STR18## Representative compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZC are as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
No.   R.sup.1  Z.sup.5 Z.sup.8                                            
                              G         Isomer                            
______________________________________                                    
1     H        Methyl  H      OH        S                                 
2     C(O)CH.sub.3                                                        
               H       H      O-Hexyl   RS                                
3     H        Methyl  i-Propyl                                           
                              OH        2-S, 1-S                          
4     H        Hexyl   H      O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 NG.sup.1 G.sup.2          
                                        RS                                
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     and are named: 
     1. 3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-ylmethyl)-2-methylcyclopent-2-enyl-1-(S)-acetic acid; 
     2. hexyl 3-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-ylmethyl)cyclopent-2-enyl-1-acetate; 
     3. 2-(S)-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-ylmethyl)-2-methylcyclopent-2-en-1(S)-yl]-1-(S)-3-methylbutyric acid; 
     4. (2-dimethylamino)ethyl 3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6- methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-ylmethyl)-2-hexylcyclopent-2-enyl-1-acetate (where G 1  and G 2  are both methyl). 
     Side chains of Formula ZD are numbered as shown below: ##STR19## Representative compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZD are as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
No.     R.sup.1  D.sup.3     G      Isomer                                
______________________________________                                    
1       H        CH.sub.2    OH     R                                     
2       C(O)CH.sub.3                                                      
                 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2                                        
                             O-Hexyl                                      
                                    RS                                    
3       H        CH.sub.2    S-Methyl                                     
                                    RS                                    
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     are named as follows: 
     1. (E)-3-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclopentane-1-(R)-carboxylic acid; 
     2. hexyl (E)-4-[2-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohexane-1-carboxylate; 
     3. methyl (E)-3-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclopentane-1- thiocarboxylate. 
     Side chains of Formula ZE are numbered as shown below: ##STR20## Representative compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZE are as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
No.   R.sup.1  Z.sup.5  Z.sup.6                                           
                               Z.sup.7  G                                 
______________________________________                                    
1     H        Methyl   H      H        OH                                
2     C(O)CH.sub.3                                                        
               H        6-Methyl                                          
                               H        NG.sup.1 G.sup.2                  
3     H        Hexyl    6-chloro                                          
                               4-methoxy                                  
                                        O-Hexyl                           
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     and are named: 
     1. (E)-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-methylprop-1-en-1-yl]benzoic acid; 
     2. (E)-2-[3-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)prop-1-en-1-yl]-6-methylbenzoic acid dimethylamide (where G 1  and G 2  are both methyl); 
     3. hexyl (E)-6-chloro-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-hexylprop-1-en-1-yl]-4-methoxybenzoate. 
     Side chains of Formula ZF are numbered as shown below: ##STR21## Representative compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZF are as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
No.      R.sup.1  Z.sup.1    G      Isomer                                
______________________________________                                    
1        H        Methyl     OH     S                                     
2        C(O)CH.sub.3                                                     
                  Hexyl      O-Ethyl                                      
                                    RS                                    
3        H        H          S-Methyl                                     
                                    RS                                    
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     and are named: 
     1. 4-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-ylmethyl)-3-methylcyclopent-3-ene-1-(S)-carboxylic acid; 
     2. ethyl 4-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-ylmethyl)-3-hexylcyclopent-3-ene-1-carboxylate; 
     3. thiomethyl 4-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-ylmethyl)cyclopent-3-ene-1-carboxylate. 
     Side chains of Formula ZG are numbered as shown below: ##STR22## Representative compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZG are as follows: 
     
         __________________________________________________________________________
No.                                                                       
   R.sup.1                                                                
          D.sup.3                                                         
                Z.sup.2                                                   
                    Z.sup.3                                               
                           Z.sup.4                                        
                               G    Isomer                                
__________________________________________________________________________
1  H      CH.sub.2                                                        
                H   H      H   OK   (3)-S                                 
2  H      CH.sub.2                                                        
                OH  Methyl Chloro                                         
                               Methoxy                                    
                                    (3)-R                                 
3  C(O)C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                    
          CH.sub.2                                                        
                Methyl                                                    
                    NHSO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                   
                           Phenyl                                         
                               OH   RS                                    
4  H      CH.sub.2                                                        
                H   PO(OCH.sub.3).sub.2                                   
                           H   S-Methyl                                   
                                    (3)-R                                 
5  C(O)Phenyl                                                             
          CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2                                             
                Methyl                                                    
                    O-Methyl                                              
                           Methyl                                         
                               OH   (2)-R                                 
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     and are named: 
     1. 3-[3-(S)-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)cyclopent-1-en-1-yl]-propionic acid; 
     2. methyl 3-[3-(R)-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) cyclopent-1-en-1-yl]-2-chloro-2-methyl-3-hydroxy propionate; 
     3. 3-[3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-propionyloxyisobenzofuran -5-yl)cyclopent-1-en-1-yl]-3-methyl-2-methylsulfonamido-2-phenyl propionic acid; 
     4. methyl 3-[3-(R)-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)cyclopent-1-en-1-yl]-2-(dimethylphosphono) propionate; 
     5. 3-[3-(4-benzoyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)cyclohex-1-en-1-yl]-2(R),3-dimethyl-2-methoxy propionic acid. 
     Side chains of Formula ZH are numbered as shown below: ##STR23## Representative compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZH are as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
No.      D.sup.4 Z.sup.1    G      Isomer                                 
______________________________________                                    
1        CH.sub.2                                                         
                 Methyl     OH     RS                                     
2        (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                 
                 Methyl     O-Ethyl                                       
                                   1-R                                    
3        (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                 
                 H          S-Methyl                                      
                                   RS                                     
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     are named as follows: 
     1. (E)-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-methylprop-1-en-1-yl]cyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid; 
     2. Ethyl (E)-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-methylprop-1-en-1-yl]cyclohexane-1R -carboxylate; 
     3. Thiomethyl (E)-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)prop-1-en-1-yl]cycloheptane-1-carboxylate. 
     Compounds of Formula I where the side chain is ZH, in which D 4  is a heteroatom, are numbered differently. For example, the compound where D 4  is oxygen, Z 1  is methyl, and G is hydroxy, is named as follows: 
     4. (E)-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-methylprop-1-en-1-yl]furan-3-carboxylic acid. 
     Synthetic Reaction Parameters 
     The terms &#34;solvent&#34;, &#34;inert organic solvent&#34; or &#34;inert solvent&#34; mean a solvent inert under the conditions of the reaction being described in conjunction therewith [including, for example, benzene, toluene, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (&#34;THF&#34;), dimethylformamide (&#34;DMF&#34;), chloroform, methylene chloride (or dichloromethane), diethyl ether, methanol, pyridine and the like]. Unless specified to the contrary, the solvents used in the reactions of the present invention are inert organic solvents. 
     The term &#34;q.s.&#34; means adding a quantity sufficient to achieve a stated function, e.g., to bring a solution to a desired volume (for example, q.s. to 100%). 
     Unless specified to the contrary, the reactions described herein take place at atmospheric pressure within a temperature range from 5° C. to 100° C. (preferably from 10° C. to 50√ C.; most preferably at &#34;room&#34; or &#34;ambient&#34; temperature, e.g., 20° C.). Further, unless otherwise specified, the reaction times and conditions are intended to be approximate, e.g., taking place at about atmospheric pressure within a temperature range of about 5° C. to about 100° C. (preferably from about 10° C. to about 50° C.; most preferably about 20° C.) over a period of about 1 to about 10 hours (preferably about 5 hours). Parameters given in the Examples are intended to be specific, not approximate. 
     Isolation and purification of the compounds and intermediates described herein can be effected, if desired, by any suitable separation or purification procedure such as, for example, filtration, extraction, crystallization, column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography or thick-layer chromatography, or a combination of these procedures. Specific illustrations of suitable separation and isolation procedures can be had by reference to the examples hereinbelow. However, other equivalent separation or isolation procedures can, of course, also be used. Except as specified to the contrary, the compounds and intermediates are isolated and purified by conventional means. 
     As indicated above, compounds that have one asymmetric center can exist as R or S enantiomers or as mixtures thereof. If desired, the individual R and S enantiomers can be separated by known methods, or can be synthesized individually. 
     For example, an acidic racemic compound can be converted into a salt, ester or amide with a chiral base, alcohol or amine. The resulting mixture of diastereomers can be separated by conventional means such as crystallization, distillation or chromatography. The separated compounds can then be subjected to conventional reactions such as hydrolysis, to produce the individual enantiomers of the chiral acid. A chiral compound which is basic can be resolved analogously. 
     Alternatively, a chiral compound can be separated into enantiomers by selective reaction of one of the enantiomers, or of a derivative. For example, an ester or amide of a racemic compound can be selectively hydrolyzed by chemical or biological (e.g., enzymatic) reactions to produce the individual enantiomers of the racemic compound. 
     Compounds that have two asymmetric centers exist as two diastereomers. The diastereomers can be separated by conventional methods such as crystallization, distillation or chromatography. Each separate diastereomer exists as a pair of enantiomers which can be separated by conventional methods such as those described above. Alternatively, the diastereomers or enantiomers can be prepared separately, by means of stereospecific or diastereoselective reactions known to those skilled in the art. 
     Alternatively, chiral precursors to chiral compounds of this invention can be prepared using known procedures such as stereoselective or stereospecific reactions, after which the chiral precursor can be converted into the chiral product. 
     Synthesis of the Compounds of Formula I 
     The compounds of Formula I can be prepared by following the procedures described with reference to the following Reaction Schemes. As used in the Reaction Schemes, the substituents (e.g., m, D 1 , G, Z 1 ) have the same meaning as described in the Summary of the Invention unless otherwise specified in a particular instance. Substituents introduced for purposes of a particular reaction scheme (e.g., R a  in Reaction Scheme ZA-A) are defined in the detailed description of the corresponding synthesis. 
     Starting Materials 
     Mycophenolic acid is commercially available, e.g., from Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo. The mycophenolic acid lower alkyl esters of Formula 1 can be synthesized, for example, as described in Synthetic Organic Chemistry by Wagner and Zook (Wiley, New York) 1956, see pages 479-532. Other reactants, such as methoxyethoxy methyl chloride, t-butyl-dimethylsilyl chloride, and various orthoesters are likewise commercially available or may be readily prepared by those skilled in the art using commonly employed synthetic methodology. 
     Preparation of Compounds of Formula I-ZA 
     One method of preparing compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain of Formula ZA, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZA, is shown below in Reaction Schemes ZA-A to ZA-M. ##STR24## 
     Preparation of Formula 102 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme A-A, Step 1, the phenolic hydroxyl group of a mycophenolic acid lower alkyl ester is protected. 
     A mycophenolic acid lower alkyl ester of Formula 101, in a solvent (such as ether, ethyl acetate, DMF or preferably dichloromethane), is reacted with an equimolar amount of a halogenated protecting group (such as: methoxyethoxymethyl chloride; a sulfonyl chloride, e.g., tosyl chloride, mesyl chloride; or a silyl chloride, e.g., trimethylsilyl chloride, diphenylmethylsilyl chloride, or preferably tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride) in presence of an equimolar amount of an organic base (such as diisopropylethylamine, triethylamine or imidazole). The reaction takes place at -20° to 35° C. (preferably at 25° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 16 hours) to give the corresponding compound of Formula 102 (where R a  is the protecting group). 
     Preparation of Formula 103 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-A, Step 2, the side chain double bond of a protected mycophenolic acid lower alkyl ester is ozonized to yield an aldehyde. 
     A stream of ozonized oxygen is passed through a solution of a protected compound of Formula 102 in a solvent (such as an alcohol, a halocarbon, or preferably a mixture of methanol and dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at -100° to -40° C. (preferably at -80° C.), and continues until the presence of excess ozone is detected by the development of a blue color, indicating the formation of an intermediate α-alkoxyhydroperoxide, which is reduced without further purification, by the addition of a reducing agent (such as zinc and acetic acid, dimethyl sulfide, or preferably thiourea). The reaction takes place at -80° C. to 25° C. (preferably 0° C.) over a period of 12 to 24 hours (preferably 16 hours), to give the corresponding aldehyde of Formula 103. 
     Preparation of Formula 104 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-A, Step 3, the aldehyde is converted to a carbinol by addition of an organometallic compound of Formula 103a [where M is MgBr or lithium, preferably MgBr (a Grignard reagent); Z 1  is H, lower alkyl or CF 3 , and Z 2  is H or lower alkyl]. 
     An organolithium reagent is formed by reaction of a halovinyl (preferably bromovinyl) compound of Formula 103a (where M is halo) with an alkyllithium (preferably n-butyllithium) in an ethereal solvent (such as ether, or preferably tetrabydrofuran). The reaction takes place at -100° to 0° C. (preferably -40° C.) over a period of 0.5 to 5 hours (preferably 1 hour). Alternatively the halovinyl compound of Formula 103a is reacted with magnesium metal in an ethereal solvent (such as ether or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at 30° to 60° C. (preferably 40° C.) over a period of 1 to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours). 
     The organometallic compound of Formula 103a where M is zinc or cadmium may be prepared by reaction of 103a where M is Li or MgBr with a zinc or cadmium halide, preferably chloride. The compound of Formula 103a where M is tin may be prepared by reaction of 103a where M is Li or MgBr with a trialkyl chlorostannane, preferably tributyltin chloride. The compound of Formula 103a where M is tin may also be prepared by reaction of 103a where M is trifluoromethanesulfonate by reaction with a compound of formula (R 3  Sn) 2 , where R is alkyl, preferably methyl, in the presence of a palladium catalyst, preferably tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium. The compound of Formula 103a where M is trifluoromethanesulfonate may be prepared from a ketone of the formula: ##STR25## by reaction with a strong base (such as sodium hydride or potassium hexamethyldisilazide), followed by reaction of the anion thus produced with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride. Alternatively, the compound of Formula 103a where M is tin may be prepared by reacting a trialkyl tin hydride (preferably tributyl tin hydride) with an acetylene of the formula Z 1  -C.tbd.C-Z 2 . 
     One molar equivalent of the resultant organometallic reagent is added to a solution of an aldehyde of Formula 103 (in the same solvent system used to make the organometallic reagent). The reaction takes place at -80° to 20° C. (preferably 0° C.) over a period of 5 to 60 minutes (preferably 10 minutes) to give the corresponding carbinol of Formula 104. 
     Preparation of Formula 105 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-A, Step 4, an alkyl ester of Formula 105 is formed by a Claisen ortho ester rearrangement reaction of a carbinol of Formula 104 and an orthoester of Formula 104a (where Z 3  is H, halo, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, phenyl, alkoxy or -thio lower alkyl; and Z 4  is H or lower alkyl; or Z 3  and Z 4  taken together with the carbon to which they are attached form cycloalkyl). 
     A carbinol of Formula 104 is heated at 50° to 140° C. (preferably about 130° C.) with about 10 molar equivalents of an orthoester of Formula 104a, in the presence of from 0.05 to 0.25 molar equivalents (preferably 0.10 molar equivalents) of an organic acid catalyst (such as propionic, butyric, or preferably trimethylacetic acid). The reaction takes place over a period of 1 to 48 hours (preferably 3 hours) to give the corresponding alkyl ester of Formula 105. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-A 
     Formula I-ZA-A is prepared as described below with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1 (in which the compound of Formula I-ZA-A is named Formula I-ZA-M1). The compounds of Formula I-ZA-A are also employed as starting materials in Step 1 of Reaction Scheme ZA-K. 
     Preparation of Enantiomers of Formula I-ZA where Z 2  is Lower Alkyl 
     One method of preparing individual enantiomers of compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain ZA, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZA, is from chiral compounds of Formula 104b, the preparation of which is shown below in Reaction Scheme ZA-A-1. ##STR26## where Y is chloro or bromo. ##STR27## 
     Preparation of Formula 103f 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-A-1, Step 1, an aldehyde of Formula 103 is oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acid of Formula 103f. 
     An aldehyde of Formula 103 is reacted with about two molar equivalents of an oxidizing agent (for example, chromic acid, silver oxide, bleach, or preferably sodium periodate), in an inert solvent (such as toluene, or preferably ethyl acetate), in the presence of water [and, when using sodium periodate or bleach as the oxidizing agent, a catalytic amount (for example, about 0.01 molar equivalents) of ruthenium oxide, or preferably ruthenium trichloride]. The reaction takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 30 minutes to 8 hours (preferably 2 hours), to give the corresponding carboxylic acid of Formula 103f. 
     Preparation of Formula 103g 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-A-1, Step 2, a carboxylic acid of Formula 103f is converted to the corresponding acyl halide of Formula 103g. 
     A carboxylic acid of Formula 103f is reacted with about one molar equivalent, preferably 1.1 molar equivalents, of a thionyl or oxalyl halide (for example, thionyl chloride, thionyl bromide, or preferably oxalyl chloride), in an inert solvent (such as dichloromethane, or preferably ethyl acetate), in the presence of a catalytic amount (for example, about 0.05 molar equivalents) of dimethylformamide. The reaction takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 30 minutes to 8 hours (preferably 2 hours), to give the corresponding acyl halide of Formula 103g. 
     Preparation of Formula 103h 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-A-1, Step 3, an acyl halide of Formula 103g is converted to the corresponding keto olefin of Formula 103h by addition of an organometallic compound of Formula 103a. 
     An acyl halide of Formula 103g is reacted with about one molar equivalent of a organometallic compound of Formula 103a (where M is cadmium, zinc, tin, or the like, prepared as shown in the preparation of compounds of Formula 104), in an inert solvent (such as dichloromethane, ether, or preferably tetrahydrofuran), optionally in the presence of a catalytic amount (for example, about 0.05 molar equivalents) of a palladium catalyst [preferably tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium]. The reaction takes place at -10° to 20° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 30 minutes to 8 hours (preferably 4 hours), to give the corresponding keto olefin of Formula 103h. 
     Preparation of Formula 104b 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-A-1, Step 4, a keto olefin of Formula 103h is reduced stereospecifically to the corresponding carbinol of Formula 104b by reduction with borane methyl sulfide in the presence of a catalytic amount of (R)-tetrahydro-1-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1H,3H-pyrrolo -[1,2-c][1,3,2]oxazaborole. 
     A keto olefin of Formula 103h is stereospecifically reduced with about one molar equivalent of borane methyl sulfide in the presence of a catalytic amount (0.05-0.3 molar equivalents) of (R)-tetrahydro-1-methyl -3,3-diphenyl-1H,3H-pyrrolo-[1,2-c][1,3,2] oxazaborole in an inert solvent (preferably a mixture of toluene and dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at -30° to 40° C. (preferably -20° C.) for 1-24 hours (preferably 12 hours), to give the corresponding carbinol of Formula 104b. 
     Preparation of Enantiomers of Compounds of Formula I-ZA 
     A chiral carbinol of Formula 104b is then converted to an enantiomer of a compound of Formula I-ZA in the same manner as shown in Reaction Scheme ZA-A (conversion of compounds of Formula 104 to 105 to I-ZA). ##STR28## 
     Preparation of Formula 106 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-B, Step 1, an aldehyde of Formula 103 is transformed into an unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 106 by a Wittig reaction with an ylid of Formula 103b (where Z 1  is H or lower alkyl). 
     An aldehyde of Formula 103 is reacted with one molar equivalent of an ylid of Formula 103b, in an organic solvent (such as dichloromethane, dimethylformamide or preferably toluene). The reaction takes place at 0° to 110° C. (preferably 80° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 8 hours) to give the corresponding unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 106. 
     Preparation of Formula 107 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-B, Step 2, an unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 106 is condensed with the anion of an ester of Formula 106a (where Z 3  is H, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or phenyl and Z 4  is H, lower alkyl, or phenyl) to give a beta-hydroxy ester of Formula 107. 
     An ester of Formula 106a is converted to an alkali metal salt by reacting a solution of the ester in an ethereal solvent (such as ether or preferably tetrahydrofuran) with an equimolar amount of an alkali metal hydride, hexamethyldisilazide or amide (preferably lithium diisopropylamide) at a temperature of -100° to 0° C. (preferably -80° C.), for 30 minutes to 2 hours (preferably 30 minutes) to give a solution of the corresponding ester anion. The ester anion solution (1.0 to 1.5 molar equivalents, preferably 1.0 molar equivalents) is added to a solution of an unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 106 in the same ethereal solvent. The condensation reaction takes place at a temperature of -100° C. to 0° C. (preferably -80° C.) for 1 to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the corresponding beta-hydroxy ester of Formula 107. ##STR29## 
     Preparation of Formula 108 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-C, Step 1, the beta-hydroxy group of an ester of Formula 107 is O-alkylated to give the corresponding beta-alkoxy ester (R b ) of Formula 108. 
     An ester of Formula 107 is reacted with 1 to 3 (preferably 1.5) molar equivalents of an alkyl halide (preferably an alkyl iodide, such as methyl iodide or n-butyl iodide, preferably methyl iodide) and 1 to 3 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of silver oxide, in a polar organic solvent (such as dioxane, dimethylformamide or preferably acetonitrile). The reaction takes place at 25° to 100° C. (preferably 70° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 4 hours) to give the corresponding beta-alkoxy ester of Formula 108. ##STR30## 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-D 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-D, Step 1 an alpha-halo alkyl ester of Formula 105 (where Z 1  is H, lower alkyl or CF 3 , Z 2  is H or lower alkyl, Z 3  is H, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or phenyl, and Z 4  is halo) is converted to an alpha-hydroxy acid of Formula I-ZA-D1. The reaction takes place by hydrolysis of an alpha-alkanoyloxy ester intermediate, formed by displacement of the alpha-halo group with an alkali metal alkanoate. 
     An alpha-halo (preferably chloro) ester of Formula 105 is reacted with 1 to 5 (preferably 3) molar equivalents of an alkali metal alkanoate (the metal preferably potassium and the alkanoate preferably acetate) in a polar organic solvent (such as acetonitrile or preferably dimethylformamide). The reaction takes place at 40° to 100° C. (preferably 75° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 12 hours) to give the corresponding alpha-alkanoyloxy ester intermediate (not shown), which is employed without isolation or further purification. 
     The alpha-alkanoyloxy ester is then subjected to basic hydrolysis by reaction with 1 to 5 (preferably 2) molar equivalents of an alkali metal hydroxide (preferably sodium hydroxide) in a mixture of water and an organic solvent (such as methanol, dimethoxyethane or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at 0° to 60° C. (preferably 40° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 4 hours), to afford the corresponding alpha-hydroxy acid of Formula I-ZA-D1. As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-D, when R a  of Formula 105 is a silyl protecting group, the hydrolysis conditions are also effective for deprotection to restore the phenolic hydroxyl group. Alternatively, for example when R a  is methoxymethylethyl, the deprotection and hydrolysis procedures described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, can be employed. ##STR31## 
     Preparation of Formula 109 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-E, Step 1, an unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 106 is reduced and then converted to the corresponding compound of Formula 109 in which R b  is a leaving group (a sulfonate or halide, preferably a bromide). 
     An unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 106 is reacted with from 0.5 to 2 (preferably 1) molar equivalents of a reducing agent (such as sodium cyanoborohydride or preferably sodium borohydride) in an alcoholic solvent (such as ethanol, isopropanol or preferably methanol). The reaction takes place at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the corresponding allylic alcohol (not shown) which is used without isolation or further purification. 
     The allylic alcohol is reacted with from 1 to 1.5 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of a sulfonating agent (such as p-toluenesulfonyl chloride) and an organic base, or preferably reacted with a halogenating reagent (such as carbon tetrachloride/triphenylphosphine or preferably N-bromosuccinimide/triphenylphosphine) in an inert organic solvent (such as ether or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at a temperature of -40° to 40° C. (preferably -10° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding compound of Formula 109. 
     Preparation of Formula 110 
     An allylic halide or sulfonate of Formula 109 is alkylated with a chiral 4-alkyl N-acyl oxazolidinone of Formula 109a to give the corresponding chiral substituted acyl oxazolidinone of Formula 110. 
     An alkali metal (preferably lithium) salt of a chiral 4-alkyl N-acyl oxazolidinone of Formula 109a (the alkyl group preferably being 4-isopropyl) by reaction of the N-acyl oxazolidinone with 1 to 1.25 (preferably 1.05) molar equivalents of an alkali metal hydride, hexamethyldisilazide or dialkylamide (preferably lithium diisopropylamide) in an inert organic solvent (such as ether or preferably tetrabydrofuran). The reaction takes place at -100° to -20° C. (preferably -80° C.) for 5 to 120 minutes (preferably 30 minutes). The solution of the allylic compound of Formula 109 in the same solvent is added to the salt (1 to 3, preferably 3 molar equivalents). The alkylation reaction takes place at -100° to 0° C. (preferably -10° C.) for 30 minutes to 6 hours (preferably 1 hour) to afford the corresponding chiral substituted acyl oxazolidinone of Formula 110. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-E 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-E, Step 3, a chiral substituted acyl oxazolidinone of Formula 110 is hydrolyzed to the corresponding chiral acid of Formula I-ZA-E. Use of an acyl oxazolidinone of Formula 109a having a 4-alkyl substituent of the opposite configuration in Reaction Scheme ZA-E, Step 2, followed by hydrolysis as described in Step 3 results in the corresponding chiral acid where Z 3  has the opposite configuration. 
     An acyl oxazolidinone of Formula 110 is reacted with from 1.25 to 3.5 (preferably 3.0) molar equivalents of lithium hydroxide, in a mixture of water and a water-miscible organic solvent (such as dioxane or preferably tetrahydrofuran) containing from 6 to 10 (preferably 8) molar equivalents of 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The reaction takes place at -20° to 40° C. (preferably 20° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 12 hours) to afford the corresponding chiral acid of Formula I-ZA-E. ##STR32## 
     Preparation of Formula 111 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-F, Step 1, an allylic compound of Formula 109 in which R b  is a leaving group (a sulfonate or halide, preferably a bromide) is converted to the corresponding protected amino ester of Formula 111. 
