Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I), which comprises the steps of: formula (I), (a) reacting isovaleraldehyde of formula (II) and alkyl cyanoacetate of formula (III) optionally in presence of salts of weak acid and weak base or weak base in a suitable solvent to get 2-cyano-5-methyl-hex-2-enoic acid alkyl ester of formula (IV); (b) reacting 2-cyano-5-methyl-hex-2-enoic acid alkyl ester of formula (IV) with a suitable cyanide source in water or in an organic solvent or mixture thereof to get 2-isobutylsuccinonitrile of formula (V); (c) obtaining optionally 2-isobutylsuccinonitrile of formula (V) by reacting isovaleraldehyde of formula (II) and alkyl cyanoacetate of formula (III) in presence of suitable cyanide source in water or in an organic solvent or mixture thereof in single step; (d) converting 2-isobutylsuccinonitrile of formula (V) to racemic 3-cyano-5-methyl-hexanoic acid or salt thereof of formula (VI) with a genetically modified nitrilas

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I), which comprises the steps of: formula (I), (a) reacting isovaleraldehyde of formula (II) and alkyl cyanoacetate of formula (III) optionally in presence of salts of weak acid and weak base or weak base in a suitable solvent to get 2-cyano-5-methyl-hex-2-enoic acid alkyl ester of formula (IV); (b) reacting 2-cyano-5-methyl-hex-2-enoic acid alkyl ester of formula (IV) with a suitable cyanide source in water or in an organic solvent or mixture thereof to get 2-isobutylsuccinonitrile of formula (V); (c) obtaining optionally 2-isobutylsuccinonitrile of formula (V) by reacting isovaleraldehyde of formula (II) and alkyl cyanoacetate of formula (III) in presence of suitable cyanide source in water or in an organic solvent or mixture thereof in single step; (d) converting 2-isobutylsuccinonitrile of formula pa (V) to racemic 3-cyano-5-methyl-hexanoic acid or salt thereof of formula (VI) with a genetically modified nitri

Abstract: A method of manufacture of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)bromobenzene, comprising the addition of a brominating reagent to a mixture of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene together with at least one of sulphuric acid or oleum in the absence of acetic acid. A method of production of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)acetophenone comprising the reaction of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl magnesium bromide with acetyl chloride in the presence of cuprous chloride. A method of production of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)acetophenone comprising the steps of reacting 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl magnesium bromide with acetic anhydride, adding water, and recovering the product by azeotropic distillation. A method of removal of impurities including 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)acetate, 4-bromobutyl acetate and 4-chlorobutyl acetate from a preparation of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)acetophenone, the method comprising heating the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)acetophenone with a dilute solution of alkali.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solventless process for the catalytic hydrogenation of esters of 4,4,4-trihaloacetoacetic acid using a platinum catalyst in the presence of an acid or base co-catalyst to provide the analagous 3-hydroxybutyrate ester. Such 3-hydroxybutyrate esters are useful as solvents, cleaners or fine chemical intermediates.