Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids or esters or amides thereof, said process comprising reacting: (a) an unsaturated fatty acid or ester or amide thereof; (b) a source of Pd; (c) a bidentate diphosphine of formula I, R1R2>P1-R—P2<R3R4??(I) wherein P1 and P2 represent phosphorus atoms; R1, R2, R3 and R4 represent tert-butyl; and wherein R represents an optionally substituted aromatic group spanning P1 and P2; (d) a lower alcohol; and (e) an acid co-catalyst, under conditions for isomerization to take place. The process is particularly advantageous for the isomerization of substituted alkenes harboring a hydroxy group when the desired end product has a keto group, such as ricinoleic acid or ester thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids or esters or amides thereof, said process comprising reacting: (a) an unsaturated fatty acid or ester or amide thereof; (b) a source of Pd; (c) a bidentate diphosphine of formula I, R1R2>P1-R-P2<R3R4??(I) wherein P1 and P2 represent phosphorus atoms; R1, R2, R3 and R4 represent tert-butyl; and wherein R represents an optionally substituted aromatic group spanning P1 and P2; (d) a lower alcohol; and (e) an acid co-catalyst, under conditions for isomerization to take place. The process is particularly advantageous for the isomerization of substituted alkenes harbouring a hydroxy group when the desired end product has a keto group, such as ricinoleic acid or ester thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carbonylation process for the preparation of an alkanoic acid ester comprising reacting: (a) an alkene; (b) a source of Pd; (c) a bidentate phosphine ligand of formula I; R1R2P—R3—R—R4—PR5R6??(I) wherein P represents a phosphorus atom; R1, R2, R5 and R6 can independently represent the same or different optionally substituted organic groups containing a tertiary carbon atom through which the group is linked to the phosphorus atom; R3 and R4 independently represent optionally substituted lower alkylene groups and R represents an optionally substituted aromatic group; (d) a source of anions derived from an acid with a pKa<3; (e) carbon monoxide; and (f) an alkanol; characterized in that the process is performed in the presence of between 0.1 and 3 wt water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an (hetero)arylamine, wherein an optionally substituted (hetero)aromatic bromide compound is contacted with a nucleophilic organic nitrogen-containing compound in the presence of a base, and a catalyst comprising a copper atom or ion and at least one ligand, said ligand comprising at least one coordinating oxygen atom, and if said oxygen atom is part of an OH group, then said OH group is attached to an aliphatic spa carbon atom or to a vinylic carbon atom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of (4-hydroxy-6-oxo-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yl)-acetonitrile from 6-X-substituted-methyl-4-hydroxy-tetrahydro-pyran-2-one, wherein X stands for a leaving group, by reacting 6-X-substituted-methyl-4-hydroxy-tetrahydro-pyran-2-one with a cyanide ion in water and by subsequent lowering of the pH to a pH between 0 and 5. (4-hydroxy-6-oxo-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yl)-acetonitrile and other compounds obtainable from (4-hydroxy-6-oxo-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yl)-acetonitrile may suitably be used in the preparation of a pharmaceutical preparation, more in particular in the preparation of statins, more in particular in the preparation of Atorvastatine or a salt thereof, for instance its calcium salt. The invention also relates to (4-hydroxy-6-oxo-tetrahydro-pyran-2-yl)-acetonitrile and other compounds obtainable therefrom.