     An alkali metal salt (such as the sodium, potassium or preferably lithium salt) of an alkyl ester of benzylidene glycine (such as the methyl or preferably the ethyl ester) is prepared by reaction of the alkyl ester of benzylidene glycine with an equimolar amount of an alkali metal (such as sodium, potassium or preferably lithium) dialkylamide (preferably diisopropylamide). The salt-forming reaction is performed in an ethereal solvent (such as diethyl ether or preferably tetrahydrofuran) and takes place at -80° to 0° C. (preferably -40° C.) for 15 minutes to 4 hours (preferably 30 minutes). 
     The so-obtained alkali metal salt of the alkyl benzylidene glycine (1 to 1.5, preferably 1.1 molar equivalents) is then reacted (without isolation or further purification) with an allylic compound of Formula 109. The reaction takes place at -100° to 0° C. (preferably -80° C.) for from 30 minutes to 12 hours (preferably 4 hours). The benzylidene protecting group 40 is removed by chromatography on silica gel to give the corresponding amino ester compound of Formula 111. ##STR33## 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-G 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-G, Step 1, a protected amino ester of Formula 111 is converted to the corresponding lower alkyl sulfonylamino ester of Formula I-ZA-G (where R b  is lower alkyl). A protected amino ester of Formula 111 is reacted with 1.0 to 2 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of a lower alkyl (such as ethyl, isopropyl, or preferably methyl) sulfonyl chloride in the presence of 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of a tertiary organic base (such as pyridine, diisopropylethylamine or preferably triethylamine) in an inert organic solvent (such as ether, chloroform or preferably dichloromethane) The reaction takes place at -20° to 40° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 4 hours), to give the corresponding protected lower alkyl sulfonylamino ester, which is deprotected without isolation or further purification, for example as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1. Hydrolysis is as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. ##STR34## 
     Preparation of Formula 112 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-H, Step 1, an allylic compound of Formula 109 in which R b  is a leaving group (a sulfonate or halide, preferably a bromide) is condensed with an ester of Formula 109b to give the mono- or di-alkyl ester of Formula 112 (where Z 3  is H, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or phenyl and Z 4  is H, lower alkyl, or phenyl). 
     An ester of Formula 109b is converted to an alkali metal salt by reaction with 1.05 to 1.25 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of an alkali metal amide (such as sodium hexamethyldisilazide, potassium tetramethylpiperidide or preferably lithium diisopropylamide) in an organic solvent (such as ether, dioxane or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at -40° to 30° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 15 minutes to 3 hours (preferably 30 minutes). Without isolation or further purification, the resulting solution of the alkali metal salt of the ester of Formula 109b (1.2 to 1.6, preferably about 1.3 molar equivalents) is then reacted with an allylic compound of Formula 109, in the same solvent, optionally in the presence of from 2% to 10% (preferably about 5%) by volume of hexamethyl phosphoric triamide. The reaction takes place at -100° to -40° C. (preferably -80° C.) for 30 minutes to 6 hours (preferably 1 hour) to afford the corresponding alkyl ester of Formula 112. ##STR35## 
     Preparation of Formula 113 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-I, Step 1, an allylic compound of Formula 109 in which R b  is a leaving group (a sulfonate or halide, preferably a bromide) is condensed with an ester of Formula 109c to give the corresponding dimethylphosphono ester of Formula 113 (where Z 4  is H or lower alkyl). 
     The alkali metal salt of a dimethylphosphonoacetate of Formula 109c is prepared by reacting the dimethylphosphonoacetate with from 1.0 to 1.25 (preferably 1.05) molar equivalents of an alkali metal alkoxide, hexamethyldisilazide or preferably with sodium hydride, in an inert organic solvent (such as tetrahydrofuran or preferably dimethylformamide). The reaction takes place at -10° to 30° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 1 to 4 hours (preferably 2 hours). The so-obtained alkali metal salt (1.05 to 1.5, preferably 1.1 molar equivalents) is then reacted without isolation or further purification with an allylic compound of Formula 109 in a solvent (such as tetrahydrofuran or preferably dimethylformamide). The reaction takes place at -20° to 25° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 1 to 8 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the corresponding dimethylphosphono ester of Formula 113. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-I 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-I, Step 2, a dimethylphosphono ester of Formula 113 is deprotected to give the corresponding ester of Formula I-ZA-I. The deprotection reaction takes place as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1. Hydrolysis is as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. ##STR36## 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-J 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-J, Step 1, a deprotected dimethylphosphono ester of Formula I-ZA-I (where Z 4  is H or lower alkyl) is converted to the corresponding methylphosphono ester of Formula I-ZA-J. 
     A 2-(dimethylphosphono)-4-hexenoic acid ester of Formula I-ZA-I is reacted with from 1.0 to 3.0 (preferably 1.5) molar equivalents of an alkali metal iodide (such as lithium, potassium or preferably sodium iodide) in an organic solvent (such as pyridine or preferably acetone). The reaction takes place at 0° to 150° C. (preferably 50° C.) for 1 to 16 hours (preferably 6 hours) to give the corresponding 2-(methylphosphono)-4-hexenoic acid ester of Formula I-ZA-J. Hydrolysis is as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. ##STR37## 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-K 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-K, Step 1, a 2-(alkylthio)-4-hexenoic acid ester of Formula I-ZA-A (where Z 3  is S-lower alkyl, and Z 4  is H or lower alkyl) is oxidized to give the corresponding 2-(alkylsulfinyl) -or 2-(alkylsulfonyl)-4-hexenoic acid ester of Formula I-ZA-K (where m is 1 or 2). Alternatively, the reaction can be performed with an acid of Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 3  is S-lower alkyl, to give the corresponding acid where Z 3  is 2-(alkylsulfinyl) or 2-(alkylsulfonyl). 
     An alkylthio-4-hexenoic acid ester of Formula I-ZA-A is reacted with 1.0 to 1.25 (preferably 1.05) molar equivalents of an oxidizing agent (such as Oxone®) optionally in the presence of an inert support (such as alumina), in a solvent (such as chloroform or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at 0° to 55° C. (preferably 35° C.) for 1 to 10 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding 2-(alkylsulfinyl)-4-hexenoic acid ester of Formula I-ZA-K (where m is 1). 
     By repeating the foregoing procedure under the same conditions [starting with the 2-(alkylsulfinyl)-4-hexenoic acid ester so-produced], or by conducting the reaction with the 2-(alkylthio)-4-hexenoic acid ester starting material [and using 2.0 to 2.5 (preferably 2.25) molar equivalents of oxone]the corresponding 2-alkylsulfonyl-4-hexenoic acid esters are produced. 
     A 2-(alkylsulfinyl)- or 2-(alkylsulfonyl)-4-hexenoic acid ester of Formula I-ZA-K is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding acid as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. Alternatively, the acid can be obtained by substituting the corresponding 2-(alkylthio)-4-hexenoic acid for the ester starting material as described in Reaction Scheme ZA-K, Step 1. ##STR38## 
     Preparation of Formula 114 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-L, Step 1, a protected aldehyde of Formula 103 and a triphenylphosphoranylideneacetate of Formula 103c are combined in a Wittig reaction to give the corresponding alkyl-2-halo -butenoate ester of Formula 114. 
     An aldehyde of Formula 103 is reacted with 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of an alkyl 2-halo-2-triphenylphosphoranylidene -acetate of Formula 103c (the halo group preferably being chloro) in an organic solvent (such as acetonitrile, or preferably dimethylformamide or toluene). The reaction takes place at 0° to 120° C. (preferably 110° C.) for 4 to 48 hours (preferably 24 hours) to afford the corresponding alkyl 2-halo-4-aryl-2-butenoate ester of Formula 114. 
     Preparation of Formula 115 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-L, Step 2, a protected alkyl 2-halo-4-aryl-2-butenoate ester of Formula 114 is converted to the corresponding bromide of Formula 115 via conversion to the corresponding acid (not shown) and reduction to the corresponding alcohol (not shown). 
     A 2-halo-4-aryl-2-butenoate ester of Formula 114 (preferably a t-butyl ester) is converted to the corresponding acid (preferably by dissolution in trifluoroacetic acid at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours). The acid is isolated and purified by conventional means, then reacted with 0.5 to 3 (preferably 1.6) molar equivalents of a reducing agent (such as sodium cyanoborohydride, sodium borohydride, or preferably borane dimethyl disulfide complex) in an inert solvent (such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or preferably THF). The reaction takes place at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 48 hours (preferably 24 hours) to give the corresponding alcohol (not shown) which is used after purification. 
     The allylic alcohol so-produced is reacted with from 1 to 1.5 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of a sulfonating agent (such as p-toluenesulfonyl chloride) and an organic base, or preferably reacted with a halogenating reagent (such as carbon tetrachloride/triphenylphosphine or preferably N-bromosuccinimide/triphenylphosphine) in an inert organic solvent (such as ether or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at a temperature of -40° to 40° C. (preferably -10° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding 2-halo-4-aryl-2-butenyl bromide compound of Formula 115. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-L 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-L, Step 3, a protected 2-halo-4-aryl-2-butenyl bromide compound of Formula 115 is condensed with a dialkyl malonate of Formula 116, substituted by Z 4  (where Z 4  is hydrogen, lower alkyl, or phenyl), which is hydrolyzed and decarboxylated to give the corresponding 4-halo-4-hexenoic acid derivative of Formula I-ZA-L. 
     An ester of Formula 116 (where Z 4  is H, lower alkyl, or phenyl) is converted to an alkali metal salt by reaction with 1.05 to 1.25 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of an alkali metal hydride (preferably sodium hydride) in an organic solvent (such as ether, dioxane or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at -40° to 30° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 15 minutes to 3 hours (preferably 30 minutes). Without isolation or further purification, the resulting solution of the alkali metal salt of the ester of Formula 116 (1.2 to 1.6, preferably about 1.3 molar equivalents) is then reacted with an allylic bromo compound of Formula 115 in the same solvent. The reaction takes place at -20° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 30 minutes to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding dialkyl ester derivative. 
     The dialkyl ester thus produced is then hydrolyzed conventionally, using a strong base, preferably aqueous sodium hydroxide, in a protic solvent, preferably ethanol, heating to reflux. The dicarboxylic acid thus produced is separated conventionally, and then decarboxylated by heating, preferably in a high-boiling inert solvent, most preferably 1,2-dichlorobenzene, to give the corresponding 4-halo-4-hexenoic acid derivative of Formula I-ZA-L. ##STR39## 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-M1 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1, an alkyl ester of Formula 117 (which can be any of the corresponding protected esters of Reaction Schemes ZA-A to ZA-L, such as Formulae 105, 107, 108, 111, 112, and 113) is deprotected to give the corresponding alkyl ester of Formula I-ZA-M1. 
     An alkyl ester of Formula 117 (having either an acetal-type or a silyl-type protecting group) is treated with from 0.05 to 0.2 molar equivalents (preferably 0.1 molar equivalents) of an aqueous mineral acid (such as sulfuric, perchloric, or preferably hydrochloric acid), in a water-miscible organic solvent (such as methanol, acetone, or preferably ethanol). The reaction takes place at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) over a period of 1 to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the corresponding free phenol of Formula I-ZA-M1. 
     Alternatively, to remove acetal-type protecting groups (such as MEM) a compound of Formula 117 is treated with 0.05 to 0.25 molar equivalents (preferably 0.1 molar equivalents) of a Lewis acid (such as zinc chloride or preferably zinc bromide), in a solvent (such as benzene, chloroform, or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) over a period of 1 to 12 hours (preferably 3 hours) to give the corresponding free phenol of Formula I-ZA-M1. 
     Alternatively, to remove silyl-type protecting groups (such as t-butyldimethylsilyl) a compound of Formula 117 is reacted with 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.25) moles of a tetraalkyl ammonium fluoride (preferably tetrabutylammonium fluoride) in an ethereal solvent (such as dioxane or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at -10° to 25° C. (preferably 0° C.) over a period of 0.1 to 2 hours (preferably 0.5 hours) to give the corresponding free phenol of Formula I-ZA-M1. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZA-M2 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2, an alkyl ester of Formula I-ZA-M1 (prepared as described above, or which can be any of previously described deprotected esters, such as Formulae I-ZA-A, I-ZA-G, I-ZA-I, I-ZA-J, and I-ZA-K) is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZA-M2. 
     An alkyl ester of Formula I-ZA-M1 is reacted with from 1.5 to 4 molar equivalents (preferably 2 molar equivalents) of an inorganic hydroxide (such as potassium, sodium, or preferably lithium hydroxide) in a mixture of water and an organic solvent (such as tetrahydrofuran, methanol, or preferably dimethoxyethane). The reaction takes place at 0° to 60° C. (preferably 40° C.) over a period of i to 12 hours (preferably 3 hours). The resulting anion is acidified with an aqueous mineral acid (such as hydrochloric acid). The acidification takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably 25° C.) over a period of 1 to 10 minutes (preferably 2 minutes) to give the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZA-M2. 
     Preparation of Compounds of Formula I-ZB 
     One method of preparing compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain of Formula ZB, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZB, is shown below in Reaction Schemes ZB-A to ZB-A-1. ##STR40## where M is Li or MgBr. ##STR41## 
     Preparation of Formula 202 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZB-A, Step 1, the aldehyde of Formula 103 is converted to a carbinol of Formula 202 by addition of an unsaturated cyclic organometallic compound of Formula 201 where M is Li or MgBr, prepared for example as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-A, Step 3. 
     One molar equivalent of the organometallic reagent 201 is added to a solution of an aldehyde of Formula 103 (in the same solvent system used to make the organometallic reagent). The reaction takes place at -80° to -20° C. (preferably -40° C.) over a period of 5 to 60 minutes (preferably 15 minutes) to give the corresponding carbinol of Formula 202. 
     Resolution of Formula 202 
     The racemic compound of Formula 202 may be separated into its two enantiomers by conventional means, for example by conversion into two diastereoisomers that are then separated by crystallization, chromatography, or by any conventional separation technique. Preferably, the carbinol is reacted with a chiral isocyanate to give a mixture of diastereoisomeric carbamates, which are separated by chromatography and cleaved to give the pure enantiomers. 
     A carbinol of Formula 202 is heated at 30° to 100° C. (preferably about 60° C.) with 2 to 6 molar equivalents (preferably 4 molar equivalents) of a chiral isocyanate in the presence of 1 to 1.5 molar equivalents (preferably 1.2 molar equivalents) of a strong organic base, for example 4-dimethylaminopyridine, in a hindered tertiary amine (for example diisopropylethylamine) as a solvent. The reaction takes place over a period of 1 to 24 hours (preferably 7 hours) to give the corresponding carbamate as a mixture of diastereoisomers. 
     The mixture of diastereoisomeric carbamates is separated by conventional means, preferably chromatography. The individual diastereoisomers are then separately cleaved by treatment with 1 to 1.5 molar equivalents (preferably 1.2 molar equivalents) of a trihalosilane, for example trichlorosilane, in the presence of an excess of a tertiary amine, for example triethylamine, in an inert solvent, for example toluene. The reaction takes place at a temperature of 90°-120° C. (preferably 110° C.) over a period of 5 minutes to 2 hours (preferably 15 minutes) to give the corresponding enantiomer of the carbinol of Formula 202. 
     Preparation of Formula 203 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZB-A, Step 2, an alkyl ester of Formula 203 is formed by a Claisen ortho ester reaction of a carbinol of Formula 201 (or an enantiomer thereof) with an appropriately substituted orthoester. 
     A carbinol of Formula 202 is heated at 50° to 140° C. (preferably 130° C.) with a large excess of an orthoester of Formula 104a (see Reaction Scheme ZA-A, step 4), in the presence of from 0.05 to 0.25 molar equivalents (preferably 0.10 molar equivalents) of an organic acid catalyst (such as propionic, butyric, or trimethylacetic acid, preferably trimethylacetic acid). The reaction takes place over a period of 1 to 24 hours (preferably 2.5 hours) to give the corresponding alkyl ester of Formula 203. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZB-A 
     Compounds of Formula I-ZB-A are prepared as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1 (deprotection to afford the corresponding alkyl ester), and Step 2 (hydrolysis to afford the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZB-A). 
     Alternative Preparation of Enantiomers of Compounds of Formula I-ZB 
     Another method of preparing individual enantiomers of compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain ZB, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZB, is from chiral compounds of Formula 202b, the preparation of which is shown below in Reaction Scheme ZB-A-1. ##STR42## 
     Preparation of Formula 202a 
     Compounds of Formula 202a are prepared as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-A-1, Step 3 (conversion of 103g to 103h). 
     Preparation of Formula 202b 
     Compounds of Formula 202b are prepared as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-A-1, Step 4 (conversion of 103h to 104b). 
     Preparation of Enantiomers of Compounds of Formula I-ZB 
     A chiral carbinol of Formula 202b is then converted to an enantiomer of a compound of Formula I-ZB in the same manner as shown above in Reaction Scheme ZB-A (conversion .of compounds of Formula 202 to 203 to I-ZB-A). 
     Preparation of Compounds of Formula I-ZC 
     One method of preparing compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain of Formula ZC, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZC, is shown below in Reaction Scheme ZC-A. ##STR43## 
     Preparation of Formula 302 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 1, an aldehyde of Formula 103 (prepared, for example as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA, Steps 1 and 2) is transformed into an unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 302 by a Wittig reaction with an ylid of Formula 301 (where Z 5  is H or lower alkyl). 
     An aldehyde of Formula 103 is reacted with one molar equivalent of an ylid of Formula 301, in an organic solvent (such as dichloromethane, dimethylformamide or preferably toluene). The reaction takes place at 0° to 110° C. (preferably 80° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 8 hours) to give the corresponding unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 302. 
     Preparation of Formula 303 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 2, an unsaturated aldehyde of Formula 302 is converted to the corresponding vinyl carbinol of Formula 303. 
     An aldehyde of Formula 302 is reacted with from 1.0 to 1.25 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of an organovinyl compound (preferably vinylmagnesium bromide) in a solvent (such as ether or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at -30° to 20° C. (preferably at 0° C.) for 0.1 to 4 hours (preferably 0.5 hours) to give the corresponding vinyl carbinol of Formula 303. 
     Preparation of Formula 304 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 3, a vinyl carbinol of Formula 303 is oxidized to give the corresponding dienone of Formula 304. 
     A vinyl carbinol of Formula 303 is reacted with 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of an oxidizing agent (such as manganese dioxide, pyridinium chlorochromate or preferably pyridinium dichromate) in a solvent (such as pyridine or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at 0° to 30° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 30 minutes to 4 hours (preferably 1 hour) to give the corresponding dienone of Formula 304. 
     Preparation of Formula 305 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 4, a dienone of Formula 304 is cyclized to give the corresponding cyclopentenone of Formula 305. 
     A dienone of Formula 304 reacted with 0.3 to 1.5 (preferably 1.0) molar equivalents of a Lewis acid (such as boron trichloride, tin (IV) chloride or preferably boron trifluoride etherate) in a solvent (such as tetrachloroethane or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at 0° to 30° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the corresponding cyclopentenone of Formula 305. 
     Preparation of Formula 306 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 5, a cyclopentenone of Formula 305 is reduced to give the corresponding cyclopentenol of Formula 306. 
     A cyclopentenone of Formula 305 is reacted with 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of a reducing agent (such as lithium tri-tert-butoxyaluminium hydride or preferably sodium borohydride in the presence of an equimolar amount of cerium trichloride) in a mixture of an ethereal solvent (preferably tetrahydrofuran) and a lower alkanol (preferably methanol). The reaction takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably at 25° C.) for 1 to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the cyclopentenol of Formula 306. 
     Preparation of Formula 307 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 6, a cyclopentenol of Formula 306 is transformed to the corresponding vinyl ether of Formula 307. 
     A cyclopentenol of Formula 306 is reacted with from 10 to 100 (preferably 50) molar equivalents of a 1-alkenyl ether, optionally in the presence of a co-solvent (such as ether or tetrabydrofuran), in the presence of from 0.1 to 0.5 (preferably 0.3) molar equivalents of a mercury (II) salt (preferably mercury (II) acetate). The reaction takes place at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 5 days (preferably 2 days) to give the corresponding vinyl ether of Formula 307. 
     Preparation of Formula 308 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 7, a vinyl ether of Formula 307 is rearranged to the corresponding acetaldehyde of Formula 308. 
     A vinyl ether of Formula 307 is reacted with from 10 to 100 (preferably 50) molar equivalents of a lithium salt (such as the tetrafluoroborate or preferably the perchlorate) in a solvent (such as tetrahydrofuran or preferably ether). The reaction takes place at 0° to 35° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 0.1 to 2 hours (preferably 0.5 hours) to give the corresponding acetaldehyde of Formula 308. 
     Preparation of Formula 309 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 8, an acetaldehyde of Formula 308 is oxidized to give the corresponding acid of Formula 309. 
     An acetaldehyde of Formula 308 is reacted with 1 to 3 (preferably 1.5) molar equivalents of a suitable oxidizing agent [such as silver oxide, Jones reagent or sodium chlorite, preferably sodium chlorite in the presence of an equimolar amount of a phenol (such as quinol or preferably resorcinol)]. The reaction is conducted in a mixture of water and a water-miscible organic solvent (such as tetrahydrofuran or preferably dioxane) at 40 a pH of from 4 to 6 (preferably 5) at -10° to 25° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 10 minutes to 2 hours (preferably 30 minutes) to give the corresponding acid of Formula 309. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZC 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZC-A, Step 9, an acid of Formula is deprotected to give the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZC. 
     An acid of Formula 309 where R a  is a sulphonyloxy protecting group hydrolyzed under basic conditions, using from 1 to 5 (preferably 3) molar equivalents of an alkali metal hydroxide (preferably lithium hydroxide) in a mixture of water and a water-miscible organic solvent (such as dioxane or preferably methanol). The reaction takes place at 40° to 100° C. (preferably 60° C.) for 1 to 48 hours (preferably 12 hours) to afford the corresponding cyclopentene carboxylic acid of Formula I-ZC. 
     Alternatively, for other protecting groups, the deprotection reaction takes place as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1. 
     Preparation of Compounds of Formula I-ZD 
     One method of preparing compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain of Formula ZD, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZD, is shown below in Reaction Scheme ZD-A. ##STR44## 
     Preparation of Formula 401 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZD-A, Step 1, an aldehyde of Formula 103 (where F is a silyl protecting group) is converted to a carbinol by addition of an organometallic compound of Formula 103d (such as a substituted vinyl organolithium, or preferably a Grignard reagent where: M is MgBr or Li; Z 2  is H or lower alkyl; and TBS is a tert-butyldimethylsilyl protecting group). 
     The aldehyde of Formula 103 is reacted with from 1.1 to 1.5 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of an organometallic, preferably organolithium, derivative of a protected 2-halo (2-bromo or preferably 2-iodo) but-1-en-4-ol. The reaction is performed at from -100° to -40° C. (preferably at -78° C.) for from 30 minutes to 6 hours (preferably 1 hour) to afford the corresponding compound of Formula 401. 
     Preparation of Formula 402 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZD-A, Step 2, an alkyl ester of Formula 402 is formed by a Claisen ortho ester rearrangement reaction of a carbinol of Formula 401 and a trialkyl orthoacetate of Formula 104a. 
     A carbinol of Formula 401 is heated at 50° to 120° C. (preferably about 100° C.) with about 10 molar equivalents of an orthoester of Formula 104a, in the presence of from 0.05 to 0.25 (preferably 0.10) molar equivalents of an organic acid catalyst (such as propionic, butyric, or preferably trimethylacetic acid). The reaction takes place over a period of 1 to 48 hours (preferably 8 hours) to give the corresponding alkyl ester of Formula 402. 
     Preparation of Formula 403 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZD-A, Step 3, an alkyl ester of Formula 402 is reacted with a tetraalkylammonium fluoride and then halogenated to give a protected ester of Formula 403. 
     A compound of Formula 402 is reacted with from 2.0 to 3.0 (preferably 2.0) molar equivalents of a tetraalkylammonium (preferably tetrabutylammonium) fluoride, in a solvent (such as dioxane or preferably tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane) at from 0° to 25° C. (preferably 10° C.), for from 30 minutes to 4 hours (preferably 1 hour). The product so obtained is reacted with from 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of a halogenating agent (preferably a brominating agent, such as triphenylphosphine/carbon tetrabromide or preferably triphenylphosphine/N-bromosuccinimide) in a solvent such as ether or preferably dichloromethane. The reaction takes place at from -40° to 0° C. (preferably -10° C.) for from 1 to 6 hours (preferably 4 hours) to give the corresponding protected halogenated ester of Formula 403. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZD-A1 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZD-A, Step 4, a halogenated ester of Formula 403 is cyclized to give a protected cycloalkyl ester of Formula I-ZD-A1. 
     A compound of Formula 403 is reacted with from 2.0 to 2.5 (preferably 2.25) molar equivalents of a strong base (such as lithium diisopropylamide, sodium hydride or preferably sodium hexamethyldisilazide) in an ethereal solvent (such as ether, dioxane or preferably tetrabydrofuran). The reaction takes place at from -100° to -60° C. (preferably -78° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 4 hours) to give the protected cycloalkyl ester of Formula I-ZD-A1. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZD-A2 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZD-A, Step 6, a cycloalkyl ester of Formula I-ZD-A1 is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZE-D2. The hydrolysis reaction takes place as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. 
     Preparation of Compounds of Formula I-ZE 
     One method of preparing compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain of Formula ZE, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZE, is shown below in Reaction Schemes ZE-A to ZE-E. ##STR45## 
     Preparation of Formula 502 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-A, Step 1, the 2-methyl group of an alkyl 2-methylbenzoate of Formula 501 (where Z 6  and Z 7  are selected from H, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, halo and nitro) is brominated to give the corresponding compound of Formula 502. 
