Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 signifies a C1-C15 alkyl moiety or a C2 to C18 alkenyl moiety, to their process of production as well as to their use in organic synthesis, especially as intermediates (building blocks) in the synthesis of vitamin A or ?-carotene or derivatives thereof, or other carotenoids, e.g. canthaxanthin, astaxanthin or zeaxanthin, preferably vitamin A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of production of a compound, which is useful as an intermediate (building block) in organic synthesis, especially in the synthesis of vitamin A or ?-carotene and derivatives thereof, e.g. canthaxanthin, astax-anthin or zeaxanthin.

Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement of visual performance, particularly of visual performance in the darkness, by administration of a colorant that is capable of being incorporated into eye tissue and/or causing yellowing of eye tissue, especially carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing astaxanthin esters from zeaxanthin by acylation of zeaxanthin with an acylating agent followed by contacting the esterified zeaxanthin with an oxidizing agent to produce esterified astaxanthin. The astaxanthin esters are more stable and show a better bioavailability than free astaxanthin when used in salmonid pigmentation.

Abstract: Lutein and zeaxanthin, the main carotenoids in marigold flowers, and capsanthin and capsorubin, the main carotenoids in red peppers are esterified mainly with C-18 fatty acids. The pigments were re-esterified without isolating them from the natural saponified extract using carboxylic acids in the range of C-1 to C-12 and their corresponding metallic salts in the presence of a catalyzing agent. Both the diester and monoester forms were obtained. It is expected that the pigment esters with a fatty acid of 12 or less carbons will have a better digestibility than the esters of xanthophylls in their natural state and better stability than the hydrolyzed xanthophylls. This will result in a better pigmentation capacity of the carotenoids for poultry or aquaculture.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing astaxanthin esters from zeaxanthin by acylation of zeaxanthin with an acylating agent followed by contacting the esterified zeaxanthin with an oxidizing agent to produce esterified astaxanthin. The astaxanthin esters are more stable and show a better bioavailability than free astaxanthin when used in salmonid pigmentation.

Abstract: Lutein and zeaxanthin, the main carotenoids in marigold flowers, and capsanthin and capsorubin, the main carotenoids in red peppers are esterified mainly with C-18 fatty acids. The pigments were re-esterified without isolating them from the natural saponified extract using carboxylic acids in the range of C-1 to C-12 and their corresponding metallic salts in the presence of a catalyzing agent. Both the diester and monoester forms were obtained. It is expected that the pigment esters with a fatty acid of 12 or less carbons will have a better digestibility than the esters of xanthophylls in their natural state and better stability than the hydrolyzed xanthophylls. This will result in a better pigmentation capacity of the carotenoids for poultry or aquaculture.

Abstract: There are provided a dihalogen derivative represented by formula (2): wherein X represents a halogen atom and R2 represents a protective group for a hydroxyl group; a process for producing the same; and a process for producing vitamin A by use of said dihalogen derivative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making vitamin A from ethynyl-retro-&agr;-ionol using an allene acetate as intermediate.

Abstract: The compounds according to the general formula in which formula the dotted lines indicate a single or a double bond, n and m are 0 or 1, R1 is hydrogen or an acyl group —C(O)R3, R3 being a linear or branched alkyl or alkylene group from C1 to C8, the oxygen atom being bound to the adjacent &agr;-carbon atom by a double bond in the case where n is 0 and by a single bond in the case where n is 1, R2 is hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkoxy group from C1 to C8, or R2 is an alkenoxy group which is linked to the group R1 to form a 1,3-dioxolane cycle having 5 to 7 ring members, are useful perfuming ingredients. The most preferred compounds according to the invention are those which have a damascone- or damascenone-like structure, with the methyl substituent being in 4-position of the ring instead of the 2-position, as is the case in damascones and damascenones.

