| abstract |
Compounds of formula (I): <CHEM> [in which: A is a group of formula (II) or (III): <CHEM> W is methylene, carbonyl or >C=N-OV, where V is hydrogen, sulpho, acyl or alkyl; U is methylene, or W is absent and U is a carbon-carbon double bond between A and -CR<1>(OH)-; R<1>, R<2>, R<3> and R<4> are each hydrogen or alkyl; Y<1> and Y<1> are each hydrogen or a hydroxy-protecting group; and n is 1, 2 or 3] and salts thereof have anti-diabetic activity in mammals. Methods of preparing them are also provided. |