     An ester of Formula 501 is reacted with 1.0 to 1.2 (preferably 1.05) molar equivalents of a brominating agent (such as N-bromoacetamide or preferably N-bromosuccinimide), optionally in the presence of an initiator (such as visible light) or from 0.001 to 0.01 (preferably 0.005) molar equivalents of a chemical initiator (such as azobisisobutyronitrile or preferably benzoyl peroxide) in a solvent (such as ethyl formate or preferably carbon tetrachloride). The reaction takes place at 40° to 80° C. (preferably 75° C.) for 30 minutes to to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding alkyl 2-bromomethylbenzoate of Formula 502, which can be purified by conventional means or preferably used directly for the next step. 
     Preparation of Formula 503 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-A, Step 2, a 2-bromomethyl group of Formula 502 is converted to the corresponding phosphonium salt of Formula 503. 
     A 2-bromomethylbenzoate of Formula 502 is reacted with 1.0 to 1.25 (preferably 1.05) molar equivalents of a triaryl phosphine (preferably triphenyl phosphine) in a solvent (such as dimethylformamide or preferably acetonitrile). The reaction takes place at 25° to 90° C. (preferably 50° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding phosphonium salt of Formula 503. 
     Preparation of Formula 504 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-A, Step 3, a phosphonium salt of Formula 503 is converted to the corresponding substituted benzylidenetriphenylphosphorane ylid of Formula 504. 
     A phosphonium salt of Formula 503 is dissolved or suspended in a solvent (such as dioxane, ether or preferably dimethylformamide) and reacted with 1.0 to 1.25 (preferably 1.05) molar equivalents of a base (such as sodium hydride, triethylamine or preferably 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene). The reaction takes place at 0° to 60° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding ylid of Formula 504, which can be isolated by conventional means or its solution can be used directly for the next step. 
     Preparation of Formulae 505 and 506 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-A, Step 4, an ylid of Formula 504 and a protected aldehyde of Formula 103 (prepared, for example, as described in connection with Reaction Scheme ZA-A, Step 2) are employed in a Wittig reaction to give the corresponding protected substituted benzoic acid alkyl ester of Formula 505 as a mixture of E and Z isomers, from which the desired E isomer of Formula 506 is isolated, as illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-A, Step 5. 
     A solution of 0.8 to 1.0 (preferably 0.95) molar equivalents of a protected aldehyde of Formula 103 in a solvent (such as ether, dioxane or preferably dimethylformamide) is added to a solution of an ylid of Formula 504 in the same solvent. The reaction takes place at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 12 hours) to afford the corresponding protected substituted benzoic acid alkyl ester of Formula 505 as a mixture of E and Z isomers, from which the desired E-isomer of Formula 506 can be isolated by conventional means (such as distillation, chromatography or preferably fractional crystallization). ##STR46## 
     Preparation of Formula 508 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-B, Step 1, the alpha carbon of an alkyl 2-alkylbenzoate of Formula 507 (where Z 5  is H or lower alkyl, and Z 6  and Z 7  are selected from H, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, halo and nitro) is brominated to give the corresponding compound of Formula 508. The reaction takes place under the conditions described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZE-A, Step 1. 
     Preparation of Formula 509 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-B, Step 2, an alkyl 2-bromo-alkylbenzoate of Formula 508 and a trialkyl phosphite are combined in an Arbuzov reaction to give the corresponding phosphonate of Formula 509. 
     A compound of Formula 508 is reacted with from 5 to 20 (preferably 10) molar equivalents of a trialkyl phosphite (preferably triethyl phosphite). The reaction takes place at 100° to 200° C. (preferably 150° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 6 hours) to afford the corresponding phosphonate of Formula 509. 
     Preparation of Formulae 510 and 511 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-B, Step 3, a phosphonate of Formula 509 and a protected aldehyde of Formula 103 (prepared, for example, as described in connection with Reaction Scheme ZA-A, Step 2) are reacted to give the corresponding protected substituted benzoic acid alkyl ester of Formula 510 as a mixture of E and Z isomers, from which the desired E isomer of Formula 511 is isolated, as illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-B, Step 4. 
     A phosphonate of Formula 509 is reacted with 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of a base such (as sodium amide, potassium tert-butoxide or preferably sodium hydride) for from 1 to 4 hours (preferably 2 hours) at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) in a solvent (such as dioxane, dimethylformamide or preferably dimethoxyethane), to give a solution or suspension of the corresponding alkali metal salt of Formula 509, which is employed without isolation or further purification. The alkali metal salt is reacted with from 0.9 to 1.1 (preferably 1.0) molar equivalents of a protected aldehyde of Formula 103, dissolved in the same solvent. The reaction takes place at 0° to 60° C. (preferably 40° C.) for 1 to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding protected optionally substituted benzoic acid alkyl ester of Formula 510 as a mixture of E and Z isomers, from which the desired E-isomer of Formula 511 can be isolated by conventional means (such as distillation, chromatography or preferably fractional crystallization). ##STR47## 
     Preparation of Formula 513 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-C, Step 1, a protected aldehyde of Formula 103 is converted to a trialkylsilylcarbinol of Formula 513 in a Grignard reaction. 
     An aldehyde of Formula 103 is reacted with from 1.0 to 1.25 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of a trialkylsilylalkylmagnesium bromide (such as trimethylsilylpropylmagnesium bromide, or preferably trimethylsilylmethylmagnesium bromide) of Formula 512, in an ethereal solvent (such as ether, dimethoxyethane or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at -40° to 40° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 30 minutes to 4 hours (preferably 1 hour) to give the corresponding trialkylsilylcarbinol of Formula 513. 
     Preparation of Formula 514 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-C, Step 2, a protected trialkylsilylcarbinol of Formula 513 is dehydrated to give the corresponding protected alkene as a mixture of E and Z isomers, from which the desired Z isomer of Formula 514 is isolated. 
     A carbinol of Formula 513 is reacted with from 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.05) molar equivalents of a sulphonyl chloride (such as p-toluenesulphonyl chloride or preferably methanesulphonyl chloride) in the presence of the same molar proportion of a tertiary organic base (such as N-methyl-pyrrolidine or preferably triethylamine). The reaction takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably 15° C.) for 30 minutes to 4 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding protected alkene of Formula 514 as a mixture of E and Z isomers, from which the desired Z-isomer of Formula 514 can be isolated by conventional means (such as distillation, chromatography or preferably fractional crystallization). 
     Preparation of Formula 515 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-C, Step 3, an alkene of Formula 514 where R a  is a silyl protecting group is converted to an alkene of Formula 515 where R a  is an acyl group. 
     An alkene of Formula 514 is heated at 50°-130° C. (preferably about 118° C.) with a large excess of a mixture (preferably about equimolar) of a carboxylic acid of Formula R a  OH and an anhydride of Formula (R a ) 2  O (where R a  is the desired acyl group), preferably a mixture of acetic acid and acetic anhydride. The reaction takes place over a period of 6 to 48 hours (preferably 18 hours) to give the corresponding alkene of Formula 515 where R a  is the acyl group. 
     Preparation of Formula 511 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-C, Step 4, a protected alkene of Formula 515 is converted to a protected optionally substituted benzoic acid alkyl ester of Formula 511 in a Heck reaction with an alkyl-2-halo-benzoate of Formula 515. 
     An alkene of Formula 515 is reacted with 1.0 to 2.0 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of an alkyl 2-halobenzoate (such as an alkyl 2-bromobenzoate or preferably 2-iodobenzoate). The reaction is conducted in the presence of from 0.001 to 0.1 (preferably 0.05) molar equivalents of a palladium catalyst [such as tetrakis(tri-o-tolylphosphine) palladium, or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium or preferably palladium (II) acetate] optionally in the presence of from 1.0 to 1.25 (preferably 1.05) molar equivalents of a base (such silver carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or preferably triethylamine), in a solvent (such as acetonitrile or preferably dimethylformamide). The reaction is conducted at from 0° to 120° C. (preferably 60° C.) for 1 to 48 hours (preferably 6 hours) to yield the corresponding protected optionally substituted benzoic acid alkyl ester of Formula 511. ##STR48## 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZE-D1 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-D, Step 1, a protected optionally substituted benzoic acid ester of Formula 506 or Formula 511 is deprotected to give the corresponding ester of Formula I-ZE-D1. The deprotection reaction takes place as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZE-D2 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-D, Step 2, a deprotected optionally substituted benzoic acid ester of Formula I-ZE-D1 is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZE-D2. The hydrolization reaction takes place as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. The compounds of Formula I-ZE-D2 where Z 6  is nitro are employed as precursors to the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZE-E where Z 6  is amino (as illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-E, Step 1); the nitro compounds are also active as IMPDH inhibitors when tested as described below. ##STR49## 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZE-E 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-E, Step 1, a benzoic acid of Formula I-ZE-D2a (a compound of Formula I-ZE-D2 where Z 6  is NO 2 ) is reduced to the corresponding amino-substituted benzoic acid of Formula I-ZE-E. 
     A nitrobenzoic acid of Formula I-ZE-D2a is reacted with 1.0 to 3.0 (preferably 2.0) molar proportions of a reducing agent (such as sodium hydrosulfite or preferably tin (II) chloride) in hydrochloric acid solution, optionally in the presence of a water-miscible co-solvent (such as methanol or preferably acetic acid). The reaction takes place at 25° to 100° C. (preferably 75° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 4 hours) to afford the corresponding amino-substituted benzoic acid of Formula I-ZE-E. ##STR50## 
     Preparation of Formula 517 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-F, Step 1, a phosphonate of Formula 509 undergoes a base catalyzed condensation (e.g., using 1 molar equivalent of sodium hydride) with tetrahydropyranyloxyacetaldehyde, in a solvent such as dimethylformamide. The reaction takes place at 25° C. over a period of 1 to 4 hours, to give E/Z mixture from which the desired product of Formula 517 can be isolated by conventional means, such as chromatography. 
     Preparation of Formula 518 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-F, Step 2, the tetrahydropyranyloxy group of a compound of Formula 517 is hydrolyzed in the presence of a catalytic amount of a dilute acid (e.g., HCl) in aqueous tetrahydrofuran. The reaction takes place at 25° C. over a period of 1 to 4 hours, to give the corresponding carbinol of Formula 518. 
     Preparation of Formula 519 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-F, Step 3, a carbinol of Formula 518 is converted to the halo (e.g., chloro or bromo) derivative of Formula 519 using 1 molar equivalent of triphenylphosphine and either carbon tetrachloride or carbon tetrabromide, in dichloromethane. The reaction takes place at 25° C. over a period of 2 hours. 
     Preparation of Formula 520 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-F, Step 4, a halo derivative of Formula 519 undergoes a base-catalyzed ether formation with the indicated phenol, using 5 molar equivalents of potassium carbonate, in dimethylformamide. The reaction takes place at 25° C. over a period of 4 hours. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZE-D1 and Formula I-ZE-D2 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-F, Step 5, an ether of Formula 520 is rearranged to give the corresponding ester of Formula I-ZE-D1 (shown in Reaction Scheme ZE-D) by a thermal rearrangement catalyzed by Florisil©. The rearrangement takes place in toluene at 110° C. over a period of one to four days. 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZE-F, Step 6, the ether so-produced is hydrolyzed to the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZE-D2 as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. 
     Preparation of Compounds of Formula I-ZF 
     One method of preparing compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain of Formula ZF, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZF, is shown below in Reaction Scheme ZF-A. ##STR51## 
     Preparation of Formula 602 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZF-A, Step 1, an aldehyde of Formula 601, prepared for example as shown in J. Org. Chem., 1977, p3408, is reduced to a carbinol of Formula 602. 
     An aldehyde of Formula 601 is reacted with a reducing agent capable of selectively reducing an aldehyde in the presence of ester groups, preferably from 1 to 2 (preferably 1.5) molar equivalents of sodium borohydride in the presence of from 1 to 2 (preferably 1.5) molar equivalents of cerium chloride trihydrate, in an alcoholic/ethereal solvent mixture (preferably 4:1 tetrahydrofuran:methanol) . The reaction takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 10 minutes to 2 hours (preferably 30 minutes) to give the corresponding carbinol of Formula 602. 
     Preparation of Formula 604 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZF-A, Step 2, a phenol of Formula 603 is alkylated with a carbinol of Formula 602 by means of the Mitsonobu reaction to give an ether of Formula 604. 
     A carbinol of Formula 602 is reacted with an equimolar amount of a phenol of Formula 603 in the presence of from 1 to 3 (preferably 2) molar equivalents of a triarylphosphine, preferably triphenylphosphine, plus from 1 to 3 (preferably 1.5) molar equivalents of diethyl azodicarboxylate in an ethereal solvent (preferably tetrabydrofuran). The reaction takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 10 hours (preferably 3 hours) to give the corresponding ether of Formula 604. 
     Preparation of Formula 605 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZF-A, Step 3, a phenol of Formula 604 is thermally rearranged to give a diester of Formula 605. 
     An ether of Formula 604 is heated in an inert solvent (preferably toluene) in the presence of about 10 parts by weight of an activated magnesium silicate, preferably Florisil©. The reaction takes place at reflux temperature for 1 to 10 days (preferably 4 days) to give the corresponding diester of Formula 605. 
     Preparation of Formula 606 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZF-A, Step 4, a diester of Formula 605 is hydrolyzed to give a dicarboxylic acid of Formula 606. 
     A diester of Formula 605 is reacted with an excess of an inorganic base, preferably about 50 molar equivalents of lithium hydroxide, in an aqueous solvent (preferably 5:1 methanol:water). The reaction takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 10 days (preferably 2 days) to give the corresponding dicarboxylic acid of Formula 606. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZF 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZF-A, Step 5, a dicarboxylic acid of Formula 606 is decarboxylated to give a monocarboxylic acid of Formula I-ZF. 
     A dicarboxylic acid of Formula 606 is heated (optionally in the presence of a high boiling inert solvent, for example tetramethylbenzene, but preferably in the absence of any solvent). The reaction takes place at 160° to 240° C. (preferably 195° C.) for about 5 minutes to give the corresponding monocarboxylic acid of Formula I-ZF. 
     Preparation of Compounds of Formula I-ZG 
     One method of preparing compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain of Formula ZG, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZG, is shown below in Reaction Scheme ZG-A. ##STR52## 
     Preparation of Formula 703 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 1, the phenol of Formula 701 is alkylated with 3-hydroxycyclohexene to give the corresponding ether of Formula 703, by means of the Mitsonobu reaction. The Mitsonobu reaction takes place as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZF-A, Step 2. 
     Similarly, by substituting 3-hydroxy-cyclohexene with 3-hydroxy-cycloheptene, and carrying out the procedures of Reaction Scheme 2G-A, the corresponding compounds where Z is a side chain of Formula ZG where D 3  is -CH 2  -CH 2  - are obtained. 
     Preparation of Formula 704 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 2, a Claisen rearrangement of the ether of Formula 703 gives the alkylated phenol of Formula 704. The reaction takes place, e.g., at 200° C. for 12 to 16 hours in the presence of N,N-diethylaniline. 
     Preparation of Formula 705 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 3, the alkylated phenol of Formula 704 is protected to give a protected phenol of Formula 705 (where R a  is silyl or tosyl). 
     An alkylated phenol of Formula 704 is reacted with an equimolar amount of t-butyl dimethylsilyl chloride or p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, in the presence of an equimolar amount, respectively, of imidazole or 4-dimethylaminopyridine. The reaction takes place in dichloromethane at a temperature of 25° C. for 1 to 4 hours to give the corresponding protected phenol of Formula 705. 
     Preparation of Formula 706 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 4, a protected phenol of Formula 705 is converted to the corresponding dialdehyde of Formula 706 by ozonolysis. The ozonolysis reaction takes place as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-A, Step 2. 
     Preparation of Formula 707 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 5, an intramolecular base-catalyzed aldol reaction with a dialdehyde of Formula 706 produces the corresponding formyl cyclopentene of Formula 707. The reaction is conducted with 0.1 moles of dibenzylamine or N-methylaniline trifluoroacetate in benzene, taking place at 50° C. for 30 minutes. 
     Preparation of Formula 708 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 6, a formyl cyclopentene of Formula 707 is reduced to the corresponding carbinol. The reaction employs sodium borohydride/cerium chloride, as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZF-A, Step 1. 
     Preparation of Formula 709 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 7, a carbinol of Formula 708 is converted to the corresponding acetate of Formula 709. The reaction is conducted with equimolar amounts of acetyl chloride and triethylamine, taking place in methylene chloride at 0° C. for 1 hour. 
     Preparation of Formula 710 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 8, an acetate of Formula 709 is converted to the corresponding diester of Formula 710. The reaction is conducted as described in J. Am. Chem. Soc., 102:4730 (1980), with 4 moles of sodium dimethylmalonate, 0.5 moles triphenylphosphine and 0.25 moles of tetrakis triphenylphosphine palladium at 50° C. in THF. 
     Preparation of Formula 711 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 9, a diester of Formula 710 is converted to give the corresponding ester of Formula 111, by reaction with cesium acetate in hexamethylphosphoric triamide at 120° C. for 1 to 3 hours. Similarly, by use in Step 8 of an alternative for sodium dimethylmalonate suitably substituted to introduce Z 3  or Z 4 , the correspondingly substituted ester of Formula 711 is obtained in Step 9. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZG-A 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Step 10, an ester of Formula 711 is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding compound of Formula I-ZG-A. The reactions take place as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Steps 1 and 2 respectively. 
     Preparation of Compounds of Formula I-ZH 
     One method of preparing compounds of Formula I where Z is sidechain of Formula ZH, illustrated as compounds of Formula I-ZH, is shown below in Reaction Scheme ZH-A. ##STR53## 
     Preparation of Formula 801 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-A, Step 1, an aldehyde of Formula 103 is converted to a carbinol by addition of an organometallic compound of Formula 103e (such as a substituted vinyl organolithium, or preferably a Grignard reagent where: M is MgBr; TBS is a tert-butyldimethylsilyl protecting group; and D 4  is preferably lower alkylene). 
     A halovinyl (preferably bromovinyl) compound of Formula 103e (where M is halo) is reacted with magnesium metal in an ethereal solvent (such as ether or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at 30° to 60° C. (preferably 40° C.) over a period of 1 to 6 hours (preferably 2 hours). One molar equivalent of the resultant organometallic reagent is added to a solution of an aldehyde of Formula 103 (in the same solvent system used to make the organometallic reagent). The reaction takes place at -80° to 20° C. (preferably 0° C.) over a period of 5 to 60 minutes (preferably 10 minutes) to give the corresponding silyl-protected carbinol of Formula 801. 
     Preparation of Formula 802 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-A, Step 2, an alkyl ester of Formula 802 is formed by a Claisen ortho ester rearrangement reaction of a carbinol of Formula 801 and an orthoester compound of Formula 104a (as illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZA-A, where Z 3  and Z 4  are H). 
     A silyl-protected carbinol of Formula 801 is heated at 50° to 120° C. (preferably about 100° C.) with about 10 molar equivalents of an orthoester of Formula 104a, in the presence of from 0.05 to 0.25 molar equivalents (preferably 0.10 molar equivalents) of an organic acid catalyst (such as propionic, butyric, or preferably trimethylacetic acid). The reaction takes place over a period of 1 to 48 hours (preferably 8 hours) to give the corresponding alkyl ester of Formula 802. 
     Preparation of Formula 803 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-A, Step 3, the silyl-protected carbinol of an alkyl ester of Formula 802 is deprotected. 
     A compound of Formula 803 is reacted with from 5 to 30 (preferably 20) molar equivalents of hydrogen fluoride, in a mixture of water and a water-miscible organic solvent (preferably acetonitrile). The reaction takes place at -20° to 40° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 5 to 60 minutes (preferably 30 minutes) to afford the corresponding unprotected carbinol/alkyl ester of Formula 803. 
     Preparation of Formula 804 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-A, Step 4, a carbinol of Formula 803 is converted to a halide (preferably a bromide) of Formula 804, by means of a one-step or a two-step procedure. 
     In the one-step procedure, a carbinol of Formula 803 is reacted with from 1.0 to 1.3 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of a triaryl (preferably triphenyl) phosphine, and from 1.0 to 1.3 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of a halogen source (such as N-bromosuccinimide or preferably carbon tetrabromide). The reaction is conducted in an inert solvent (such as ether or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 3 hours) to afford the corresponding halide of Formula 804. 
     Alternatively, in the two-step procedure, which is preferred, a carbinol of Formula 803 is converted first into a sulphonate ester (such as a p-toluenesulphonate or preferably a methanesulphonate) by reaction with from 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.3) molar equivalents a sulphonyl halide (preferably methanesulphonyl chloride) in the presence of an equimolar amount of a tertiary organic base (preferably diisopropylethylamine) in a solvent (such as chloroform or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at -20° to 30° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 10 to 60 minutes (preferably 30 minutes). The so-obtained sulphonate ester is then reacted with from 5 to 20 (preferably 20) molar equivalents of an alkali metal halide (preferably lithium bromide) in a solvent (such as 2-butanone or preferably acetone). The reaction takes place at 0° to 56° C. (preferably at reflux) for 30 to 180 minutes (preferably 90 minutes) to afford the corresponding halide of Formula 804. 
     Preparation of Formula 805 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-A, Step 5, a halogenated carbinol/alkyl ester of Formula 804 is deprotected at the phenolic group to give the corresponding halogenated carbinol/alkyl ester of Formula 805. The deprotection reaction takes place as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZH-A1 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-A, Step 6, a halogenated carbinol/alkyl ester of Formula 805 is subjected to a base-induced cyclization reaction to afford the product of Formula I-ZH-A1. 
     A compound of Formula 805 is reacted with from 2.0 to 2.5 (preferably 2.3) molar equivalents of a strong base (such as lithium diisopropylamide, sodium hydride or preferably sodium hexamethyldisilazide) in a solvent (such as dioxane or preferably tetrahydrofuran). The reaction takes place at -20° to 30° C. (preferably at 0° C.) for 5 to 60 minutes (preferably 15 minutes) to afford the corresponding cycloalkylester of Formula I-ZH-A1. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZH-A2 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-A, Step 7, a cycloalkyl ester of Formula I-ZH-A1 is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZH-A2. The hydrolysis takes place as described above with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. 
     Compounds of Formula I where Z is a sidechain of Formula ZH in which D 4  is O or O-CH 2  are preferably prepared as described below in Reaction Scheme ZH-B. ##STR54## 
     Preparation of Formula 807 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-B, Step 1, an aldehyde of Formula 302 (where Z 5  is methyl) undergoes an aldol reaction with the bromo-alkyl oxazolidinone of Formula 806 (where q is 1 or 2), which can be prepared by analogy with the reactions described in J. Am. Chem. Soc., 103:2127 (1981), to give the acyloxazolidinone of Formula 807. 
     An oxazolidinone of Formula 806 is reacted with an equimolar amount of a base (such as lithium diisopropylamide or preferably di-n-butylboryl trifluoromethane sulphonate/triethylamine), and then with an aldehyde of Formula 302. The reaction takes place at -78° C. to 0° C. (preferably -40° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 3 hours) to afford the corresponding acyloxazolidinone of Formula 807. 
     Preparation of Formula 808 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-B, Step 2, an acyloxazolidinone of Formula 807 is hydrolyzed to the carboxylic acid of Formula 808. 
     An acyloxazolidinone of Formula 807 is reacted with 1-5 (preferably 3) molar equivalents of lithium hydroxide in 3:1 tetrahydrofuran containing 5-20 (preferably 12) molar equivalents of hydrogen peroxide. The reaction takes place at -10° to 25° C. (preferably 0°) for 5 to 60 minutes (preferably 30 minutes) to give the corresponding carboxylic acid of Formula 808. 
     Preparation of Formula 809 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-B, Step 3, a carboxylic acid of Formula 808 is deprotected to give the corresponding phenol of Formula 809, using the method described with respect to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 1. 
     Preparation of Formula 810 
     A phenol of Formula 809 is esterified to give the corresponding ester of Formula 810. 
     A phenol of Formula 809 is treated with methanol in the presence of 0.05 to 0.2 (preferably 0.1) molar equivalents of an acid catalyst (preferably p-toluenesulphonic acid). The reaction takes place at 0° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 12 hours) to give the corresponding methyl ester of Formula 810. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZH-B1 
     A methyl ester of Formula 810 undergoes an intramolecular cyclization reaction to give the corresponding cyclized ester of Formula I-ZH-B1. 
     A methyl ester of Formula 810 is treated with 1.9 to 2.5 (preferably 2.0) molar equivalents of a strong base (such as lithium diisopropylamide or preferably sodium hydride) in tetrahydrofuran (or preferably dimethylformamide). The reaction takes place at -10° to 25° C. (preferably 0°) for 1-12 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the corresponding cyclized ester of Formula I-ZH-B1. 
     Preparation of Formula I-ZH-B2 
     As illustrated in Reaction Scheme ZH-B, Step 6, a cyclized ester of Formula I-ZH-B1 is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding acid of Formula I-ZH-B2, using the method described with respect to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Step 2. 
     Preparation of Formula I where R 1  is Acyl 
     A compound of Formula I, e.g., prepared as described above, is reacted with 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.1) molar equivalents of an acylating agent [such as an acyl halide (e.g., benzoyl chloride) or an acyl anhydride (e.g., acetic anhydride)] in a solvent (such as ether, tetrahydrofuran, or preferably pyridine) optionally in the presence of from 1.0 to 2.0 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of an inorganic or organic base (such as sodium carbonate, cesium carbonate or dimethylaminopyridine). The reaction takes place at 0° to 60° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 2 hours) to afford the corresponding compound of Formula I where R 1  is acyl. 
