Provided are methods for the synthesis of compounds including chiral kynurenine compounds, intermediates useful for the synthesis thereof, and related compounds. The present invention more particularly novel pyrimidones of the general formula. In addition, the resistive component is electrically connected between two nodes of a node pair among the nodes, and each resistive component has a corresponding predetermined resistive value. A fuel cell produced using the supported catalyst has improved efficiency. Oils containing fatty acid chain lengths of C8, C10, C12 or C14 are also disclosed and are useful as feedstocks in the methods described herein. The protection device also includes a dummy interconnection line ANT to activate the flow-off device.