     Preparation of Formula I where R 1  is C(O)-NH-aryl 
     The compounds of Formula I where R 1  is C(O)-NH-aryl are prepared, e.g., as described in previously incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 3,853,919. 
     Preparation of Esters of Formula I 
     The esters of Formula I (compounds where G is not OH) can be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,727,069 and 4,753,935, incorporated herein by reference, by deprotection of a precursor (e.g., as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZA-M, Steps 1) or as described below by attachment of a leaving group and its replacement by the desired ester. 
     Attachment of Leaving Group 
     A carboxylic acid of Formula I is reacted with from 1.0 to 3.0, preferably about 1.5, molar equivalents of oxalyl chloride or preferably thionyl chloride, in a solvent (such as chloroform or preferably dichloromethane) optionally containing from 0.01 to 0.05 (preferably 0.03) molar equivalents of dimethylformamide. The reaction takes place at -10° to 30° C. (preferably 0° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the corresponding acid chloride (where the leaving group is Cl). 
     Alternatively, a carboxylic acid of Formula I is reacted with 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of carbonyldiimidazole, in a solvent (such as tetrahydofuran or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at 0° to 40° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 12 hours (preferably 2 hours) to give the corresponding acyl imidazole (where the leaving group is 1-imidazolyl). 
     Esterification 
     A compound of Formula I where G has been replaced by a halide or imidazolide is converted to the corresponding alkyl (where G is O-alkyl), thioalkyl (where G is S-alkyl), aminoalkyl (where G is 0-(CH 2 ) n  -NG 1  G 2 ) or heterocyclic aminoalkyl (where G is O-(CH 2 ) n  -N═G 3 ) compounds, or to the corresponding amides (where G is NG 1  G 2 ). 
     A compound of Formula I where G has been replaced by a halide or imidazolide is reacted with from 1.0 to 5.0 (preferably 2) molar equivalents of an alkanol, a thiol or ammonia, a monoalkyl or dialkylamine, or a heterocyclic aminoalkanol, optionally in the presence of from 1.0 to 1.5 (preferably 1.25) molar equivalents of a tertiary organic base (such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine or preferably triethylamine) in an organic solvent (such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran or preferably dichloromethane). The reaction takes place at -10° to 50° C. (preferably 25° C.) for 1 to 24 hours (preferably 4 hours) to afford the corresponding compounds of Formula I where G is other than OH. 
     Preparation of the Salts of Formula I 
     Some of the compounds of Formula I can be converted to corresponding acid addition salts. The conversion is accomplished by treatment with a stoichiometric amount of an appropriate acid, such as hydrochloric acid (e.g., 3 molar equivalents to form the trihydrochloride salt). Typically, the free base is dissolved in a polar organic solvent, such as methanol or ethanol, and the acid is added in water, methanol or ethanol. The temperature is maintained at 0° C. to 50° C. The corresponding salt precipitates spontaneously or can be brought out of solution with a less polar solvent. 
     The acid addition salts of the compounds of Formula I can be decomposed to the corresponding free bases by treatment with an excess of a suitable base, such as ammonia or sodium bicarbonate, typically in the presence of an aqueous solvent, and at a temperature between 0° C. and 50° C. The free base form is isolatedby conventional means, such as extraction with an organic solvent. 
     Some of the compounds of Formula I can be converted to corresponding base addition salts. The conversion is accomplished by treatment with a stoichiometric amount of an appropriate base, such as sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, lithium hydroxide, ethanolamine, tromethamine, and the like. Typically, the free acid is dissolved in a polar organic solvent, such as methanol or ethanol, and the base is added in water, methanol or ethanol. The temperature is maintained at 0° C. to 50° C. The corresponding salt precipitates spontaneously or can be brought out of solution with a less polar solvent, or the salt can be isolated by evaporation of all solvents, and optionally recrystallizing the residue thus obtained from a suitable solvent, or a mixture of solvents, for example, methanol, ethanol, propanol, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, and the like. 
     Preferred Processes and Last Steps 
     A compound of Formula I where R 1  is replaced by a protecting group is deprotected. 
     A compound of Formula I where G is lower alkoxy is hydrolyzed to the corresponding acid where G is OH. 
     A compound of Formula I where G is OH is esterified to give the corresponding compound where G is lower alkoxy, lower thioalkyl, NG 1  G 2 , O-(CH 2 ) n  -NG 1  G 2 , or O-(CH 2 ) n  -N═G 3 . 
     A compound of Formula I is contacted with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base to form the corresponding acid or base addition salt. 
     A pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt of Formula I is contacted with a base to form the corresponding free base of Formula I. 
     Preferred-Compounds 
     Generally preferred are the compounds of Formula I where R 1  is H, G is OH, and Z is a side chain of Formulae ZA, ZB, ZE, or ZH. 
     Of the compounds of Formula I where Z is a side chain of Formula ZA, preferred are those compounds where Z 1  is methyl, Z 2  is H or methyl, Z 3  is methyl or ethyl, and Z 4  is H; particularly the compounds where Z 2  and Z 3  are methyl, and where Z 2  is H and Z 3  is methyl or ethyl especially in the (S) configuration. 
     Of the compounds of Formula I where Z is a side chain of Formula ZB, preferred are those compounds where D 1  -D 2  is -CH 2  -CH 2  -CH 2  - or -CH 2  -CH 2  -, and Z 3  is H, methyl or ethyl; particularly the compounds where Z 5  is methyl or ethyl, especially methyl. 
     Of the compounds of Formula I where Z is a side chain of Formula ZE, preferred are those compounds where Z 5  is H or lower alkyl (particularly methyl), Z 6  is H or lower alkyl (particularly 3-methyl), and Z 7  is H. 
     Of the compounds of Formula I where Z is a side chain of Formula ZH, preferred are those compounds where Z 1  is lower alkyl (particularly methyl), and D 4  is -CH 2  -, -CH 2  -CH 2  - or -CH 2  -O-. 
     At present, the most preferred compounds are: 
     (+) (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid; 
     (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2(S),4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid; 
     (+) (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,3,4-trimethyl-4-hexenoic acid; 
     (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2(S)-ethyl-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid; 
     2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohex-1(S)-yl}acetic acid; 
     2-{2-[2-[1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl]ethylidene]cyclopent-1(S)-yl}acetic acid; 
     2-{2-[2-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohex-1(S)-yl}-2(S)-methylacetic acid; 
     2-{2-[2-[1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl]ethylidene]cyclopent-1(S)-yl}-2(S)-ethylacetic acid; 
     (-) 2-{2-[2-[1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]cyclopent-1(S)-yl}-2-methylacetic acid, including the 2(R)-methylacetic acid and 2(S)-methylacetic acid isomers; 
     (-) 2-{4-[2-[1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]tetrahydropyran-3-yl}acetic acid; 
     (E)-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-1-methylprop1-en-1-yl]tetrahydropyran-1-carboxylic acid; 
     (E)-2(S)-{4-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]-tetrahydropyran-3(S) -yl}propionic acid; 
     (E)-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-1-methylprop-1-en-1-yl]cyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid; and 
     (E)-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3 -oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-1-methylprop-1-en-1-yl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid; most particularly: 
     (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2(S),4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid; 
     (+) (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,3,4-trimethyl-4-hexenoic acid (having a melting point of 146°-148° C. when recrystallized from hexane/methylene chloride); 
     (E)-2(S)-{4-[2-(1,3 -dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-isobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]-tetrahydropyran-3(S)-yl}propionic acid; and 
     (-) 2-{2-[2-[1,3- dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]cyclopent-1(S)-yl}-2-methylacetic acid, including the 2(R)-methylacetic acid and 2(S)-methylacetic acid isomers. 
     Utility, Testing and Administration 
     General Utility 
     The compounds of the present invention, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and pharmaceutical compositions therewith (collectively the &#34;compounds&#34; for purposes of the following description) are useful as immunosuppressive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-tumor agents, anti-proliferative agents, anti-viral agents and anti-psoriatic agents in mammals, whether domestic (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses), pets (cats, dogs), or preferably humans. The compounds are inhibitors of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and thus inhibit de novo purine synthesis; they have anti-proliferative effects (e.g., against smooth muscle cells and both B and T lymphocytes) and inhibit antibody formation and the glycosylation of cell adhesion molecules in lymphocytes and endothelial cells. 
     As immunosuppressive agents, the compounds are useful in treating auto-immune related disorders, for example: Type I Diabetes Mellitus; Inflammatory Bowel Disease (e.g., Crohn&#39;s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis); Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Chronic Active Hepatitis; Multiple Sclerosis; Grave&#39;s Disease; Hashimoto&#39;s Thyroidiris; Behcet&#39;s Syndrome; Myasthenia Gravis; Sjogren&#39;s Syndrome; Pernicious Anemia; Idiopathic Adrenal Insufficiency; and Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndromes Type I and II. 
     The compounds are also useful as therapeutic immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of Asthma, Immunohemolytic Anemia, Glomerulonephritis, and Hepatitis. Preventative uses of the compounds as immunosuppressive agents include the treatment of allograft rejection, for example, in cardiac, lung, pancreatic, renal, liver, skin and corneal allografts, and prevention of Graft vs. Host Disease. 
     The compounds are useful for inhibiting proliferative responses to vascular injury, for example, stenosis following an insult to a blood vessel wall in post-angioplasty restenosis, and post-cardiac by-pass surgery restenosis. 
     The compounds are useful as anti-inflammatory agents, for example, in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Uveitis. 
     As anti-tumor agents, the compounds are useful in treating solid tumors and malignancies of lymphoreticular origin. For example, the compounds&#39; utility for treatment of solid tumors includes: cancers of the head and neck, including squamous cell carcinoma; lung cancer, including small cell and non-small cell lung carcinoma; mediastinal tumors; esophageal cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma; pancreatic cancer; cancer of the hepatobiliary system, including hepatocellular carcinema, cholangiocarcinoma, gall bladder carcinoma and biliary tract carcinoma; small intestinal carcinoma, including adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma and carcinolds; colorectal cancer, including colon carcinema and rectal carcinoma; metasiatic carcinoma; cancers of the genitourinary system, including ovarian cancer, uterine sarcoma, and renal cell, ureteral, bladder, prostate, urethral, penile, testicular, vulvar, vaginal, cervical, endometrial, and fallopian tube carcinoma; breast cancer; endocrine system cancer; soft tissue sarcomas; malignant mesotheliomas; skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma; cancer of the central nervous system; malignant bone tumors; and plasma cell neoplasms. 
     As anti-tumor agents for treatment of malignancies of lymphoreticular origin, the compounds are useful in treating, for example: Lymphomas and Leukemias, including B, T and promonocyte cell line malignancies, Mycoses Fungoides, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Malignancies of Burkitt Lymphoma Cells and other EBV-transformed B-lymphocytes, Lymphomas resulting from Epstein-Bart vital infections in allograft recipients, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Hairy Cell Leukemia. 
     As anti-viral agents, the compounds are useful in treating, for example: retroviruses, including Human T-leukemia Viruses, Types I and II (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2), Human Immuno Deficiency Viruses, Types I and II (HIV-1, HIV-2) and, Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinema Virus (NPCV) and in treating Herpes Viruses, including EBV infected B-lymphocytes, CMV infection, Herpes Virus Type 6, Herpes Simplex, Types 1 and 2, (HSV-1, HSV-2) and Herpes Zoster. 
     As anti-psoriatic agents, the compounds are useful in treating, for example, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. 
     Testing 
     Activity testing is conducted as described in the following references, and by modifications thereof. 
     General anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-psoriatic and/or immunosuppressive activity is associated with the inhibition of Inosine 5&#39;-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase (&#34;IMPDH&#34;). In vitro assays measuring the inhibition of IMPDH, for example, by determining the level of NADH formation according to the method of Anderson, J. H. and Sartorelli, A. C., J. Biol. Chem., 243:4762-4768 (1968) are predictive of such activity. 
     Initial animal screening tests to determine anti-inflammatory activity potential include the adjuvant arthritis assay, e.g., according to the method of Pearson, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med., 91:95-101 (1956). Also, in vitro tests, for example those using synovial explants from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Dayer, et al., J. Exp. Med., 145:1399-1404 (1977), are useful in determining whether compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. 
     Autoimmune activity is determined, e.g., utilizing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, by a modification of a procedure initially described by Grieg, et. al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 173:85 (1970). 
     Human clinical trials for efficacy in the treatment of asthma are conducted, e.g., as described by Erzurum, Leff, Cochran, et al. &#34;Lack of benefit of methotrexate in severe, steroid-dependent asthma. A double-blind, placebo controlled study.&#34; Ann. Int. Med., 114:353-360 (1991). 
     Activity to prevent the rejection of organ or tissue allografts in experimental animals is determined, for example, as described by Hao, et al., J. Immunol., 139:4022-4026 (1987). In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,443 and EP 226062, incorporated herein by reference, also describe assays for activity in prevention of allograft rejection by detection of IL-2R levels. Human clinical trials to establish efficacy in preventing rejection of solid organ transplants (such as renal) are conducted, e.g., as described by Lindholm, Albrechtsen, Tufveson, et al., &#34;A randomized trial of cyclosporin and prednisolone versus cyclosporin, azathioprine and prednisolone in primary cadaveric renal transplantation,&#34; Transplantation, 54:624-631 (1992). Human clinical trials for graft vs. host disease are conducted, e.g., as described by Storb, Deeg, Whitehead, et al., &#34;Methotrexate and cyclosporin compared with cyclosporin alone for prophylaxis of acute graft versus host disease after marrow transplantation for leukemia.&#34; New England J. Med., 314:729-735 (1986). 
     Immunosuppressive activity is determined by both in vivo and in vitro procedures. In vivo activity is determined, e.g., utilizing a modification of the Jerne hemolytic plaque assay, [Jerne, et al., &#34;The agar plaque technique for recognizing antibody producing cells,&#34; Cell-bound Antibodies, Amos, B. and Kaprowski, H. editors (Wistar Institute Press, Philadelphia) 1963, p. 109]. In vitro activity is determined, e.g., by an adaptation of the procedure described by Greaves, et al., &#34;Activation of human T and B lymphocytes by polyclonal mitogens,&#34; Nature, 248:698-701 (1974). 
     Anti-vital activity is determined, for example, by the procedure described by Smee, et al. [&#34;Anti-Herpesvirus Activity of the Acyclic Nucleoside 9-(1,3-Dihydroxy-2-Propoxymethyl) Guanine,&#34; Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 23(5):676-682 (1983)], or as described by Planterose [&#34;Antiviral and cytotoxic effects of mycophenolic acid,&#34; Journal of General Virology, 4:629 (1969)]. 
     Anti-viral activity can likewise be determined by measurement of reverse transcriptase activity, for example, according to the method described by Chen et al., Biochem. Pharm., 36:4361 (1987). 
     Human clinical trials for anti-HIV efficacy (together with clinical treatment scenarios) are described and cited, for example, by Sande, et al., &#34;Antiretroviral Therapy for Adult HIV-Infected Patients,&#34; JAMA, 270(21):2583-2589 (1993). A large scale clinical trial can be conducted, e.g., as described by Volberding, P. A., et al. &#34;Zidovudine in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infection: a controlled trial in persons with fewer than 500 CD4 positive cells per cubic millimeter,&#34; New England J. Med., 322(14):941-949 (1990). A smaller scale (Phase I) clinical trial can be conducted, e.g., as described by Browne, et al., &#34;2&#39;,3&#39;-Didehydro-3&#39;-deoxythymidine (d4T) in Patients with AIDS or AIDS-Related Complex: A Phase I Trial,&#34; J. Infectious Diseases, 167:21-29 (1993). 
     Tests for systemic activity in psoriasis can be carried out, for example, as described by Spatz, et al., &#34;Mycophenolic acid in psoriasis,&#34; British Journal of Dermatology, 98:429 (1978). 
     Tests for anti-tumor activity can be performed, for example, as described by Carter, et al. [&#34;Mycophenolic acid: an anticancer compound with unusual properties,&#34; Nature, 223:848 (1969)]. 
     In vitro activity for treating stenosis is demonstrated, for example, by inhibiting the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, as established by the following human arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation assay. Human smooth muscle cells are grown in culture. A test group is treated with the test compound added at selected concentrations in fresh media. Both groups receive 2 μCi tritiated thymidine ( 3  HTdR), a radioisotope label. After 24 hours, the cells are harvested and the amount of label incorporated into DNA is counted by scintillation; this is compared for the test and control groups, the amount being proportional to cell proliferation. Inhibition of smooth muscle proliferation is established when the test group has a lower radioisotope count than the control group. The concentrations of test compound required to inhibit proliferation by 50% (the IC 50 ), and to inhibit proliferation by more than 95% are determined. 
     In vivo activity for treating stenosis is demonstrated, for example, in rat and pig models for arterial stenosis. In the rat model, a test group is treated with the test compound, starting 6 days before and continuing for 14 days after injury to the left carotid artery; the test group is compared to a control group receiving vehicle without the test compound. Injury is achieved by a gentle perfusion of air through a 10 mm long section of the left artery. The right artery is left intact. Arterial cross-sections (10 μm) are taken from both the left and right arteries of each subject, and the area of the vessel wall (endothelium, intima, media) is measured, The amount of vascular proliferation is calculated by subtracting the mean area of the intact, right carotid artery from the mean area of the injured, left carotid artery. Reduction in vascular proliferation is established when the test group shows less proliferation than the control group. 
     Human clinical trials for restenosis after coronary angioplasty are conducted, e.g., as described by Serruys, Rutsch, Heyndrickx, et al., &#34;prevention of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary antioplasty with thromboxane A 2  -receptor blockade: a randomozed, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.&#34; Circulation, 84:1568-80 (1991). 
     Administration 
     The compounds of Formula I are administered at a therapeutically effective dosage, e.g., a dosage sufficient to provide treatment for the disease states previously described. Administration of the compounds of the invention or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can be via any of the accepted modes of administration for agents that serve similar utilities. The compounds can be used both prophylactically (e.g., to prevent allograft rejection) and therapeutically. 
     While human dosage levels have yet to be optimized for the compounds of the invention, generally, a daily dose is from about 0.01 to 100.0 mg/kg of body weight, preferably about 0.1 to 64.3 mg/kg of body weight, and most preferably about 0.3 to 43.0 mg/kg of body weight. Thus, for administration to a 70 kg person, the dosage range would be about 0.7 mg to 7 g per day, preferably about 7.0 mg to 4.5 g per day, and most preferably about 21 mg to 3.0 g per day. The amount of active compound administered will, of course, be dependent on the subject and disease state being treated, the severity of the affliction, the manner and schedule of administration (e.g., oral administration one day prior to cancer chemotherapy and intravenous administration during cancer chemotherapy) and the judgment of the prescribing physician. 
     In employing the compounds of this invention for treatment of the above conditions, any pharmaceutically acceptable mode of administration can be used. The compounds of Formula I can be administered either alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, including solid, semi-solid, liquid or aerosol dosage forms, such as, for example, tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, injectables, suspensions, suppositories, aerosols or the like. The compounds of Formula I can also be administered in sustained or controlled release dosage forms, including depot injections, osmotic pumps, pills, transdermal (including electro-transport) patches, and the like, for the prolonged administration of the compound at a predetermined rate, preferably in unit dosage forms suitable for single administration of precise dosages. The compositions will typically include a conventional pharmaceutical carrier or excipient and a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compositions may also include other medicinal agents, pharmaceutical agents, carriers, adjuvants, etc., such as multidrug resistance modifying agents, steroids, immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine A, azathioprene, rapamycin, FK-506, brequinar, leflunomide and vincrystine. 
     Generally, depending on the intended mode of administration, the pharmaceutically acceptable composition will contain about 0.1% to 90%, preferably about 0.5% to 50%, by weight of a compound or salt of Formula I, the remainder being suitable pharmaceutical excipients, carriers, etc. 
     One preferred manner of administration for the conditions detailed above is oral, using a convenient daily dosage regimen which can be adjusted according to the degree of affliction. For such oral administration, a pharmaceutically acceptable composition is formed by the incorporation of any of the normally employed excipients, such as, for example, mannitol, lactose, starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, talcum, cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, glucose, gelatin, sucrose, magnesium carbonate, and the like. Such compositions take the form of solutions, suspensions, tablets, dispersible tablets, pills, capsules, powders, sustained release formulations and the like. 
     Preferably the compositions will take the form of a pill or tablet. Thus the composition will contain, along with the active ingredient, a diluent such as lactose, sucrose, dicalcium phosphate, or the like; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or the like; a disintegrant such as croscarmellose sodium or the like; and a binder such as starch, gum acacia, polyvinylpyrrolidine, gelatin, cellulose and derivatives thereof, and the like. 
     Liquid pharmaceutically administrable compositions can, for example, be prepared by dissolving, dispersing, etc. an active compound as defined above and optional pharmaceutical adjuvants in a carrier, such as, for example, water, saline, aqueous dextrose, glycerol, glycols, ethanol, and the like, to thereby form a solution or suspension. If desired, the pharmaceutical composition to be administered may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances such as wetting agents, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, or solubilizing agents, pH buffering agents and the like, for example, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, cyclodextrine derivatives, polyoxyethylene, sorbitan monolaurate or stearate, etc. Actual methods of preparing such dosage forms are known, or will be apparent, to those skilled in this art; for example, see Remington&#39;s Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 15th Edition, 1975. The composition or formulation to be administered will, in any event, contain a quantity of the active compound in an amount effective to alleviate the symptoms of the subject being treated. 
     Dosage forms or compositions containing active ingredient in the range of 0.005% to 95% with the balance made up from pharmaceutically acceptable carrier may be prepared. 
     For oral administration, a pharmaceutically acceptable composition is formed by the incorporation of any of the normally employed excipients, such as, for example pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, talcum, povidone, cellulose derivatives, croscarmellose sodium, glucose, sucrose, magnesium carbonate, sodium saccharin, talcum and the like. Such compositions take the form of solutions, suspensions, tablets, capsules, powders, sustained release formulations and the like. Such compositions may contain 0.01%-95% active ingredient, preferably 0.1-50%. 
     For a solid dosage form containing liquid, the solution or suspension, in for example propylene carbonate, vegetable oils or triglycerides, is preferably encapsulated in a gelatin capsule. Such ester solutions, and the preparation and encapsulation thereof, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,328,245; 4,409,239; and 4,410,545. For a liquid dosage form, the solution, e.g. in a polyethylene glycol, may be diluted with a sufficient quantity of a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier, e.g. water, to be easily measured for administration. 
     Alternatively, liquid or semi-solid oral formulations may be prepared by dissolving or dispersing the active compound or salt in vegetable oils, glycols, triglycerides, propylene glycol esters (e.g. propylene carbonate) and the like, and encapsulating these solutions or suspensions in hard or soft gelatin capsule shells. 
     Other useful formulations include those set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. Re. 28,819 and 4,358,603. 
     Parenteral administration is generally characterized by injection, either subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. Injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as liquid solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution or suspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions. Suitable excipients are, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol or the like. In addition, if desired, the pharmaceutical compositions to be administered may also contain minor amounts of non-toxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, solubility enhancers, and the like, such as for example, sodium acetate, polyoxyethylene, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate, cyclodextrins, etc. 
     A more recently devised approach for parenteral administration employs the implantation of a slow-release or sustained-release system, such that a constant level of dosage is maintained. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,795. 
     The percentage of active compound contained in such parenteral compositions is highly dependent on the specific nature thereof, as well as the activity of the compound and the needs of the subject. However, percentages of active ingredient of 0.01% to 10% in solution are employable, and will be higher if the composition is a solid which will be subsequently diluted to the above percentages. Preferably the composition will comprise 0.2-2% of the active agent in solution. 
     Formulations of the active compound or a salt may also be administered to the respiratory tract as an aerosol or solution for a nebulizer, or as a microfine powder for insufflation, alone or in combination with an inert carrier such as lactose. In such a case, the particles of the formulation have diameters of less than 50 microns, preferably less than 10 microns. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The following preparations and examples are given to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand and to practice the present invention. They should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as being illustrative and representative thereof. 
     EXAMPLE ZA-1 
     ZA-1A. Formula 102 Where R a  is t-butyldimethylsilyl 
     To methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -4-methyl-4-hexenoate (Tetrahedron, 28, 4395, 1972) (10.0 g) in dimethylformamide (75 ml) was added t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (4.97 g) and imidazole (2.24 g). The mixture was heated at 50° C. for 1 hour, then left at room temperature for 24 hours, then poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed twice with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated under vacuum to give methyl (E)-6-(4-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -4-methyl-4-hexenoate as a beige solid. 
     ZA-1B. Formula 102 Where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy 
     To methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate (61.0 g) in methylene chloride (1000 ml) at 0° C. was added diisopropylethylamine (30.4 g) and methoxyethoxymethyl chloride (29.2 g). After 31/2 hours the solution was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, dried and evaporated to give methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -4-methyl-4-hexenoate as an oil. 
     ZA-1C. Formula 102 Varying the Alkyl Ester 
     By following the procedure of part A or B and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl -4-methyl-4-hexenoate with another alkyl ester, such as ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate, there are obtained the corresponding t-butyldimethylsilyl and methoxyethoxymethoxy protected esters, such as ethyl (E)-6-(4-t-butyl-dimethylsilyloxy -1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)4-methyl-4-hexenoate. 
     EXAMPLE ZA-2 
     ZA-2A. Formula 103 Where R a  is t-butyldimethylsilyl 
     A solution of methyl (E)-6-(4-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate (11.0 g) in methanol 125 ml), dichloromethane (125 ml) and pyridine (2 ml) was cooled to -78° C. and a stream of ozonized oxygen was bubbled through. After 45 minutes a blue color developed indicating the presence of unreacted ozone. Dimethyl sulfide (5 ml) was added and the cooling bath was removed. After 16 hours the solution was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate and then water, then dried and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 2:1 hexane:ethyl acetate, so as to produce 2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) acetaldehyde, mp. 88°-92° C. (ether). 
     ZA-2B. Formula 103 Where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy 
     To methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate (76.0 g) in methanol (300 ml) was added 1N aqueous sodium hydroxide (300 ml). After 11/2 hours the solution was diluted with water, washed twice with ether, then acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid. The acidified solution was extracted with ether, and the extract was dried and evaporated to give (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid, m.p. 77°-82° C. (etherhexane). 
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate with (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid, there was obtained 2-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-acetaldehyde, m.p. 61°-63° C. (hexane-ethyl acetate). 
     EXAMPLE ZA-3 
     ZA-3A. Formula 104 Where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, Z 1  is Methyl, and Z 2  is Hydrogen 
     To a solution of 2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-acetaldehyde (5.25 g) in THF (70 ml) at -70° C. was added 1N 2-propenylmagnesium bromide in THF (19 ml). The solution was kept at -40° C. for 15-minutes, then saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (80 ml) was added. The mixture was extracted with ether, and the extract dried and evaporated, to give 4-(4-tert-butyldimethyl-silyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzo-furan-5-yl) -3hydroxy-2-methylbut-1-ene, mp 133°-4° C. (tert-butylmethyl ether/hexane). 
     ZA-3B. Formula 104 Varying R a , Z 1  and Z 2   
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting 1N 2-propenylmagnesium bromide with the compounds of Formula 103a identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 103a                                                              
M              Z.sup.1      Z.sup.2                                       
______________________________________                                    
MgBr           Ethyl        H                                             
MgBr           n-Propyl     H                                             
MgBr           CF.sub.3     H                                             
MgBr           H            H                                             
MgBr           H            Methyl                                        
MgBr           Methyl       Methyl                                        
MgBr           Methyl       t-Butyl                                       
MgBr           CF.sub.3     Methyl                                        
Li             Methyl       H                                             
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 104 identified in the following table (where TBDMS means t-butyldimethylsilyl). 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 104                                                               
R.sup.4        Z.sup.1      Z.sup.2                                       
______________________________________                                    
TBDMS          Ethyl        H                                             
TBDKS          n-Propyl     H                                             
TBDMS          CF.sub.3     H                                             
TBDMS          H            H                                             
TBDMS          H            Methyl                                        
TBDMS          Methyl       Methyl                                        
TBDMS          Methyl       t-Butyl                                       
TBDMS          CF.sub.3     Methyl                                        
TBDMS          Methyl       H                                             
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     ZA-3C. Formula 104 Where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy 
     By following the procedure of Parts A or B above and substituting for the 4-t-butyldimethylsilyl-acetaldehydes the corresponding 4-methoxyethoxy-methoxy-acetaldehydes of Formula 103 (prepared, e.g., as described in Example 2B) there are obtained the correspondingly protected compounds of Formula 104, which may sequentially be employed in the following examples (the substitution of protecting groups will not be specifically described). 
     EXAMPLE ZA-4 
     ZA-4A. Formula 105 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, Z 1  and Z 4  are Methyl, Z 2  and Z 3  are Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Methyl 
     A solution of 4-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-hydroxy-2-methylbut-1-ene (0.91 g) in trimethyl orthopropionate (25 ml) and propionic acid (0.08 ml) was heated to 110° C. for 2.5 hours. The solvents were evaporated under vacuum to afford methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate as an oil. 
     ZA-4B. Formula 105 Varying Z 1  and Z 2   
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting 4-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-hydroxy-2-methylbut-1-ene, e.g., with the compounds of Formula 104 prepared as described in Example 3B, there are obtained the compounds of Formula 105 (where alkyl is methyl) identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 105                                                               
R.sup.4    Z.sup.1    Z.sup.2  Z.sup.3                                    
                                     Z.sup.4                              
______________________________________                                    
TBDMS      Ethyl      H        H     Methyl                               
TBDMS      n-Propyl   H        H     Methyl                               
TBDMS      CF.sub.3   H        H     Methyl                               
TBDMS      H          H        H     Methyl                               
TBDMS      H          Methyl   H     Methyl                               
TBDHS      Methyl     Methyl   H     Methyl                               
TBDNS      Methyl     t-Butyl  H     Methyl                               
TBDMS      CF.sub.3   Methyl   H     Methyl                               
TBDMS      Methyl     H        H     Methyl                               
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     ZA-4C. Formula 105 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, Z 1  is Methyl, Z 2  is Hydrogen, and Varying Z 3 , Z 4  and Alkyl 
     By following parts A and B and substituting trimethyl orthopropionate with the compounds of Formula 104a identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 104a                                                              
Alkyl         Z.sup.3       Z.sup.4                                       
______________________________________                                    
Methyl        H             Ethyl                                         
Methyl        H             n-Propyl                                      
Methyl        Cl            H                                             
Methyl        Cl            Methyl                                        
Methyl        Phenyl        H                                             
Methyl        Phenyl        Methyl                                        
Methyl        Methoxy       H                                             
Methyl        Ethoxy        Ethyl                                         
Methyl        Methylthio    H                                             
n-Propyl      Methylthio    Methyl                                        
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 105 (where R a  is TBDMS) identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 105                                                               
Alkyl     Z.sup.1   Z.sup.2                                               
                           Z.sup.3   Z.sup.4                              
______________________________________                                    
Methyl    Methyl    H      H         Ethyl                                
Methyl    Methyl    H      H         n-Propyl                             
Methyl    Methyl    H      Cl        H                                    
Methyl    Methyl    H      Cl        Methyl                               
Methyl    Methyl    H      Phenyl    H                                    
Methyl    Methyl    H      Phenyl    Methyl                               
Methyl    Methyl    H      Methoxy   H                                    
Methyl    Methyl    H      Ethoxy    Ethyl                                
Methyl    Methyl    H      Methylthio                                     
                                     H                                    
n-Propyl  Methyl    H      Ethylthio Methyl                               
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-5 
     ZA-5A. Formula I-ZA-A where Z 1  and Z 4  are Methyl, Z 2  and Z 3  are Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Methyl 
     To methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate (0.8 g) in tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) was added 1N tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride in tetrahydrofuran (4 ml). After 10 minutes the solution was diluted with ice water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried and evaporated to give methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate as an oil. 
     ZA-5B. Other Compounds of Formula I-ZA-A 
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate, e.g., with the compounds of Formula 105 prepared as described in Example 4B and 4C, there are obtained the compounds of Formula I-ZA-A identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula I-ZA-A                                                            
Alkyl   Z.sup.1   Z.sup.2   Z.sup.3  Z.sup.4                              
______________________________________                                    
Methyl  Ethyl     H         H        Methyl                               
Methyl  n-Propyl  H         H        Methyl                               
Methyl  CF.sub.3  H         H        Methyl                               
Methyl  H         H         H        Methyl                               
Methyl  H         Methyl    H        Methyl                               
Methyl  Methyl    Methyl    H        Methyl                               
Methyl  Methyl    t-Butyl   H        Methyl                               
Methyl  CF.sub.3  Methyl    H        Methyl                               
Methyl  Methyl    H         H        Methyl                               
Methyl  Methyl    H         H        Ethyl                                
Methyl  Methyl    H         H        n-Propyl                             
Methyl  Methyl    H         Cl       H                                    
Methyl  Methyl    H         Cl       Methyl                               
Methyl  Methyl    H         Phenyl   H                                    
Methyl  Methyl    H         Phenyl   Methyl                               
Methyl  Methyl    H         Methoxy  H                                    
Methyl  Methyl    H         Ethoxy   Ethyl                                
Methyl  Methyl    H         Methylthio                                    
                                     H                                    
n-Propyl                                                                  
        Methyl    H         Ethylthio                                     
                                     Methyl                               
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-6 
     ZA-6A. Formula 1-ZA-M2 where Z 1  and Z 4  are Methyl, and Z 2  and Z 3  are Hydrogen 
     To methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate (0.85 g) in methanol (10 ml) was added a solution of lithium hydroxide (0.4 g) in water (5 ml). After 4 hours at room temperature, the solution was poured into ice water, acidified with 10% aqueous hydrochloric acid, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried and evaporated to give (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl -4-hexenoic acid, mp 120°-3° C. (tert-butylmethyl ether/hexane). 
     ZA-6B. Other Compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with other compounds of Formula I-ZA-M1, e.g., prepared as described in Example 5B, there are obtained the compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR55##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
Z.sup.1                                                                   
       Z.sup.2 Z.sup.3   Z.sup.4  m.p.                                    
______________________________________                                    
Methyl Methyl  H         Ethyl    146-148° C.                      
                                  methylene                               
                                  chloride/hexane                         
Ethyl  H       H         H        127-130° C.                      
                                  ethyl acetate/                          
                                  hexane                                  
Ethyl  H       H         Methyl                                           
n-Propyl                                                                  
       H       H         Methyl                                           
CF.sub.3                                                                  
       H       H         Methyl                                           
CF.sub.3                                                                  
       H       H         H        171-175° C.                      
                                  methylene                               
                                  chloride                                
H      H       H         H        129-132° C.                      
                                  ethyl                                   
                                  acetate/hexane                          
H      H       H         Methyl                                           
H      Methyl  H         H        112-113° C.                      
                                  ethyl                                   
                                  acetate/hexane                          
H      Methyl  H         Methyl                                           
Methyl Methyl  H         Methyl   122-124° C.                      
                                  hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
                                  Diastereomer A                          
Methyl Methyl  H         Methyl   183-185° C.                      
                                  hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
                                  Diastereoisomer                         
                                  B                                       
Methyl Methyl  H         Methyl   146-148° C.                      
                                  hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
                                  (+) Single                              
                                  Isomer                                  
Methyl H       H         Methyl   120-123° C.                      
                                  ethyl                                   
                                  acetate/hexane                          
Methyl H       H         Ethyl    107-108° C.                      
                                  aqueous methanol                        
Methyl H       H         Vinyl    139-140° C.                      
                                  ethyl                                   
                                  acetate/hexane                          
Methyl H       H         Allyl    73-74° C.                        
                                  methylene                               
                                  chloride/hexane                         
Methyl H       H         n-Propyl 100-102° C.                      
                                  hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
Methyl H       H         iso-Propyl                                       
                                  94-95° C.                        
                                  hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
Methyl H       H         Cyclopropyl                                      
                                  148-150° C.                      
                                  ethyl                                   
                                  acetate/hexane                          
Methyl H       H         Cyclopropyl                                      
                                  95-97° C.                        
                         methyl   hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
Methyl H       H         n-Butyl  66-67° C.                        
                                  hexane/ether                            
Methyl H       H         sec-Butyl                                        
                                  130-132° C.                      
                                  hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
Methyl H       H         2-Methoxy-                                       
                                  118-119° C.                      
                         ethyl    hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
Methyl H       Cl        H        140.5-146.4° C.                  
                                  methanol/                               
                                  methylene                               
                                  chloride                                
Methyl H       Cl        Methyl                                           
Methyl H       F         H        140-142° C.                      
                                  ethyl acetate/                          
                                  hexane                                  
Methyl H       Phenyl    H        163-166° C.                      
                                  t-butyl methyl                          
                                  ether/hexane                            
Methyl H       Phenyl    Methyl                                           
Methyl H       Methoxy   H        119-121° C.                      
                                  hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
Methyl H       Ethoxy    Ethyl                                            
Methyl H       Methylthio                                                 
                         H        132.9-135.4° C.                  
                                  ethyl acetate/                          
                                  hexane                                  
Methyl H       Ethylthio Methyl                                           
Methyl Methyl  H         H        102-104° C.                      
                                  hexane/methylene                        
                                  chloride                                
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-7 
     ZA-7A. Formula 106 where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy and Z 1  is Methyl 
     A solution of 2-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)acetaldehyde (10.3 g) and 2-(triphenyl-phosphoranylidene)-propionaldehyde (11.6 g) in toluene (250 ml) was refluxed for 7 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 9:1 hexane:ethyl acetate, to afford (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-enaldehyde, mp 67°-68° C., (methylene chloride/hexane). 
     ZA-7B. Formula 106 Varying Z 1   
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting 2-(triphenyl-phosphoranylidene)-propionaldehyde with the compounds of Formula 103b identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 103b                                                              
Z.sup.1                                                                   
______________________________________                                    
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 106 where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy. 
     EXAMPLE ZA-8 
     ZA-8A. Formula 107 where R a  is Methoxyethoxymethoxy, Z 1 , Z 3  and Z 4  are all Methyl, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     Freshly distilled diisopropylamine (0.425 ml) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (10 ml) and cooled to 0° C. n-BuLi (0.63 ml, 2.35M) was added slowly and the reaction was stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes and cooled to -78°. Ethyl isobutyrate (0.200 ml) was added and the resulting solution was stirred at -78° C. for 40 minutes. A solution of (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2-methylbut-2-enaldehyde (365 mg) in THF (10 ml) was added and stirred for 30 min. The reaction mixture was poured to a concentrated solution of NH 4  Cl, and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 ml), the organic layers were dried over Na 2  SO 4 , and evaporated to give 420 mg (87%) of ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,2,4-trimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-hexenoate as an oil. 
     ZA-8B. Formula 107 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl or Methoxyethoxymethoxy, varying Z 1 , Z 3 , Z 4 , and Alkyl 
     By following the procedure of part A, substituting (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2-methylbut-2-enaldehyde with the compounds of Formula 106 (prepared, e.g., as described in Example ZA-7B), and reacting them with ethyl isobutyrate or the compounds of Formula 106a as shown in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 106a                                                              
Z.sup.3         Z.sup.4     alkyl                                         
______________________________________                                    
H               H           Ethyl                                         
H               Cl          n-Propyl                                      
H               Phenyl      Ethyl                                         
Methyl          H           Ethyl                                         
Ethyl           Methyl      Ethyl                                         
Pentyl          H           t-Butyl                                       
Methoxy         H           Ethyl                                         
Methoxy         Phenyl      Ethyl                                         
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 107 (where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy) identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 107                                                               
Z.sup.1     Z.sup.3     Z.sup.4   alkyl                                   
______________________________________                                    
Methyl      H           H         Ethyl                                   
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
Methyl      H           Cl        n-Propyl                                
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl      H           Phenyl    Ethyl                                   
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl      Methyl      H         Ethyl                                   
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl      Ethyl       Methyl    Ethyl                                   
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl      Methyl      H         t-Butyl                                 
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl      Methoxy     H         Ethyl                                   
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl      Methoxy     Phenyl    Ethyl                                   
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-9 
     ZA-9A. Formula I-ZA-M1 where Z 2  is Hydroxy, Z 1 , Z 3  and Z 4  are all Methyl, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-13B and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5yl) 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-hexenoate and the compounds of Formula 107 prepared, e.g., as described in Example ZA-8B, there are obtained ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran5yl) 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-hexenoate and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M1. 
     ZA-9B. Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 2  is Hydroxy, Z 1 , Z 3  and Z 4  are all Methyl, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) 2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,2,4-trimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-hexenoate and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M1 prepared as described in Part A above, there are obtained (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,2,4-trimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-hexenoic acid, m.p. 180°-181° C. (ether/ethyl acetate) and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 (where Z 2  is OH) as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR56##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
Z.sup.1  Z.sup.3     Z.sup.4 m.p.                                         
______________________________________                                    
Methyl   H           H       139-141° C.                           
                             (EtOAc/hexane)                               
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
Methyl   H           Cl                                                   
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl   H           Phenyl                                               
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl   Methyl      H       foam                                         
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl   Ethyl       Methyl                                               
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl   Methyl      Methyl  180-181° C.                           
                             (EtOAc/ether)                                
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl   Methoxy     H                                                    
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
Methyl   Methoxy     Phenyl                                               
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
H                                                                         
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-10 
     ZA-10A. Formula 108 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, R b  and Z 1  are both Methyl, Z 3  and Z 4  are Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     Ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-4-hexenoate (974 mg) was dissolved in a 6:1 mixture of methyl iodide in CH 3  CN (25 ml). Silver oxide was then added (5.1 g) and the mixture heated at reflux for 24 hr. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through a bed of celite. The celite was washed with CH 2  Cl 2  (80 ml) and ethyl acetate (80 ml). The combined organic layers were evaporated to dryness and the residue passed through a flash column (silica gel, hexanes-EtOAc 8:2) to afford 601 mg (60%) of ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -3-methoxy-4-methyl-4-hexenoate the product as a colorless oil. 
     ZA-10B. Formula 108 varying R b , Z 1 , Z 3 , Z 4  and Alkyl 
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-4-hexenoate with other compounds of Formula 107 prepared for example as described in Example ZA-9, and optionally substituting methyl iodide with other lower alkyl halides, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 108 (where the protecting group R a  is t-butyldimethylsilyl or methoxyethoxymethoxy) such as those identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 108                                                               
R.sup.b   Z.sup.1  Z.sup.3   Z.sup.4 Alkyl                                
______________________________________                                    
Ethyl     H        H         H       Ethyl                                
Ethyl     Methyl   Methyl    H       Ethyl                                
Ethyl     Methyl   H         H       Ethyl                                
Ethyl     Methyl   H         Cl      n-Propyl                             
Ethyl     Methyl   H         Phenyl  Ethyl                                
Ethyl     Methyl   Methyl    Methoxy Ethyl                                
Ethyl     Methyl   Methoxy   Phenyl  Ethyl                                
Ethyl     Methyl   H         Methyl  Ethyl                                
Ethyl     Methyl   H         Ethyl   t-Butyl                              
Methyl    Ethyl    H         H       Ethyl                                
n-Propyl  CF.sub.3 H         H       Ethyl                                
Ethyl     Chloro   H         H       Ethyl                                
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-11 
     ZA-11A. Formula I-ZA-M1 where R b  and Z 1  are both Methyl, Z 3  and Z 4  are Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-5A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran 5-yl)-3-methoxy-4-methyl-4-hexenoate and the compounds of Formula 108 prepared, e.g., as described in Example ZA-10B, there are obtained ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-methoxy-4-methyl-4-hexenoate and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M1. 
     ZA-11B. Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 2  is Alkoxy 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) 2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-methoxy-4-methyl-4-hexenoate and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M1 prepared as described in Part A above, there are obtained (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-methoxy-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid, m.p. 133°-135° C. (hexane/methylene chloride) and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR57##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
Z.sup.1 Z.sup.2        Z.sup.3  Z.sup.4                                   
______________________________________                                    
H       Ethoxy         H        H                                         
Methyl  Ethoxy         Methyl   H                                         
Methyl  Ethoxy         H        H                                         
Methyl  Ethoxy         H        Cl                                        
Methyl  Ethoxy         H        Phenyl                                    
Methyl  Ethoxy         Methyl   Methoxy                                   
Methyl  Ethoxy         Methoxy  Phenyl                                    
Methyl  Ethoxy         H        Methyl                                    
Methyl  Ethoxy         H        Ethyl                                     
Ethyl   Methoxy        H        H                                         
CF.sub.3                                                                  
        n-Propoxy      H        H                                         
Chloro  Ethoxy         H        H                                         
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-12 
     ZA-12A. Formula 109 where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy, R b  is OH and Z 1  is Methyl 
     To a solution of (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-enaldehyde (4.6 g) in methanol (60 ml) was added sodium borohydride (0.528 g). After one hour the reaction was added to water (250 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×150 ml). The extract was dried and evaporated to give (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2-methylbut-2-en-1-ol. 
     ZA-12B. Formula 109 where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy, R b  is bromo and Z 1  is Methyl 
     To a solution of (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-en-1-ol (4.6 g) in methylene chloride (100 ml) at 0° C. was added triphenylphosphine (3.64 g) then N-bromosuccinimide (2.48 g). After 15 minutes the solution was washed with 10% aqueous sodium bisulphite, water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate, then dried and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 4:1 hexane: ethyl acetate, to give (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2-methylbut-2-enyl bromide, mp 74°-75° C. (hexane). 
     ZA-12C. Formula 109 Varying Z 1   
     By following the procedure of part B and substituting (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-enaldehyde with the compounds of Formula 106 identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 106                                                               
Z.sup.1                                                                   
______________________________________                                    
Ethyl                                                                     
n-Propyl                                                                  
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 109 where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy and R b  is bromo. 
     EXAMPLE ZA-13 
     ZA-13A. Formula 110 where R a  is methoxyethoxymethoxy, Z 1  and Z 3  are methyl, and alkyl is isopropyl 
     A solution of 1.38 molar n-butyllithium in hexane (11.8 ml) was added to diisopropylamine (2.45 ml) in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) at -10° C. After 20 minutes, the solution was cooled to -78° C., and a solution of (R)-4-isopropyl-3-propionyl-2-oxazolidinone [prepared as described in J. Am. Chem. Soc., 103:2127 (1981)] (3.23 g) in tetrahydrofuran (10 ml) was added. After 30 minutes (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-enyl bromide (2.54 g) in tetrahydrofuran (12 ml) was added. The reaction temperature was allowed to reach -10° C. slowly, then maintained at that temperature for 3 hours. The reaction was quenched with 10% aqueous ammonium chloride then extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with 10% hydrochloric acid, dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water, then dried and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 2:1 hexane:acetone, to yield (E)-3-[6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(S),4-dimethylhexanoyl)-4-(R)-isopropyl-2-oxazolidinone as an oil. 
     ZA-13B. Formula 110 where R a  is H, Z 1  and Z 3  are methyl, and alkyl is isopropyl 
     A solution of (E)-3-[6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(S), 4-dimethylhexanoyl)-4-(R)-isopropyl-2-oxazolidinone (1.3 g) and p-toluenesulphonic acid (0.6 g) in methanol (25 ml) was left at room temperature for 24 hours. The solution was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water, then dried and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 99.2:0.8 methylene chloride:methanol, to give (E)-3-[6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-hydroxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)]-2-(S),4-dimethylhexanoyl)-4-(R)-isopropyl -2-oxazolidinone, mp 127°-128° C. (hexane/methylene chloride). 
     ZA-13C. Formula 110 varying Z 1 , Z 3  and alkyl 
     By following the procedure of parts A and B, substituting (R)-4-isopropyl-3-propionyl-2-oxazolidinone with the compounds of Formula 109a identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 109a                                                              
Alkyl                  Z.sup.3                                            
______________________________________                                    
(S)-4-isopropyl        methyl                                             
(R)-4-n-butyl          methyl                                             
(R)-4-isopropyl        ethyl                                              
(R)-4-isopropyl        t-butyl                                            
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     and reacting it with (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-enyl bromide or the compounds of Formula 109 prepared as described in Example ZA-12C, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 110 (where R a  is MEM, which is then converted to hydrogen) identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 110                                                               
Z.sup.1      Z.sup.3       alkyl                                          
______________________________________                                    
methyl       2-(R)-methyl  4-(S)-isopropyl                                
methyl       2 - (S) -methyl                                              
                           4-(R)-n-butyl                                  
methyl       2-(S)-ethyl   4-(R)-isopropyl                                
methyl       2-(S)-t-butyl 4-(R)-isopropyl                                
ethyl        2-(R)-methyl  4-(S)-isopropyl                                
ethyl        2-(S)-methyl  4-(R)-n-butyl                                  
ethyl        2-(S)-ethyl   4-(R)-isopropyl                                
ethyl        2-(S)-t-butyl 4-(R)-isopropyl                                
n-propyl     2-(R)-methyl  4-(S)-isopropyl                                
n-propyl     2-(S)-methyl  4-(R)-n-butyl                                  
n-propyl     2-(S)-ethyl   4-(R)-isopropyl                                
n-propyl     2-(S)-t-butyl 4-(R)-isopropyl                                
H            2-(R)-methyl  4-(S)-isopropyl                                
H            2-(S)-methyl  4-(R)-n-butyl                                  
H            2-(S)-ethyl   4-(R)-isopropyl                                
H            2-(S)-t-butyl 4-(R)-isopropyl                                
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-14 
     ZA-14A. Formula I-ZA-E where Z 1  and Z 3  are methyl. 
     To a solution of (E)-3-[6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-hydroxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(S),4-dimethylhexanoyl)-4-(R)-isopropyl-2oxazolidinone (0.8 g) in tetrahydrofuran (14 ml) at 0° C. was added 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.8 ml) followed by a solution of lithium hydroxide (0.086 g) in water (3 ml). After 1.25 hours at 0° C., the reaction was quenched by addition of 10% aqueous sodium thiosulfate (3 ml). After 5 minutes the solvents were removed under vacuum and the residue was dissolved in water (30 ml). The pH was adjusted to 12 by addition of 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide, then the solution was washed with methylene chloride. The solution was then adjusted to pH 1 by addition of hydrochloric acid, then extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried and evaporated to give (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2(S),4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid, mp 114°-115° C. (hexane/methylene chloride). 
     ZA-14B. Formula I-ZA-E varying Z 1  and Z 3   
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting (E)-3-[6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-hydroxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(S), 4-dimethylhexanoyl)-4-(R)-isopropyl-2-oxazolidinone with the compounds of Formula 110 prepared as described in Example ZA-13C there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-E identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR58##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-E                                                            
Z.sup.1     Z.sup.3    m.p.                                               
______________________________________                                    
methyl      2-(R)-methyl                                                  
                       114-115° C.                                 
                       hexane/methylene                                   
                       chloride                                           
methyl      2-(S)-methyl                                                  
                       114-115° C.                                 
                       hexane/methylene                                   
                       chloride                                           
methyl      2-(S)-ethyl                                                   
                       108-109° C.                                 
                       hexane/methylene                                   
                       chloride                                           
methyl      2-(S)-t-butyl                                                 
ethyl       2-(R)-methyl                                                  
ethyl       2-(S)-methyl                                                  
ethyl       2-(S)-ethyl                                                   
ethyl       2-(S)-t-butyl                                                 
n-propyl    2-(R)-methyl                                                  
n-propyl    2-(S)-methyl                                                  
n-propyl    2-(S)-ethyl                                                   
n-propyl    2-(S)-t-butyl                                                 
H           2-(R)-methyl                                                  
H           2-(S)-methyl                                                  
H           2-(S)-ethyl                                                   
H           2-(S)-t-butyl                                                 
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-15 
     ZA-15A. Formula 111 where R a  is Methoxyethoxymethoxy, Z 1  is Methyl, Z 4  is Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     Freshly distilled diisopropylamine (0.435 ml) was dissolved in THF (10 ml). The solution was cooled to 0° C. and n-BuLi (1.3 ml, 2.38M) was added. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes. The ice-bath was replaced by a dry ice-acetone bath and a solution of ethyl benzylidine glycinate (0.445 g) in THF (2 ml) was added slowly at -78°. The resulting red solution was stirred at -78° C. for 40 minutes. This solution was then transferred via cannula to a solution of (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut2-enyl bromide (0.667 g) dissolved in THF (20 ml) and HMPA (2 ml). After stirring the mixture at -78° C. for 90 minutes, the reaction mixture was poured into a concentrated solution of NH 4  Cl, extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 ml), and the combined organic layers were dried over Na 2  SO 4  and evaporated to give a dark oil, which was passed through a column (silica gel, ethyl acetate) giving 0.443 g (63%) of ethyl (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy -1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-amino-4-methyl -4-hexenoate the product as a light yellow oil. 
     ZA-15B. Formula 111 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl or Methoxyethoxymethoxy, varying Z 1 , Z 4 , and Alkyl 
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-enyl bromide with appropriate compounds of Formula 109 prepared for example as described in Example ZA-12C, there are obtained the compounds of Formula 111 where R a  is t-butyldimethylsilyl or methoxyethoxymethoxy, identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 111                                                               
Z.sup.1     Z.sup.2    Z.sup.4    Alkyl                                   
______________________________________                                    
H           H          H          Ethyl                                   
H           Methyl     H          Ethyl                                   
Methyl      H          H          Ethyl                                   
Methyl      H          Phenyl     Ethyl                                   
Methyl      Methoxy    Phenyl     Ethyl                                   
Methyl      H          Methyl     Ethyl                                   
Methyl      H          Ethyl      t-Butyl                                 
Ethyl       H          H          Ethyl                                   
CF.sub.3    H          H          Ethyl                                   
Chloro      H          H          Ethyl                                   
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-16 
     ZA-16A. Formula I-ZA-M1 where Z 1  is Methyl, Z 3  is NH 2 , Z 2  and Z 4  are Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-5A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2-amino-4-methyl-4-hexenoate and the compounds of Formula 111 prepared, e.g., as described in Example ZA-15B, there are obtained ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-amino-4-methyl-4-hexenoate and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M1. 
     ZA-16B. Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 2  is NH 2   
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5yl) 2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-amino-4-methyl-4-hexenoate and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M1 prepared as described in Part A above, there are obtained (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-amino-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid, m.p. 225°-227° C. (as the hydrochloride) (ethanol) and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 (where Z 3  is NH 2 ) as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR59##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
Z.sup.1        Z.sup.2  Z.sup.4                                           
______________________________________                                    
H              H        H                                                 
H              Methyl   H                                                 
Methyl         H        H                                                 
Methyl         H        Phenyl                                            
Methyl         Methoxy  Phenyl                                            
Methyl         H        Methyl                                            
Methyl         H        Ethyl                                             
Ethyl          H        H                                                 
CF.sub.3       H        H                                                 
Chloro         H        H                                                 
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-17 
     ZA-17A. Formula I-ZA-G where R b  and Z 1  are both Methyl, Z 4  is Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     Ethyl (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-amino-4-methyl-4-hexenoate (373 mg) was dissolved in CH 2  Cl 2  (10 ml), cooled to 0° C., and triethylamine (0.17 ml) and methylsulfonyl chloride (0.09 ml) were added. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour and at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH 2  Cl 2  (10 ml), washed with water (10 ml), dried over Na 2  SO 4 , and evaporated to dryness to give a residue which was passed through a column (silica gel, hexanes-EtOAc 1:1) giving 368 mg (82%) of ethyl (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5yl) -2-methylsulfonylamino-4-methyl-4-hexenoate as a colorless oil. 
     ZA-17B. Formula I-ZA-M2, where Z 3  is NHSO 2  --R b  varying R b , Z 1  and Z 4   
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylsulfonylamino-4-methyl -4-hexenoate and compounds of Formula 111, prepared e.g, as described in Example ZA-15 and converted to compounds of Formula I-ZA-G as described in Part A above, there are obtained (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylsulfonylamino-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid, (obtained as a foam) and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 (where Z 3  is NHSO 2  --R b ) as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR60##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
Z.sup.1  Z.sup.4       R.sup.b  m.p.                                      
______________________________________                                    
H        H             Methyl                                             
H        H             Ethyl                                              
Methyl   H             Methyl   foam                                      
Methyl   H             n-Propyl                                           
Methyl   Phenyl        Methyl                                             
Methyl   Phenyl        Ethyl                                              
Methyl   Methyl        Ethyl                                              
Methyl   Ethyl         t-Butyl                                            
Ethyl    H             Ethyl                                              
CF.sub.3 H             Ethyl                                              
Chloro   H             Ethyl                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-18 
     ZA-18A. Formula 112 where R a  is Methoxyethoxymethoxy, Z 1 , Z 3  and Z 4  are all Methyl, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     A freshly prepared solution of lithium diisopropylamide (2.8 mmol/10 ml THF) was cooled to -78° C. and ethyl isobutyrate (0.75 ml) was added slowly. The solution was stirred at -78° C. for 40 minutes and then a solution of (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-enyl bromide (0.6 g) in THF (2 ml) and HMPA (1.5 ml) was added via syringe at such rate that the temperature was maintained below -60° C. After stirring for 30 minutes at -78° C., the mixture was poured onto 100 ml of a concentrated solution of NH 4  Cl. The organic and aqueous phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml). The combined organic layers were dried over Na 2  SO 4  and evaporated to give a residue which was passed through a column (silica gel, CH 2  Cl 2  -EtOAc 95:5) to afford 480 mg (74%) of ethyl (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2,2,4-trimethyl-4-hexenoate as a colorless oil. 
     ZA-18B. Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 1  is H or Lower Alkyl, and Z 3  and Z 4  are H, Lower Alkyl or Phenyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,2,4-trimethyl -4-hexenoate and compounds of Formula 109, prepared e.g, as described in Example ZA-12 and converted to compounds of Formula 112 as described in Part A above, there are obtained (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,2,4-trimethyl-4-hexenoic acid, m.p. 163-165 (hexane/ethyl acetate) and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR61##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
Z.sup.1        Z.sup.3 Z.sup.4                                            
______________________________________                                    
H              H       H                                                  
H              Methyl  Methyl                                             
Methyl         H       H                                                  
Methyl         H       Methyl                                             
Methyl         H       Ethyl                                              
Methyl         Methyl  n-Propyl                                           
Methyl         Methyl  n-Butyl                                            
Ethyl          Methyl  Methyl                                             
Methyl         Methyl  Ethyl                                              
Ethyl          H       H                                                  
H              Phenyl  H                                                  
Methyl         Methyl  Phenyl                                             
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     EXAMPLE ZA-19 
     ZA-19A. Formula 113 where R a  is Methoxyethoxymethoxy, Z 1  is Methyl, Z 4  is Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     To a solution of ethyl dimethylphosphonoacetate (135 mg) in DMF (5 ml) at 0° was added 50% NaH/oil (33 mg), and the mixture stirred for 10 minutes. (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-4-methoxyethoxymethoxy7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methylbut-2-enyl bromide (600 mg) was added at the same temperature and allowed to reach room temperature in 30 minutes. The reaction was poured onto water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated to give the crude product which was purified by flash chromatography (CH 2  Cl 2  followed by EtOAc) to obtain ethyl (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy -1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(dimethylphosphono) -4-methyl-4-hexenoate as an oil. 
     ZA-19B. Formula I-ZA-I where Z 1  is Methyl, Z 4  is H, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-5A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2-(dimethylphosphono)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate, there is obtained ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2-(dimethylphosphono)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate. 
     ZA-19C. Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 1  is H or Lower Alkyl, Z 3  is P(O) (OCH 3 ) 2  and Z 4  is H or Lower Alkyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(dimethylphosphono)-4-methyl -4-hexenoate and compounds of Formula I-ZA-I (prepared, e.g, from the compounds of Formula 109 as described in Example ZA-12 and converted to compounds of Formula I-ZA-I as described in Part A above), there are obtained (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-S -yl)-2-(dimethylphosphono)-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid, m.p. 187-189 (ether/methylene chloride) and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 [where Z 2  is H and Z 3  is P(O) (OCH 3 ) 2  ] as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR62##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
       Z.sup.1                                                            
             Z.sup.4                                                      
______________________________________                                    
       H     H                                                            
       H     Methyl                                                       
       Methyl                                                             
             Methyl                                                       
       Methyl                                                             
             Ethyl                                                        
       Methyl                                                             
             n-Propyl                                                     
       Methyl                                                             
             n-Butyl                                                      
       Ethyl Methyl                                                       
       Ethyl H                                                            
       CF.sub.3                                                           
             H                                                            
       Chloro                                                             
             H                                                            
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE I-ZA-20 
     ZA-20A. Formula I-ZA-J where Z 1  is Methyl, Z 4  is Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     1. A solution of ethyl (E)-6-(4-methoxyethoxymethoxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(dimethylphosphonato)-4-methyl -4-hexenoate (300 mg) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (150 mg) in methanol (3 ml) was refluxed for 15 minutes, cooled to room temperature, evaporated to dryness and diluted with EtOAc. The organic solution was washed with 10% NaHCO 3 , brine, and dried over sodium sulfate to give the crude product which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc) to obtain ethyl (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)2(dimethylphosphono)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate, a compound of Formula I-ZA-I, as an oil. 
     2. A suspension of the phosphonate thus obtained (300 mg) and sodium iodide (900 mg) in acetone (10 ml) was refluxed for 3 hrs. The solvent was removed and the residue dissolved in water, extracted with EtOAc, and the aqueous solution acidified with 10% HCl. The aqueous solution was saturated with sodium chloride, extracted with EtOAc, and the organic phase dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed and the crude product purified by flash chromatography (CH 2  Cl 2  :MeOH, 4:1) to give ethyl (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2-(methylphosphono)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate as an oil. 
     ZA-20B. Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 1  is H or Lower Alkyl, Z 3  is P(O)(OH)(OCH 3 ) and Z 4  is H or Lower Alkyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(methylphosphono)-4-methyl-4-hexenoate and compounds of Formula I-ZA-I (prepared, e.g, as described in Example ZA-19 and converted to compounds of Formula I-ZA-J as described in Part A above), there are obtained (E)-6-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-(methylphosphono)-4-methyl-4-hexenoic acid (obtained as a foam) and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 [where Z 2  is H and Z 3  is P(O)(OH)(OCH 3 )] as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR63##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
Z.sup.1        Z.sup.4  m.p.                                              
______________________________________                                    
H              H                                                          
H              Methyl                                                     
Methyl         Methyl                                                     
Methyl         H        foam                                              
Methyl         Ethyl                                                      
Methyl         n-Propyl                                                   
Methyl         n-Butyl                                                    
Ethyl          Methyl                                                     
Ethyl          H                                                          
CF.sub.3       H                                                          
Chloro         H                                                          
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZA-21 
     ZA-21A. Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 1  is Methyl, Z 3  and Z 4  are Hydrogen, and Z 3  is S(O) m  --Z 12  where m is 1 and Z 13  is Methyl 
     Alumina (14.0 g) was treated with water (2.8 ml) and the slurry shaken until a free-flowing powder was formed. A solution of E-7-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl -2-methylthiohexenoic acid (0.152 g) in dichloromethane (3 ml) was treated with the alumina prepared above (0.43 g) and oxone® (potassium peroxymonosulfate) (0.29 g). The mixture was stirred vigorously at reflux for two hours then cooled. The product was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 100:10:1 dichloromethane: methanol:acetic acid, to yield E-7-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-4-methyl -2-methylsulfinylhexenoic acid, mp 60°-75° (methanol/methylene chloride). 
     ZA-21B. Formula I-ZA-M2where Z 3  is S(O) m  --Z 12  and m is 1, varying Z 1 , Z 2 , Z 4 , and Z 13   
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting E-7-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-4-methyl-2-methylthiohexenoic acid with compounds of Formula I-ZA-A where Z 3  is thio-lower alkyl (prepared, e.g., as described in Example ZA-6), there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 3  is S(O) m  --Z 12  and m is 1, as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR64##                                                                
Formula I-ZA-M2                                                           
Z.sup.1  Z.sup.2      Z.sup.4  Z.sup.12                                   
______________________________________                                    
Methyl   H            H        Ethyl                                      
Methyl   H            H        n-Propyl                                   
H        H            H        Methyl                                     
Methyl   H            Cl       Methyl                                     
Methyl   OH           Phenyl   Methyl                                     
Methyl   Methyl       Methoxy  Methyl                                     
Methyl   Methoxy      Phenyl   Methyl                                     
Methyl   H            Methyl   Ethyl                                      
Methyl   H            Ethyl    t-Butyl                                    
Ethyl    H            H        Methyl                                     
CF.sub.3 H            H        Methyl                                     
Chloro   H            H        Methyl                                     
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     ZA-21C. Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 3  is S(O) m  --Z 12  and m is 2 
     By following the procedure of Part A and substituting E-7-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl -2-methylthiohexenoic acid with E -7-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-2-methylsulfinylhexenoic acid and the compounds as prepared in Part B above, there are obtained E-7-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl -2-methylsulfonylhexenoic acid and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-M2 where Z 3  is S(O) m  --Z 12  and m is 2. 
     EXAMPLE ZA-22 
     ZA-22A. Formula 114 where R a  is Mesyl, Halo is Chloro, and Alkyl is t-Butyl 
     2-(4-Methanesulfonyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)acetaldehyde (2.17 g) and 2-chloro-2-triphenylphosphoranylidene acetate (5.7 g) were dissolved in toluene (50 ml), and the mixture heated at reflux for i hour. After cooling to room temperature and removal of the solvent, the residue was passed through a flash column (silica gel, hexanes-EtOAc 6:4) to afford 2.77 g of t-butyl (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-4-methanesulfonyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran5yl)-2-chlorobut-2-enoate as a colorless oil. 
     ZA-22B. Formula 114 where R a  is Mesyl and Halo is F 
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting 2-chloro-2-triphenylphosphoranylidene acetate with compounds of Formula 103c, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 114 where halo is F. 
     EXAMPLE ZA-23 
     ZA-23A. Formula 115 where R a  is Mesyl and Halo is Chloro 
     t-Butyl (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-4-methanesulfonyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-chlorobut-2-enoate (2.7 g) was dissolved in freshly distilled trifluoroacetic acid (25 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 90 minutes. The mixture was diluted with CH 2  Cl 2  (25 ml) and evaporated to dryness and repeated until a cream solid was obtained. The solid was recrystallized from a 4:1 mixture of hexanes-CH 2  CH 2  (25 ml) affording 2.11 g of (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-4-methanesulfonyloxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-chlorobut-2-enoic acid as white crystals, mp 200°-203° (d). 
     To a solution of the acid thus produced (1.1 g) in THF (50 ml) was added BH 3 .dimethylsulfide complex (0.427 ml) at room temperature under argon. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours, cooled to 0° C. and the excess of borane destroyed carefully with water (1 ml). The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue passed through a flash column (silica gel, hexanes-ethyl acetate) affording 504 mg of (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-4-methanesulfonyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2-chlorobut-2-en-1-ol as a viscous oil. 
     To a solution of the alcohol thus produced (500 mg) and triphenylphosphine (455 g) in CH 2  Cl 2  (20 ml) at -10° C. was added N-bromosuccinimide (283 mg) in one portion. The mixture was stirred at -10° for 25 minutes and then poured onto a concentrated solution of sodium bisulfite (50 ml). The aqueous and organic layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH 2  Cl 2  (20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried over Na 2  SO 4  and evaporated to dryness. The residue was passed through a flash column (silica gel, hexanes-EtOAc 6:4) to yield 411 mg of (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-4-methanesulfonyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-bromo-2-chlorobut-2-ene as white crystals, mp 146°-148°. 
     ZA-23B. Formula 115 where Halo is Fluoro 
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting t-butyl (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-4-methanesulfonyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2-chlorobut-2-enoate with compounds of Formula 114, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 114 where halo is fluoro. 
     EXAMPLE ZA-24 
     ZA-24A. Formula I-ZA-L where Halo is Chloro, and Z 4  is Hydrogen 
     Diethyl malonate (113 mg) was added to a suspension of 50% NaH (35 mg) in THF (3 ml) at 0° C. and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes. To this solution was added (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-4-methanesulfonyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-bromo-2-chlorobut-2-ene (280 mg) in THF (10 ml). The ice bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was added to water (30 ml), the aqueous and organic phases separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted once with ethyl acetate (20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried over Na 2  SO 4 , evaporated and the residue passed through a short column (silica gel, hexanes-EtOAc 8:2) affording 190 mg of ethyl (E)-6-(4-methanesulfonyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -4-chloro-2-ethoxycarbonyl-4-hexenoate as a colorless oil. 
     To a solution of the diester thus produced (265 mg) in ethanol (10 ml) was added a 1M solution of NaOH (10.2 ml). The mixture was heated at reflux for 24 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with water (30 ml), washed with ethyl acetate (10 ml), and the aqueous layer acidified to pH 1 with 10% HCl. The product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 ml), and the combined organic layers were dried over Na 2  SO 4  and evaporated to give a residue, which was recrystallized from CH 2  Cl 2  -hexanes, affording 127 mg of the 4-chloro dicarboxylic acid as white crystals mp 134°-136° C. 
     A solution of the dicarboxylic acid thus produced (192 mg) in 1,2-dichlorobenzene (15 ml) was heated at reflux for 2 hours. The solution was cooled to room temperature and then poured onto a flash chromatography column (silica gel). The column was eluted first with hexanes and then with hexanes-EtOAc-acetic acid (50:50:1) to give 117 mg of the product, which was recrystallized from CH 2  Cl 2  -hexanes to give white crystals of (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -4-chloro-4-hexenoic acid, mp 135°-137° C. 
     ZA-24B. Formula I-ZA-L varying halo and Z 4   
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting (E)-4-(1,3-dihydro-4-methanesulfonyloxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-bromo-2-chlorobut-2-ene with compounds of Formula 115, and optionally substituting diethyl malonate with compounds of Formula 116, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZA-L where halo is chloro or fluoro and Z 4  is lower alkyl, for example methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, t-butyl, pentyl, heptyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmethyl, and the like, or phenyl. 
     EXAMPLE ZA-25 
     ZA-25A Formula 117 Where R a  is TBDMS, Z 1  is Methyl, Z 2  is Hydrogen, Z 3  and Z 4  Together with their adjacent carbon atom are Cyclopropyl, and Alkyl is Methyl 
     1. A solution of trimethyl 4-bromoorthobutyrate (20 ml), propionic acid (0.22 ml) and 4-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-hydroxy-2-methylbut-1-ene (3.18 g) was heated at 110° C. in a three-necked flash with a slow nitrogen stream passing over the reaction mixture. After 1 hr 40 min the excess orthoester was removed in vacuo at 55° C. Flash chromatography of the residue on silica gel eluting with 20-30% ethyl acetate/hexane gave methyl 2-(2-bromoethyl) -6-(4-t -butyldimethylsiloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-4-methyl-hex-4-enoate (2.66 g ). 
     2. A solution of lithium diisopropyl amide was prepared from diisopropyl amine (2.24 ml) and n-butyllithium (6.4 ml, 2.5N) in THF (60 ml) and cooled to -70° C. Methyl 2-(2-bromoethyl)-6-(4-t-butyldimethylsiloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-4-methyl-hex-4-enoate (2.66 g) in THF (12 ml was added to the LDA solution over 2 min. The reaction mixture was stirred for 50 min at -65° C. to -50° C. and quenched in water. Extraction with ethyl acetate and flash chromatography (silica gel, 20-30% ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 1-[4-(4-t-butyldimethylsiloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2-methyl-but-2-enyl] cyclopropane carboxylic acid methyl ester (1.34 g). 
     ZA-25B Formula I-ZA-M1 and Formula I-ZA-M2 Where Z 1  is Methyl, Z 2  is Hydrogen, Z 3  and Z 4  Together with their adjacent carbon atom are Cyclopropyl 
     By following the procedures of Examples ZA-5A and ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with 1-[4-(4-t-butyldimethylsiloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-methyl-but-2-enyl]cyclopropane carboxylic acid methyl ester, there are obtained, respectively, 1-[4-(1,3-dihydro -4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methyl-but-2-enyl]cyclopropane carboxylic acid methyl ester and 1-[4-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-isobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methyl-but-2-enyl]cyclopropane carboxylic acid m.p. 184°-189° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane). 
     EXAMPLE ZA-26 
     ZA-26A. (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-7-methoxy -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl chloride 
     A solution of mycophenolic acid (320 g, 1 mol) and dimethylformamide (0.1 g) in dichloromethane (3.2L) at reflux was treated dropwise with thionyl chloride (82 mL, 1.12 mol). After one hour additional heating at reflux, the volatiles were distilled at reduced pressure leaving a gray solid residue of (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl chloride which was cooled and dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (1L). 
     ZA-26B. (S) 4-benzyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone 
     A solution of (S)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidinone (177.4 g, 1 mol) and t-butyl alcohol (74.1 g , 1 mol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (2L) was cooled to -78° C. A 1.6M solution of n-butyllithium in hexane (1280 mL, 2 mol) was added maintaining a temperature below -30° C. After recooling to -78° C. the (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl chloride solution (1 mol) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to 0° C. over 2 hours. 2N Hydrochloric acid (1.5L) and ethyl acetate (1L) were added. The organic layer was washed sequentially with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (0.5L), 2N hydrochloric acid (0.5L), and brine (1L). After drying over sodium sulfate, the organic layer was evaporated at reduced pressure to leave the crude imide as a tan solid. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane (2.5L/2.5L) gave (S) 4-benzyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro -4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone as off-white, shiny plates, m.p. 112°-113° C. 
     ZA-26C. (S) 4-benzyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinon 
     A 1M solution of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in tetrahydrofuran (0.43L, 0.43 mol) was cooled to -78° C. and treated dropwise with a precooled solution of (S) 4-benzyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone (86 g, 0.179 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (250 mL), maintaining a temperature below -65° C. After 15 minutes stirring, iodomethane (56 mL, 0.9 mol) was added and the solution was warmed to -30° C. After 1 hour, the solution was warmed to 0° C. and 2N hydrochloric acid (0.4L) was added. The organic layer was washed with 2% sodium sulfite (0.2L) and brine (0.2L) and dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration, the volatiles were distilled at reduced pressure and the residue was applied to a bed of silica gel (0.45 kg). Elution with 40% ethyl acetate/hexane (4L) and concentration of the eluent gave the alkylation product (S) 4-benzyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone as a white foam. The product consisted of an 85:13 mixture of diastereomers at the 2-hexenoyl position. 
     ZA-26D. (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid 
     A solution of the (S) 4-benzyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone mixture (106 g, 0.215 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (1.6L) was cooled to 0° C. 30% Aqueous hydrogen peroxide (88.6 mL, 0.85 mol) was added, followed by a solution of lithium hydroxide (18.06 g, 0.43 mol) in water (360 mL). After 40 minutes, the reaction was quenched with a solution of sodium sulfite (114 g) in water (360 mL). Most of the tetrahydrofuran was removed by distillation at reduced pressure. The aqueous residue was extracted with dichloromethane (2×0.4L), acidified with 37% hydrochloric acid (86 g) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×0.4L). The ethyl acetate extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to leave a yellow crystalline residue of (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid, m.p. 110°-114° C., as an 85:13 mixture of enantiomers at the 2-postion. 
     ZA-26E. (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid (+)-α-Methylbenzylamine Salt 
     A solution of the 85:13 acid mixture(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid (810 g, 2.4 mol,) was dissolved in acetone (16L) at 40° C. and (+)-α-methylbenzylamine (800 g, 6.6 mol) was added. Upon cooling, the salt crystallized and was collected by filtration. Recrystallization from acetone (8L) containing (+)-α-methylbenzylamine (202 g) afforded (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid (+)α-Methylbenzylamine salt after drying as off-white needles, m.p. 147°-9° C. 
     ZA-26F. (S) (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid 
     A suspension of (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid (+)-α-Methylbenzylamine Salt (380 g, 0.84 mol) in ethyl acetate (0.75L) and hexane (0.1L) was washed with 2M sulfuric acid (0.5L, then 2×0.25L) and water (0.2L). The clear organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and heated to reflux. Hexane (1.4L) was added and upon cooling the product crystallized. An additional portion of hexane (0.8L) was added and after cooling in ice the product was collected by filtration and dried to afford (S) (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid, m.p. 122°-123° C. 
     ZA-26G. Other Compounds of Formula I 
     Similarly, by substitution of appropriate materials, the reactions of Examples ZA-26A through F can be used to synthesize compounds of Formula I where Z 3  or Z 4  is lower alkyl other than methyl (by substituting a different lower alkyl halide for methyl iodide), giving the resulting intermediate such as: 
     (S) 4-benzyl-3-[(E)6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-ethyl-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone (a compound of Formula II where R 2  is benzyl, Z 3  is ethyl and Z 4  is hydrogen); 
     or for side chains other than those of Formula ZA. 
     ZA-26H. Other Compounds of Formula II 
     Similarly, by substituting (S)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidinone with a (S)-4-lower alkyl-2-oxazolidinone, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula II where R 2  is lower alkyl, such as: 
     (S) 4-t-butyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-propyl-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone; 
     (S) 4-methyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone; and 
     (S) 4-ethyl-3-[(E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-4-methyl-4-hexenoyl]-2-oxazolidinone. 
     EXAMPLE ZB-1 
     ZB-1A. Formula 202 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, D 1  -D 2  is --CH 2  --CH 2  CH 2  --, and Z 8  is Hydrogen 
     A solution of 2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)acetaldehyde (8.0 g) in tetrahydrofuran (200 ml) was cooled to-78° C. and treated with cyclopent-1-enylmagnesium bromide (26 ml of a 0.96M solution in tetrahydrofuran, prepared from cyclopentenyl bromide (4.35 g) and Mg (0.7 g) in tetrahydrofuran (30 ml) at reflux). The solution was allowed to warm to -20° C. over 1 hour, then the reaction quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride. Extraction of the product using ether was followed by washing the organic layer with brine and drying over magnesium sulfate. After filtration and evaporation, chromatography of the residue on silica gel eluting with 5:1 hexanes:ethyl acetate provided a solid residue (8 g). Recrystallization from ethyl acetate:hexanes provided the product 1-[2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-1-hydroxyeth-1-yl]cyclopent-1-ene (5.6 g), m.p. 138.8°-140.5° C. 
     ZB-1B. Separation of Enantiomers of Formula 202 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, D 1  -D 2  is --CH 2  --CH 2  --CH 2  --, and Z a  is Hydrogen 
     1. To a solution of 1-[2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-5-isobenzo-furanyl)-1-hydroxyeth -1-yl]cyclopent-1-ene (15.0 g) in diisopropylethylamine (145 ml) and dimethylaminopyridine (5.46 g) was added (R)-(+)-α-methylbenzyl isocyanate (21.1 g) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was heated at 60° C. for 7 hours, then stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was then diluted with ether (700 ml) and filtered to remove solids. The ether layer was washed sequentially with dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate, water, brine, then dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to afford the diastereomeric mixture of Formula 202A. The isomers were chromatographically separated on 1.2 kg of silica gel eluting with 7% ethyl acetate:toluene to afford: 1-{2 [4-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-(S)-1N-(1-(R)-methylbenzyl) carbamoyloxy]eth-1-yl}cyclopent-1-ene as a foam and 1-{2[4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]-1-(R)-[N-(1-(R)-methylbenzyl) carbamoyloxy]eth-1 yl}cyclopent-1-ene as a foam, [α] D  =57.55 (CH 3  OH). 
     2. To a solution of 1-{2[4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]-1-(S)-[N-(1-(R)-methylbenzyl) -carbamoyloxy]eth-1-yl}cyclopent-1-ene (9.0 g) and triethylamine (4.6 ml) in toluene (60 ml) was added trichlorosilane (2.5 ml) dropwise in toluene (20 ml). After addition, the reaction was submerged in an oil bath pre-heated to 110° C. and stirred for 15 minutes, then cooled to room temperature. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate (500 ml) and washed sequentially with aqueous ammonium chloride, dilute hydrochloric acid, aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine, then dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated onto 90 g of silica gel. This was placed on top of a silica gel column and eluted with 4:1 hexane:ethyl acetate to afford the product 1-[2-(4-tert-butyldimethyl silyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-5-isobenzofuranyl)-1-(S)-hydroxyeth-1-yl]cyclopent-1-ene, m.p. 112.0°-112.7° C. (ethyl acetate), [α] D  =33.11 (CH 3  OH). 
     ZB-1C. Alternative Preparation of Enantiomers of Formula 202 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, D 1  -D 2  is --CH 2  --CH 2  --CH 2  --, and Z 8  is H 
     1. Trifluoroacetic anhydride (1.6 ml) in methylene chloride (3.6 ml) was added dropwise to dimethyl sulfoxide (1.05 ml) and CH 2  Cl 2  (7.5 ml) under nitrogen over 5 minutes at -60° C. and stirred for 30 minutes. After addition of (±)-2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-cyclopentenyl-1-hydroxyethane (2 g) in methylene chloride (6 ml) over 15 minutes, the mixture was warmed to -40° C. over 1 hour. Triethylamine (10 ml) was added at -70° C., the cooling bath was removed, and after reaching ambient temperature the solution was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed twice with saturated aqueous potassium dihydrogen phosphate, brine, dried and evaporated. The solid residue was chromatographed on silica gel with 7:1 hexane, eluting with ethyl acetate to afford cyclopentenyl (4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-ylmethyl)methanone (1.65 g). 
     2. The compound (0.955 g) thus prepared was dissolved in toluene (2 ml), and concentrated in vacuo (azeotropic drying) followed by addition of a 1M toluene solution of (R)-tetrahydro-1-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1H, 3H-pyrrolo-[1,2-c][1,3,2]oxazaborole (0.706 ml) [J. Am. Chem. Soc., 109:7925 (1987)]. The toluene was evaporated in vacuo and replaced by methylene chloride (2.3 ml) followed by cooling to -30° C. Borane/dimethyl sulfide (0.235 ml) was added dropwise over 5 minutes in three equal portions at 1 hour intervals under a static nitrogen atmosphere. After 12 hours, 1M anhydrous methanolic HCl (1.05 ml) was added and the mixture was warmed to ambient temperature. Toluene (2 ml) was added and the mixture was concentrated to 2 ml under a nitrogen stream. Filtration afforded (R)-diphenyl-2-pyrrolidinemethanol.HCL (0.13 g). The filtrate was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with saturated aqueous potassium dihydrogen phosphate, brine, dried and concentrated to afford a colorless solid. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 3:1 hexane:ethyl acetate, afforded (S) 2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-cyclopentenyl-1-hydroxyethane (0.90 g) of 98.8% enantiomeric excess (AGP, 1 ml/minute,84:16 pH 6 phosphate buffer: isopropanol, major 3.6 minutes, minor 15.7 minutes). 
     ZB-1D. Formula 202 varying R a , D 1  -D 2 , and Z 8   
     By following the procedures of Parts A and B or C, and optionally substituting 2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)acetaldehyde with the compounds of Formula 103, prepared for example, as shown in Example ZA-2, and optionally substituting cyclopent-1-enylmagnesium bromide with appropriate compounds of Formula 201, there are obtained the corresponding compounds/enantiomers of Formula 202 identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 202                                                               
R.sup.a      D.sup.1 -D.sup.2 Z.sup.8                                     
______________________________________                                    
TBDMS        (CH.sub.2).sub.3 Methyl                                      
TBDMS        (CH.sub.2).sub.2 H                                           
TBDMS        (CH.sub.2).sub.3 H                                           
TBDMS        (CH.sub.2).sub.4 H                                           
TBDMS        CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                                       
                              Methyl                                      
TBDMS        CH.sub.2 --S--CH.sub.2                                       
                              H                                           
TBDMS        CH.sub.2 --NH--CH.sub.2                                      
                              H                                           
TBDMS        (CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                               
                              H                                           
TBDMS        (CH.sub.2).sub.3 --O--CH.sub.2                               
                              H                                           
MEM          (CH.sub.2).sub.3 Methyl                                      
MEM          (CH.sub.2).sub.2 H                                           
MEM          (CH.sub.2).sub.3 H                                           
MEM          (CH.sub.2).sub.4 H                                           
MEM          CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                                       
                              Methyl                                      
MEM          CH.sub.2 NH--CH.sub.2                                        
                              H                                           
MEM          (CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                               
                              H                                           
MEM          (CH.sub.2).sub.3 --O--CH.sub.2                               
                              H                                           
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     where TBDMS is t-butyldimethylsilyl, and MEM is methoxyethoxymethoxy. 
     EXAMPLE ZB-2 
     ZB-2A. Formula 203 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, D 1  -D 2  is --CH 2  --CH 2  --CH 2  --, Z 5  and Z 8  are Hydrogen, and Alkyl is Ethyl 
     A solution of 1-[2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-5-isobenzofuranyl)-1-hydroxyeth-1-yl]cyclopent-1-ene (0.22 g) in triethylorthoacetate (10 ml) was treated with pivalic acid (0.010 g) and then heated to 100° C., and maintained at that temperature for 18 hours. After cooling to ambient temperature, the solution was diluted with 1:1 ethyl acetate:hexanes and washed sequentially with water, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, and brine. Drying over magnesium sulfate was followed by evaporation; chromatography of the residue on silica gel (10% ethyl acetate in hexanes) afforded ethyl (E) 2-[2-[2-[4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-isobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]-cyclopent-1-yl]acetate (0.11 g) as an oil. 
     ZB-2B. Formula 203 where R a  is TBDMS or MEM, varying D 1  -D 2 , Z 5  and Z 8   
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting 1-[2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo -5-isobenzo-furanyl)-1-hydroxyeth-1-yl]cyclopent-1-ene with the compounds of Formula 202, prepared for example, as shown in Example 202, and optionally substituting triethylorthoacetate with the compounds of Formula 104a where Z 3  is hydrogen and Z 4  is hydrogen or lower alkyl, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 203 where R a  is TBDMS or MEM, identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 203                                                               
D.sup.1 -D.sup.2                                                          
              Z.sup.5    Z.sup.8   Alkyl                                  
______________________________________                                    
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
              H          Methyl    Ethyl                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                          
              H          H         Ethyl                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                          
              H          H         Ethyl                                  
CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                                                    
              H          Methyl    Ethyl                                  
CH.sub.2 --S--CH.sub.2                                                    
              H          H         Ethyl                                  
CH.sub.2 --NH--CH.sub.2                                                   
              H          H         Ethyl                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                                            
              H          H         Ethyl                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --O--CH.sub.2                                            
              H          H         Ethyl                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
              Methyl     Methyl    Methyl                                 
(CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                          
              Ethyl      H         Ethyl                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
              n-Propyl   H         Ethyl                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                          
              Methyl     H         Ethyl                                  
CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                                                    
              Ethyl      Methyl    Ethyl                                  
CH.sub.2 --S--CH.sub.2                                                    
              Ethyl      H         n-Propyl                               
CH.sub.2 NH--CH.sub.2                                                     
              Methyl     H         Isobutyl                               
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2                                            
              H          H         n-Pentyl                               
(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --O--CH.sub.2                                            
              n-Hexyl    H         n-Hexyl                                
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZB-3 
     ZB-3A. Formula I-ZB-A where D 1  -D 2  is --(CH 2 )--(CH 2 )--(CH 2 )-- and Z 5  is Hydrogen 
     To ethyl (E) 2-[2-[2-[4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]-cyclopent-1-yl]acetate (0.11 g) in methanol (9 ml) and water (1 ml) was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.050 g). After stirring for 3 days, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and excess 5% hydrochloric acid added. After separation of the organic layer, the aqueous layer was washed twice with ethyl acetate, and the combined organic layers dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration and evaporation, the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography, eluting with methylene chloride:hexanes:methanol 4:2:1, to give (E)-2-[1-[2-[1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]cyclopent-1-yl]acetic acid as a solid, m.p. 178°-180° C. (methanol/methylene chloride). 
     ZB-3B. Formula I-ZB-A varying D 1  -D 2 , Z 5  and Z 8   
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting ethyl (E) 2-[2-[2-[4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]-cyclopent -1-yl]acetate with compounds of Formula 203, prepared for example, as shown in Example ZB-2, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZB-A identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR65##                                                                
Formula I-ZB-A                                                            
D.sup.1 -D.sup.2                                                          
             Z.sup.5  Z.sup.8 m.p.                                        
______________________________________                                    
(CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                          
             H        H       146-148° C.                          
                              Ethyl acetate/                              
                              hexane                                      
(CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                          
             H        H       175-179° C.                          
                              MeOH/methylene                              
                              chloride                                    
(CH.sub.2).sub.5                                                          
             H        H       159-161° C.                          
                              Ethyl acetate/                              
                              hexane                                      
CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2                                                        
             H        H                                                   
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OCH.sub.2                                                
             Methyl   H       159.8-161.8° C.                      
                              Ethyl acetate/                              
                              hexane                                      
                              1(S), 2(S)                                  
                              Isomer                                      
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OCH.sub.2                                                
             Methyl   H       153.5-154.6° C.                      
                              Ethyl acetate/                              
                              hexane                                      
                              1(S), 2(R)                                  
                              Isomer                                      
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OCH.sub.2                                                
             H        H       136-138° C.                          
                              Ethyl acetate/                              
                              hexane                                      
                              (-) Isomer                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OCH.sub.2                                                
             H        H       134-136° C.                          
                              Ethyl acetate/                              
                              hexane                                      
                              (+) Isomer                                  
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OCH.sub.2                                                
             H        H       117-119° C.                          
                              Ethyl acetate/                              
                              hexane                                      
                              (±) Isomer                               
CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.2                                                        
             H        Methyl                                              
CH.sub.2 NHCH.sub.2                                                       
             H        H                                                   
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 S(O)CH.sub.2                                             
             H        H       239-243° C.                          
                              Methanol/                                   
                              methylene                                   
                              chloride                                    
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OCH.sub.2                                                
             H        Methyl                                              
(CH.sub.2).sub.3 OCH.sub.2                                                
             H        H                                                   
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
             Methyl   H       138-139° C.                          
                      1(S)    MeOH/methylene                              
                              chloride                                    
                              Diastereomer A                              
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
             Methyl   H       113-114° C.                          
                      1(S)    Hexane/ether                                
                              Diastereomer B                              
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
             Ethyl    H        99-100° C.                          
                              Ethyl acetate/                              
                              hexane                                      
                              1(S), 2(R)                                  
                              Isomer                                      
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
             Ethyl    H       144-145° C.                          
                              Hexane/ether                                
                              1(S), 2(S)                                  
                              Isomer                                      
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
             n-Propyl H                                                   
(CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                          
             Methyl   H       176-180° C.                          
                              t-BuOMe/hexane                              
                              Diasteriomer A                              
(CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                          
             Methyl   H       163-164° C.                          
                              t-BuOMe/hexane                              
                              1(S), 2(R)                                  
                              Isomer                                      
(CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                          
             Methyl   H       178-182° C.                          
                              t-BuOMe/hexane                              
                              Diastereomer B                              
(CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                          
             Methyl   H       151-154° C.                          
                              t-BuOMe/hexane                              
                              1(S), 2(S)                                  
                              Isomer                                      
(CH.sub.2).sub.4                                                          
             Ethyl    Methyl                                              
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
             n-Hexyl  Methyl                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZB-4 
     ZB-4A Formula 203 Where R a  is TBDMS, D 1  -D 2  is (CH 2 ) 4 , Z 5  is Methyl and Z 8  is Hydrogen 
     A 2.16 g (5.00 mmol) sample of 6-(2-cyclohex-1-enyl-2S-hydroxyethyl) -7-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-5-methoxy-4-methyl-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one was dissolved in 85 ml of triethyl orthopropionate and then 103 mg (1.00 mmol) of trimethylacetic acid in 15 ml triethyl orthopropionate was added. The solution was submerged in a 130° C. oil bath for 3 h, after which it was cooled to below room temperature, diluted with ethyl acetate, and washed with 1M NaHSO 4  and brine. After drying over Na 2  SO 4 , the EtOAc solution was concentrated to give a residue which was flash chromatographed eluting with 3:97 EtOAc/PhCH 3  to give 619 mg of E-2R-{2-[2-(4-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy) -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohex-1S-yl}propionic acid ethyl ester and 1.29 g of E-2S-{2-[2-(4-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran -5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohex-1S-yl}propionic acid ethyl ester. 
     ZB-4B Formula I-ZB-A Where D 1  -D 2  is (CH 2 ) 4 , Z 5  is Methyl and Z 8  is Hydrogen 
     By following the procedures of Examples ZA-5A and ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with E-2R-{2-[2-(4-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohex-1S-yl}propionic acid ethyl ester and E-2S-{2-[2-(4-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohex-1S-yl}propionic acid ethyl ester, there are obtained E-2R-{2-[2-(4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohex-1S-yl}propionic acid and E-2S-{2-[2-(4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo -1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclohex-1S-yl}propionic acid. 
     EXAMPLE ZB -5 
     ZB-5A. Ethyl (E) 2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) ethylidene]cyclopent -1-(S)-yl}acetate 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-5A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E) 2-[2-[2-[4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl]ethylidene]-cyclopent-1-(S)-yl]acetate, there is obtained ethyl (E) 2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl) ethylidene]cyclopent-1-(S)-yl}acetate. 
     ZB-5B. Ethyl (E) 2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) ethylidene]cyclopent -1-(S)-yl}propionate 
     To a solution of 1M sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in tetrahydrofuran (31.7 ml ) and 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinone (2.74 ml) at -78° C. was added ethyl (E) 2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro -4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) ethylidene]cyclopent -1-(S)-yl}acetate (3.39 g) in tetrahydrofuran (35 ml), over a period of 30 minutes. After an additional 30 minutes methyl iodide (2.25 ml) was added. After an additional two hours saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (10 ml) and ethyl acetate were added. The organic solution was dried and evaporated and the residue chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 4:1 hexane:ethyl acetate, to afford one diastereomer of ethyl (E) 2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)ethylidene]cyclopent-1-(S)-yl}propionate as a low-melting solid. 
     ZB -5C. (E) 2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxo-isobenzofuran-5-yl) ethylidene]cyclopent-1-(S)-yl}propionic acid 
     A mixture of ethyl (E) 2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclopent-1-(S)-yl}propionate (2.6 g), ethanol (100 ml), water (50 ml) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (1.7 g) was stirred at room temperature for 62 hours. 5% Aqueous hydrochloric acid (250 ml) was then added. The solution was extracted with ethyl acetate and the extract was dried and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 80:20:1 hexane:ethyl acetate: acetic acid, to afford one diastereomer of (E) 2-{2-[2-(1,3-dihydro -4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) ethylidene]cyclopent -1-(S)-yl}propionic acid, m.p. 113°-115° C. 
     EXAMPLE ZC-1 
     ZC-1A Formula 302 Where R a  is Tosyl and Z 5  is Methyl 
     A solution of 2-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranyl)acetaldehyde (10.0 g) and 2-triphenylphosphoranylidine propionaldehyde (10.3 g) in toluene (150 mL) was heated under nitrogen atmosphere using an oil bath at 80° C. After allowing the reaction to proceed for 16 hours, the mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and subjected to flash chromatography three times (7/2/1 hexanes/methylene chloride/methanol; 6/3/1 hexanes/methylene chloride/methanol; 1/1/1 hexanes/methylene chloride/ether). The residual solid (5.56 g) was recrystallized from ethyl acetate (200 mL) to afford 4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy -5-isobenzofuranyl)2-methylbut-2-enaldehyde (2.65 g), m.p. 168.3°-173.2° C., impure with the starting aldehyde. 
     ZC-1B Formula 303 Where R a  is Tosyl and Z 5  is Methyl 
     To a solution of 4-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranyl)2-methylbut-2-enaldehyde (0.90 g) in tetrahydrofuran (40 mL) was added vinylmagnesium bromide (4.5 mL of a 1M solution in tetrahydrofuran). After stirring for 0.5 hours, the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed successively with aqueous ammonium chloride and brine. Drying over magnesium sulfate was followed by filtration and solvent removal to leave a residual oil, 6-(1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranyl)-3-hydroxy-4-methylhexa-1,4-diene, which was carried on without further purification. 
     ZC-1C Formula 304 Where R a  is Tosyl and Z 5  is Methyl 
     The oil product from Example ZC-1B, 6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranyl)-3-hydroxy -4-methylhexa-1,4-diene, was dissolved in methylene chloride (20 mL) and 4A molecular sieves (2 g) were added. With vigorous stirring, pyridinium dichromate (2 g) was added and the reaction allowed to proceed for 3 hours. The mixture was then filtered through a celite filled fritted funnel capped with silica gel. Solvent removal was followed by flash chromatography (hexanes/methylene chloride/ether, 4/4/1) to provide the solid product 6-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy -5-isobenzofuranyl)-4-methylhexa-1,4-dien-3-one (0.45 g), which was carried on without further purification. 
     ZC-1D Formula 305 Where R a  is Tosyl and Z 5  is Methyl 
     The solid product prepared in Example ZC-1C, 6-(1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranyl) -4-methylhexa-1,4-dien-3-one was dissolved in methylene chloride (15 mL) and treated with boron trifluoride etherate (0.5 mL). After 0.5 hours, the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with brine, then dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, solvent removal and chromatography (silica gel, hexanes/methylene chloride/ether, 4/4/2) gave the product, 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy -5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-2-methyl cyclopent -2-en -1-one (0.18 g) as a colorless solid m.p. 65.4°-66.8° C. 
     ZC-1E Formula 306 Where R a  is Tosyl and Z 5  is Methyl 
     A mixture of 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-2-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-one (0.17 g) and cerium trichloride heptahydrate (0.172 g) in tetrahydrofuran/methanol (12 mL, 4/1) was treated with sodium borohydride (0.035 g). After 0.5 hours, the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with brine. Drying over magnesium sulfate was followed by filtration and solvent removal. Chromatography (hexanes/methylene chloride/ether, 1/1/1) gave the product 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-2-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-ol (0.088 g) as a solid m.p. 108.0°-111.5° C. 
     ZC-1F Formulae 307 and 308 Where R a  is Tosyl, Z 5  is Methyl and Z 8  is H 
     To a solution of 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-2-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-ol (0.157 g) in ethyl vinyl ether (10 mL) was added mercuric acetate (0.052 g). After stirring for 30 hours at ambient temperature, the reaction was diluted with ether and passed quickly through a fritted funnel half filled with celite and capped with silica. To this ethereal solution [containing 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy -5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-2-methyl-1-vinyloxycyclopent-2-ene, which was not isolated or characterized] was then added lithium perchlorate (10 mL, 0.5M solution in ether). After 0.5 hours, the reaction was diluted with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and washed with brine. Drying over magnesium sulfate was followed by filtration and solvent removal. The product 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-2-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-ylacetaldehyde (0.050 g) was finally obtained after chromatography (hexanes/ethyl acetate, 2/1). 
     ZC-1G Formula 309 Where R a  is Tosyl, Z 5  is Methyl and Z 8  is Hydrogen 
     The 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-1-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-ylacetaldehyde was dissolved in dioxane (8 mL) and pH 5 buffer (3 mL) and treated with resorcinol (0.10 g). To this mixture was then added sodium chlorite (0.080 g). After 2 minutes, the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and made acidic with 5% hydrochloric acid. After two extractions with ethyl acetate, the combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate. The residue, 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy-5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-1-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-ylacetic acid obtained after solvent removal was carried on without further purification. 
     ZC-1H Formula I-ZC Where Z 5  is Methyl and Z 8  is Hydrogen 
     The 3-(1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-4-p-toluenesulfonyloxy -5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-1-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-ylacetic acid obtained in Example ZC-1G was dissolved in a mixture of methanol (8 mL) and water (2 mL) and treated with lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.15 g). After 4 hours, the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and made acidic with 5% hydrochloric acid. After two extractions with ethyl acetate, the product was washed out of the combined organic layers with 2M NaOH. Acidification of the basic layers with 5% hydrochloric acid and extraction of the product into ethyl acetate was followed by drying the organic layer with magnesium sulfate. Filtration and solvent removal was followed by two flash chromatographies (hexanes/ethyl acetate, 4/1 with 1% HOAc; then methylene chloride/methanol 25/1) to provide 3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-5-isobenzofuranylmethyl)-2-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-ylacetic acid (0.010 g) m.p. 153°-159° C. 
     ZC-1I Formula I-ZC Varying Z 5  and Z 8   
     By following the procedures of Examples ZC-1A through ZC-1H and appropriately substituting 2-triphenylphosphorylidine propionaldehyde in Example ZC-1A and ethyl vinyl ether in Example ZC-1F, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZC. 
     EXAMPLE ZD-1 
     ZD-1A. Formula I-ZD-A2 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-3-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclopentane -1-carboxylate (prepared e.g, as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZD-A, Steps 1 through 4) there is obtained (E)-3-[2-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)ethylidene]cyclopentane -1-carboxylic acid, m.p. 128°-130° C. (hexane-dichloromethane). 
     EXAMPLE ZE-1 
     ZE-1A. Formula 515 where R a  is Acetyl and Z 5  is Hydrogen 
     A solution of 5-allyl-4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran [(J. W. Patterson and G. Huang, Chemical Communications, 1579 (1991)] (7.5 g) in acetic acid (95 ml) and acetic anhydride (95 ml) was refluxed for 18 hours, then cooled and poured into ice water. The solution was extracted with ethyl acetate, and the extract washed with dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate, followed by water, then dried and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 7:3 hexane:ethyl acetate, to give 4-acetoxy-5-allyl -1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran, mp 101°-102° C. 
     ZE-1B. Formula 515 where R a  is Acetyl, Varying Z 5   
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting 5-allyl-4-tert-butyldimethyl silyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran with the compounds of Formula 514 where Z 5  is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl (prepared for example, as shown in Reaction Scheme ZE-C, Step 2, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 515 where R a  is acetyl and Z 5  is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl. 
     EXAMPLE ZE -2 
     ZE-2A. Formula 511 where R a  is Acetyl, Z 5  and Z 7  are Hydrogen, Z 6  is 3-Methyl, and Alkyl is Methyl 
     4-Acetoxy-5-allyl-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran (0.6 g), methyl 2-bromo-3-methylbenzoate (0.92 g), silver carbonate (1.3 g), palladium acetate (0.1 g), triphenylphosphine (0.14 g) and dimethylformamide (70 ml) were heated with stirring at 100° C. for 6 hours, then stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was poured into ice water and the pH adjusted to 3 by addition of 2N hydrochloric acid. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate, and the extract was dried and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 7:3 hexane:ethyl acetate, to give methyl (E)-2-[3-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-prop -1-en-1-yl]-3-methylbenzoate, mp 104°-111° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane). 
     ZE-2B. Formula 511 where R a  is Acetyl, Varying Z 5 , Z 6 , Z 7 , and Alkyl 
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting 4-acetoxy-5-allyl-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran with the compounds of Formula 515, e.g., where Z 5  is H, methyl and n-propyl (prepared for example, as shown in Examples ZE-1A and ZE-1B), and substituting methyl 2-bromo-3-methylbenzoate with the compounds of Formula 516 identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 516                                                               
Alkyl      Z.sup.6     Z.sup.7     Halo                                   
______________________________________                                    
Methyl     H           H           Iodo                                   
Methyl     3-Methyl    H           Iodo                                   
Methyl     6-Methyl    H           Iodo                                   
Methyl     5-t-Butyl   H           lodo                                   
Methyl     5-Methyl    6-Methyl    Iodo                                   
Methyl     5-Methoxy   H           Iodo                                   
Methyl     4-COOH      H           Iodo                                   
Methyl     4-Chloro    H           Iodo                                   
Methyl     5-Chloro    H           Iodo                                   
Methyl     5-Bromo     6-Bromo     Bromo                                  
Methyl     5-Nitro     H           Iodo                                   
Methyl     6-Nitro     H           lodo                                   
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 511 where R a  is acetyl, as identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 511                                                               
Alkyl      Z.sup.5   Z.sup.6      Z.sup.7                                 
______________________________________                                    
Methyl     H         H            H                                       
Methyl     H         3-Methyl     H                                       
Methyl     H         6-Methyl     H                                       
Mathvl     H         5-t-Butyl    H                                       
Methyl     H         5-Methyl     6-Methyl                                
Methyl     H         5-Methoxy    H                                       
Methyl     H         4-COOH       H                                       
Methyl     H         4-Chloro     H                                       
Methyl     H         5-Chloro     H                                       
Methyl     H         S-Bromo      6-Br                                    
Methyl     H         5-Nitro      H                                       
Methyl     H         6-Nitro      H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    H            H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    3-Methyl     H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    6-Methyl     H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    5-t-Butyl    H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    5-Methyl     6-Methyl                                
Methyl     Methyl    5-Methoxy    H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    4-COOH       H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    4-Chloro     H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    5-Chloro     H                                       
Methyl     methyl    5-Br         6-Bromo                                 
Methyl     Methyl    5-Nitro      H                                       
Methyl     Methyl    6-Nitro      H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  H            H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  3-Methyl     H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  6-Methyl     H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  5-t-Butyl    H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  5-Methyl     6-Methyl                                
Methyl     n-Propyl  5-Methoxy    H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  4-COOH       H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  4-Chloro     H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  5-Chloro     H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  5-Bromo      6-Bromo                                 
Methyl     n-Propyl  5-Nitro      H                                       
Methyl     n-Propyl  6-Nitro      H                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZE-3 
     ZE-3A. Formula I-ZE-D2 where Z 5  and Z 7  are Hydrogen, and Z 6  is 3-Methyl 
     A solution of methyl (E)-2-[3-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-prop-1-en-1-yl]-3-methylbenzoate (0.1 g) and lithium hydroxide (0.06 g) in methanol (1 ml) and water (1 ml) was heated at 70° C. for 48 hours. The solution was cooled and poured into water, then acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried and evaporated to give (E)-2-[3-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-prop -1-en-1-yl ]-3-methylbenzoic acid, mp 180°-3° C. (ethyl acetate/cyclohexane). 
     ZE-3B. Formula I-ZE-D2 Varying Z 5 , Z 6  and Z 7   
     By following the procedure of part A and substituting methyl (E)-2-[3-(4-acetoxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl) -prop-1-en-1-yl]-3-methylbenzoate with the compounds of Formula 511 prepared as described in Example ZE-2B, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZE-D2 identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR66##                                                                
Formula I-ZE-D2                                                           
Z.sup.5  Z.sup.6    Z.sup.7  m.p.                                         
______________________________________                                    
H        H          H        203-204° C.                           
                             isopropanol                                  
H        3-Methyl   H        180-183° C.                           
                             ethyl acetate/                               
                             cyclohexane                                  
H        6-Methyl   H                                                     
H        5-t-Butyl  H                                                     
H        5-Methyl   6-Methyl                                              
H        5-Methoxy  H        194-197° C.                           
                             ethyl acetate/                               
                             hexane                                       
H        4-COOH     H        &gt;280° C.                              
                             acetic acid                                  
H        4-Chloro   H        234.9-236.8° C.                       
                             ethyl acetate                                
                             hexane                                       
H        5-Chloro   H        221.1-222.9° C.                       
                             ethyl acetate/                               
                             hexane                                       
H        5-Bromo    6-Bromo                                               
H        5-Nitro    H        234-236° C.                           
                             ethyl acetate/                               
                             hexane                                       
H        6-Nitro    H        240-243° C.                           
                             ethyl acetate/                               
                             hexane                                       
Methyl   H          H        173-175° C.                           
                             hexane/methylene                             
                             chloride                                     
Methyl   3-Methyl   H                                                     
Methyl   6-Methyl   H                                                     
Methyl   5-t-Butyl  H                                                     
Methyl   5-Methyl   6-Methyl                                              
Methyl   5-Methoxy  H                                                     
Methyl   4-COOH     H                                                     
Methyl   4-Chloro   H                                                     
Methyl   5-Chloro   H                                                     
Methyl   5-Bromo    6-Bromo                                               
Methyl   6-Nitro    H                                                     
n-Propyl H          H                                                     
n-Propyl 3-Methyl   H                                                     
n-Propyl 6-Methyl   H                                                     
n-Propyl 5-t-Butyl  H                                                     
n-Propyl 5-Methyl   6-Methyl                                              
n-Propyl 5-Methoxy  H                                                     
n-Propyl 4-COOH     H                                                     
n-Propyl 4-Chloro   H                                                     
n-Propyl 5-Chloro   H                                                     
n-Propyl 5-Bromo    6-Bromo                                               
n-Propyl 6-Nitro    H                                                     
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZF -1 
     ZF-1A. Formula I-ZF Where Z 1  is Methyl 
     4-(1,3-Dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-ylmethyl)-3-methylcyclopent-3-ene-1,1-dicarboxylic acid (obtained as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZF-A, Steps 1 through 4) is heated at 200° C. for 5 minutes under nitrogen to give 4-(1,3-dihydro -4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-ylmethyl) -3-methylcyclopent-3-ene-1-carboxylic acid, m.p. 208°-211° C. 
     EXAMPLE ZG-1 
     ZG-1A. Formula I-ZG-A Where Z 3  and Z 4  are H 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl 3-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzo-furan-5-yl) cyclopent -1-en-1-yl]-propionate (prepared e.g, as described with reference to Reaction Scheme ZG-A, Steps 1 through 10) there is obtained 3-[3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzo-furan-5-yl) cyclopent-1-en-1-yl]-propionic acid, m.p. 162°-167° C. 
     EXAMPLE ZH-1 
     ZH-1A. Formula 801 where D 4  is CH 2 , R a  is TBDMS and Z 1  is Methyl 
     A solution of 2-bromo-6-t-butyldimethylsilyloxylhex-2-ene (3.83 g) in 100 ml THF was cooled to -78° C., and a 1.7M solution of tert-butyl lithium (16.1 ml) was added slowly, to form a compound of Formula 103e where M is lithium. Stirring was continued for 1 hour at -78° C. During this time a solution of magnesium bromide was prepared by slowly adding a solution of ethylene dibromide (1.24 ml) in benzene (5 ml) to a flask, equipped with a water cooled condenser, containing magnesium (349 mg) and ether (5 ml) at room temperature. The magnesium bromide solution was added via cannula to the solution of the vinyl lithium of Formula 103e. The resulting solution was stirred at -78° C. for 25 min, at which time a solution of 2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)acetaldehyde (5.04 g) (Formula 103) in THF (40 ml) was added. The reaction was stirred for 20 minutes at -78° C., then allowed to warm to 0° C. over 15 min., at which time 1N NH 4  Cl (20 ml) was added. The mixture was diluted with ether (500 ml), washed with 1N NH 4  Cl (3×), brine, and dried. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel (10%-20% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give 4.80 g of (E)-7-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy -1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-tert-butyldimethyl-silyloxy-6-hydroxy-5-methylhept-4-ene as an oil, a compound of Formula 801. 
     ZH-1B. Formula 801 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, Varying D 4  and Z 1   
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting 2-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)acetaldehyde with the compounds of Formula 103, and optionally substituting 2-bromo-6-t-butyldimethylsilyloxylhex-2-ene with the compounds of Formula 103e, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 801 identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 801                                                               
       D.sup.4      Z.sup.1                                               
______________________________________                                    
       CH.sub.2     Hydrogen                                              
       CH.sub.2     Ethyl                                                 
       CH.sub.2     n-Propyl                                              
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Ethyl                                                 
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       CH.sub.2     CF.sub.3                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZH-2 
     ZH-2A. Formula 802 where Alkyl is Ethyl, D 4  is CH 2 , R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl and Z 1  is Methyl 
     (E)-7-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-tert-butyldimethyl-silyloxy-6-hydroxy -5-methylhept-4-ene (4.74 g) was dissolved in triethyl orthoacetate (76 ml) and pivalic acid (171 mg) was added. The solution was placed in an oil bath preheated to 130° C., and stirred for 2 1/2 hrs. After cooling, the reaction was diluted with ether, washed with 1N NaHSO 4  (3×), saturated sodium bicarbonate, brine, and dried. The solvent was evaporated and the resulting oil chromatographed on silica gel (20% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give ethyl (E) 6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-3-(3-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxypropyl) -4-methylhex-4-enoate (2.94 g), a compound of Formula 802. 
     ZH-2B. Formula 802 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, Alkyl is Ethyl, Varying D 4  and Z 1   
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting (E)-7-(4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-1-tert -butyldimethyl-silyloxy-6-hydroxy -5-methylhept-4-ene with the compounds of Formula 801, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 802 identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 802                                                               
       D.sup.4      Z.sup.1                                               
______________________________________                                    
       CH.sub.2     Hydrogen                                              
       CH.sub.2     Ethyl                                                 
       CH.sub.2     n-Propyl                                              
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Ethyl                                                 
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       CH.sub.2     CF.sub.3                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZH-3 
     ZH-3A. Formula 803 where Alkyl is Ethyl, D 4  is CH 2 , R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl and Z 1  is Methyl 
     Ethyl (E) 6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxo-isobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-(3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxypropyl) -4-methylhex-4-enoate (2.92 g) was dissolved in acetonitrile (50 ml). To this was added a solution of 40% aqueous HF (5 ml) in acetonitrile (45 ml), and the reaction mixture stirred for 10 minutes. Most of the acetonitrile was then evaporated, and the remaining solution diluted with ether. The ether was washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate (3×), brine, and dried. Evaporation of the solvent gave an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (40% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give ethyl (E) 6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-isobenzofuran -5-yl)-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-4-methylhex-4-enoate (2.10 g) , a compound of Formula 803, as an oil. 
     ZH-3B. Formula 803 where R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl, Alkyl is Ethyl, Varying D 4  and Z 1   
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting ethyl (E)-6-(4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxo-isobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-(3-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxypropyl) -4-methylhex-4-enoate with the compounds of Formula 802, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 803 identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 803                                                               
       D.sup.4      Z.sup.1                                               
______________________________________                                    
       CH.sub.2     Hydrogen                                              
       CH.sub.2     Ethyl                                                 
       CH.sub.2     n-Propyl                                              
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Ethyl                                                 
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       CH.sub.2     CF.sub.3                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZH-4 
     ZH-4A. Formula 804 where Alkyl is Ethyl, D 4  is CH 2 , R a  is t-Butyldimethylsilyl and Z 1  is Methyl 
     Ethyl (E) 6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy -7-methyl-3-oxo-isobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-4-methylhex-4-enoate (0.82 g) was dissolved in methylene chloride (25 ml) and cooled to 0° C. Diisopropylethylamine (1.21 ml) was then added, followed by methanesulfonyl chloride (351 μl). The solution was stirred for 30 minutes, diluted with methylene chloride, then washed with 1N HCl, then brine, and dried. The solvent was evaporated, and the residue dissolved in acetone (50 ml). Lithium bromide (3.0 g) was added, and the reaction heated to reflux for 1 1/2 hrs. Upon cooling, the solvent was evaporated, the residue dissolved in ether, washed with water, brine, and dried. The solvent was evaporated and the resulting oil chromatographed on silica gel (10-15% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give ethyl (E) 6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methylhex-4-enoate (1.75 g), a compound of Formula 804, as an oil. 
     ZH-4B. Formula 804 where R a  is TBDMS, Alkyl is Ethyl, Varying D 4  and Z 1   
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting ethyl (E)-6-(4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-isobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-4-methylhex -4-enoate with the compounds of Formula 803, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 804 identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 804                                                               
       D.sup.4      Z.sup.1                                               
______________________________________                                    
       CH.sub.2     Hydrogen                                              
       CH.sub.2     Ethyl                                                 
       CH.sub.2     n-Propyl                                              
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Ethyl                                                 
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       CH.sub.2     CF.sub.3                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZH-5 
     ZH-5A. Formula 805 where Alkyl is Ethyl, D 4  is CH 2 , and Z 1  is Methyl 
     A solution of of ethyl (E) 6-(4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy -1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl) -3-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methylhex-4-enoate (1.62 g) was dissolved in THF (25 ml), cooled to 0° C., and a solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride trihydrate (919 mg) in THF (5 ml) was added. The reaction was stirred for 15 min, diluted with ether, washed water (2×), brine, and dried. The solvent was evaporated, and the resulting oil chromatographed on silica gel (15%-20% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give ethyl (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-3-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methylhex -4-enoate (810 mg ) . 
     ZH-5B. Formula 805 where Alkyl is Ethyl, Varying D 4  and Z 1   
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting ethyl (E)-6-(4-tert -butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl -3-oxo-isobenzofuran -5-yl)-3-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methylhex-4-enoate with the compounds of Formula 804, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula 805 identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula 805                                                               
       D.sup.4      Z.sup.1                                               
______________________________________                                    
       CH.sub.2     Hydrogen                                              
       CH.sub.2     Ethyl                                                 
       CH.sub.2     n-Propyl                                              
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Ethyl                                                 
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       CH.sub.2     CF.sub.3                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZH-6 
     ZH-6A. Formula I-ZH-A1 where Alkyl is Ethyl, D 4  is CH 2 , and Z 1  is Methyl 
     A solution of ethyl (E) 6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo-isobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methylhex -4-enoate (420 mg) was cooled to -78° C. in THF (50 ml), and a 1M solution of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (1.88 ml) in THF was added slowly. The reaction was stirred for 45 min at -78° C., and then allowed to warm to 0° C. over 15 minutes, at which time 5 ml of 1N NH 4  Cl) was added. The THF was evaporated, the aqueous layer extracted with ether, the ether layer washed with 1N HCl, brine, and then dried. Evaporation of the solvent gave an oil, which was chromatographed on silica gel (20%-25% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give ethyl (E)-1-[-3-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-1-methylpropenyl ]-cyclopentanecarboxylate (235 mg), a compound of Formula I-ZH-A1, as an oil. 
     ZH-6B. Formula I-ZH-A1 where Alkyl is Ethyl, Varying D 4  and Z 1   
     By following the procedure of part A and optionally substituting ethyl (E ) -6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxo -isobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methylhex-4-enoate with the compounds of Formula 805, there are obtained the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZH-1A identified in the following table: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Formula I-ZH-A1                                                           
       D.sup.4      Z.sup.1                                               
______________________________________                                    
       CH.sub.2     Hydrogen                                              
       CH.sub.2     Ethyl                                                 
       CH.sub.2     n-Propyl                                              
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       (CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                   
                    Ethyl                                                 
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    H                                                     
       (CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                   
                    Methyl                                                
       CH.sub.2     CF.sub.3                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE ZH-7 
     ZH-7A. Formula I-ZH-A2 where D 4  is CH 2 , and Z 1  is Methyl 
     By following the procedure of Example ZA-6A and substituting methyl (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-4-hexenoate with ethyl (E)-2-[-3-(4-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-methylpropenyl ]-cyclopentane-carboxylate and compounds of Formula I-ZH-A1, prepared e.g, as described in Example ZH-6B, there are obtained (E)-2-[-3-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy -6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran-5-yl)-1-methylpropenyl]-cyclopentane-carboxylic acid, mp 157°-158° C. (hexane/ethyl acetate) and the corresponding compounds of Formula I-ZH-A2 as identified in the following table. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
 ##STR67##                                                                
Formula I-ZH-A2                                                           
D.sup.4      Z.sup.1   mp                                                 
______________________________________                                    
CH.sub.2     Hydrogen                                                     
OCH.sub.2    Methyl    165-166° C.                                 
                       hexane/ethyl                                       
                       acetate                                            
CH.sub.2     Ethyl                                                        
CH.sub.2     n-Propyl                                                     
(CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                          
             H                                                            
(CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                          
             Methyl    171-177° C.                                 
                       hexane/ethyl                                       
                       acetate                                            
(CH.sub.2).sub.2                                                          
             Ethyl                                                        
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
             H                                                            
(CH.sub.2).sub.3                                                          
             Methyl                                                       
CH.sub.2     CF.sub.3                                                     
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLES 1-6 
     These examples illustrate the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical formulations containing an Active Compound of Formula I, e.g., (E)-6-(1,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl-3-oxoisobenzofuran -5-yl)-2(S),4-dimethyl-4-hexenoic acid. Other compounds of Formula I, such as those prepared in accordance with Examples ZA through ZH, can be used as the Active Compound in preparation of the formulations of these examples. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
                 Quantity per                                             
Ingredients      capsule, mgs.                                            
______________________________________                                    
Active compound  200                                                      
lactose, spray-dried                                                      
                 148                                                      
magnesium stearate                                                        
                  2                                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     The above ingredients are mixed and introduced into a hard-shell gelatin capsule. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     This example illustrates the preparation of another representative pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
                 Quantity per                                             
Ingredients      tablet, mgs.                                             
______________________________________                                    
Active compound  400                                                      
corn starch       50                                                      
croscarmellose sodium                                                     
                  25                                                      
lactose          120                                                      
magnesium stearate                                                        
                  5                                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     The above ingredients are mixed intimately and pressed into single scored tablets. 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     A suspension for oral administration is prepared having the following composition: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Ingredients            Amount                                             
______________________________________                                    
Active compound        1.0      g                                         
fumaric acid           0.5      g                                         
sodium chloride        2.0      g                                         
methyl paraben         0.15     g                                         
propyl paraben         0.05     g                                         
granulated sugar       25.5     g                                         
sorbitol (70% solution)                                                   
                       12.85    g                                         
Veegum K (Vanderbilt co.)                                                 
                       1.0      g                                         
flavoring              0.035    ml                                        
colorings              0.5      mg                                        
distilled water        qs. to 100                                         
                                ml                                        
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     EXAMPLE 4 
     An injectable preparation buffered to a suitable pH is prepared having the following composition: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Ingredients          Amount                                               
______________________________________                                    
Active compound      0.2 g.sup.                                           
Sodium Acetate Buffer Solution (0.4M)                                     
                     2.0 ml                                               
HCl (1N) or NaOH (1N)                                                     
                     q.s. to suitable pH                                  
water (distilled, sterile)                                                
                     q.s. to 20 ml                                        
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     EXAMPLE 5 
     This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical formulation for topical application. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Ingredients          grams                                                
______________________________________                                    
Active compound      0.2-10                                               
Span 60              2                                                    
Tween 60             2                                                    
Mineral oil          5                                                    
Petrolatum           10                                                   
Methyl paraben       0.15                                                 
Propyl paraben       0.05                                                 
BHA (butylated hydroxy anisole)                                           
                     0.01                                                 
Water                q.s. to 100                                          
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     All of the above ingredients, except water, are combined and heated to 60° C.-70° C. with stirring. A sufficient quantity of water at 60° C. is then added with vigorous stirring to emulsify the ingredients, and water then added q.s. 100 g. 
     EXAMPLE 6 
     A suppository totalling 2.5 grams is prepared having the following composition: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Active compound  500 mg                                                   
witepool H-15*   balance                                                  
______________________________________                                    
 (*triglycerides of saturated vegetable fatty acid; a product HULS, Inc., 
 New Jersey).                                                             
 
    
     EXAMPLE 7 
     In Vitro Determination of Therapeutic Activity (As an Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Viral, Anti-Tumor, Anti-Psoriatic and/or Immunosuppressive Agent) Utilizing the Inhibition of IMP Dehydrogenase Assay 
     This assay is a modification of the method of Anderson, J. H. and Sartorelli, A.C., Jour. Biol. Chem, 243:4762-4768 (1968). It measures the formation of NADH (λ max  =340 nm, ε340=6,220 M -1  cm -1 ) as Inosine 5&#39;-monophosphate (&#34;IMP&#34;) is converted to Xanthosine 5&#39;-monophosphate (&#34;XMP&#34;) by the human Type II IMP dehydrogenase (&#34;IMPDH&#34;). 
     Compounds are dissolved and diluted in DMSO, and reaction solutions containing compounds at 0, 0.01, 0.10, 1.0, 10, and 100 μM are prepared in disposable methacrylic plastic microcuvets (`UV-transparent` plastic, 1 cm pathlength, 1.5 ml capacity). The solutions (0.5-1 ml) contain the following: 0.1M TrisHCL, pH 8.0; 0.1M KCL; 3.0 mM EDTA; 100 μg/ml BSA; 0.05 mM IMP; 0.10 mM NAD; 10% DMSO; 5-15 nM IMPDH (0.003-0.010 units/ml; one unit of enzyme catalyzes the formation of one μmol NADH per minute at 40° C. at saturating substrate concentrations -200 μM IMP and 400 μM NAD). Reactions are performed at 40° C. and initiated by the addition of enzyme. Mycophenolic acid (IC 50  ≈0.02μM) serves as the positive control. The reactions are monitored at 340 nm for 10 minutes in a UV/VIS spectrophotometer, and rate data are collected. 
     The 50% inhibitory value (&#34;IC 50  &#34;) is determined by fitting the fractional activities relative to control to the following equation on a Macintosh computer by the program Systat: 
     
         Fractional activity=MAX/((X/IC.sub.50).sup.n +1). 
    
     X is the concentration of the compound, and the term n accounts for deviations of the data from a simple competitive inhibition model. 
     The compounds of the present invention inhibit IMPDH when tested by this method, indicating their activity as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-psoriatic and/or immunosuppressive agents. 
     EXAMPLE 8 
     In Vitro Determination of Immunosuppressive Activity Utilizing Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes to Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) 
     This procedure is a modification of a procedure initially described by Greaves, et al. [&#34;Activation of human T and B lymphocytes by polyclonal mitogens,&#34; Nature, 248:698-701 (1974)]. 
     Human mononuclear cells (&#34;PBL&#34;) are separated from heparinized whole blood by density gradient centrifugation in Ficoll-Plaque (Pharmacia). After washing, 2×10 5  cells/well are cultured in microtiter plates with RPMI 1640 supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum, penicillin and streptomycin. PHA (Sigma) at 10 μg/ml is then added. Test materials are tested at concentrations between 10 4  and 10 8  M, by addition to the culture at time 0. Cultures are set up in quadruplicate and incubated at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere with 7% CO 2  for 72 hours. A pulse of 0.5 μCi/well of  3  H-thymidine is added for the last 6 hours. Cells are collected on glass fiber filters with an automatic harvester and radioactivity is measured by standard scintillation procedures. The 50% inhibitory concentration (&#34;IC 50  &#34;) for mitogenic stimulation is determined graphically. 
     To evaluate differential effects on T-and B-lymphocytes, different mitogens are used: PWM (Sigma) at 20 μg/ml and Staphylococcus Protein A bound to Sepharose (SPA) (Sigma) 2 mg/ml or 14 μg/ml of Protein A. 
     The compounds of the present invention show immunosuppressive activity when tested by this method. 
     EXAMPLE 9 
     In Vivo Determination of Immunosuppressive Activity Utilizing the Hemolytic Plaque Forming Cell Assay 
     This procedure is a modification of &#34;The agar plaque technique for recognizing antibody producing cells,&#34; a procedure initially described by Jerne et al., [Cellbound Antibodies, Amos and Kaprowski editors (Wistar Institute Press, Philadelphia, 1963), p. 109]. 
     Groups of 5-6 adult C578B1/6 male mice were sensitized with 1×10 8  sheep red blood cells (&#34;SRBC&#34;) and simultaneously treated with an oral dosage form of the test material in an aqueous vehicle. Animals in a control group receive the same volume of vehicle. Four days after SRBC inoculation, spleens are dispersed in loose Ten Broeck homogenizers. The number of nucleated cells (&#34;WBC&#34;) is determined and the spleen cell suspension is mixed with SRBC, guinea pig complement and agar solution at 0.5% concentration. Aliquots of the above mixture (0.1 ml) are dropped on four separate quadrants of a Petri dish and are covered with cover slips. After two hours incubation at 37° C., areas of hemolysis around plaque-forming cells (&#34;PFC&#34;) are counted with a dissecting microscope. Total WBC/spleen, PFC/spleen and PFC/10 6  WBC (&#34;PPM&#34;) are calculated for each mouse spleen. Geometric means of each treatment group are then compared with the vehicle-treated control group. 
     The compounds of the present invention show immunosuppressive activity when tested by this method. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. All of the patents and publications referenced above are hereby incorporated by reference.