Abstract: Naphthalene derivatives of the fomula I ##STR1## in which: R.sup.1 is an alkyl or alkenyl radical which is unsubstituted, monosubstituted by CH or CF.sub.3 or monosubstituted by halogen and has 1 to 15 carbon atoms, it also being possible for one or more CH.sub.2 groups in these radicals to be replaced, in each case independently of one another, by --O--, --S--, ##STR2## --CO--, --CO--O--, --O--CO-- or --O--CO--O-- in such a manner that oxygen atoms are not linked directly to one another, ##STR3## m is 0, 1 or 2, n is 0 or 1, wherem+n is 1 or 2,Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are each, independently of one another, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --C.tbd.C-- or a single bond,L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 independently of one another, are H or F,x is an alkyl or alkoxy radical which is unsubstituted, monosubstituted by CN or CF.sub.3 or substituted bi halogen and has 1 to 15 carbon atoms, or is OH, CN, SCN, OCN, NCS or Q--Y,whereQ is a single bond, (CF.sub.2).sub.r or O(CF.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel intermediates for the preparation of vitamin A and carotenoids corresponding to the formula (II): ##STR1## in which A represents a hydrogen or an alkyl, alkenyl or alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X represents a carbon atom, and to a process for their preparation and their use, and further relates to compounds for preparing intermediates of formula (II) corresponding to the formula (III): ##STR2## in which R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylcarbonyl, alkenylcarbonyl, alkoxyalkyl or alkoxyalkenyl group in which the alkyl groups have 1 to 10 carbon atoms and the alkenyl groups have 2 to 10 carbon atoms, each of said groups being linear or branched and each being substituted or unsubstituted.

Abstract: A composition for topical application to the skin in order to promote the repair of photo-damaged or aged skin and/or to reduce or prevent damaging effects of ultra-violet light on skin and/or to lighten the skin comprising a hydrocalchone of general structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, represent H, --OH, --OR or --COR (where R is a C.sub.1-20 alkyl group);R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7, which may be the same or different, represent H or --COR (where R is as herein before defined).Optional additional ingredients include sunscreens and other skin lightening skin lightening agents, particularly retinol or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a process for the manufacture of optically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R signifies lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, phenyl, benzyl or --NR.sub.2.sup.1, R.sup.1 signifies lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or hydrogen and * signifies an optically active center, by asymmetrically hydrogenating an enol derivative of ketoisophorone of the formula ##STR2## wherein R has the significance given above, in the presence of a rhodium complex of an optically active diphosphine ligand.

Abstract: The present invention a process for the preparation of a compound of the formula (X) useful as precursor for the A-ring in taxanes ##STR1## wherein R' is an ##STR2## in which R" is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The invention further relates to the novel compound (X) and to novel intermediates in said process.

Abstract: The present specification relates to an industrially advantageous process for producing vitamin A derivatives which are useful as medicaments, feed additives, food additives and the like. The process provides vitamin A derivatives, particularly all-trans vitamin A derivatives in high yield and purity.

Abstract: Described are alpha,3,3-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-methanol derivative-containing composition having from about 85 up to about 90% by weight of a compound having the structure: ##STR1## and from about 10 up to about 15% by weight of a compound having the structure: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or acetyl with the proviso that when R.sub.1 is methyl, R.sub.2 is hydrogen; and uses thereof in augmenting or enhancing the aroma of perfume compositions, colognes and perfumed articles including but not limited to solid or liquid anionic, cationic, nonionic or zwitterionic detergents, fabric softener compositions, fabric softener articles and hair preparations; as well as processes for preparing said alpha,3,3-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-methanol derivative-containing composition.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of the four geometric isomers of 4-(2-butenyl)idene)-3,5,5-trimethy-2-cyclohexen-1-one is provided. The process comprises pyrolyzing a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents lower-alkyl-oxycarbonyl, aryl-oxycarbonyl, or, preferably, lower-alkanoyl, benzoyl or substituted benzoyl.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of the four geometric isomers of 4(2-butenylidene)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one is provided. The process comprises pyrolyzing a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents lower-alkyl-oxycarbonyl, aryl-oxycarbonyl, or, preferably, lower-alkanoyl, benzoyl or substituted benzoyl.

Abstract: Novel 3-acyloxy-.beta.-ionone derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R represents n-propyl, C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 -alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxymethyl display very effective microbicidal activity. They can especially be used in form of microbicidal compositions to control plant-pathogenic microorganisms, preferably fungi of the order Oomycetes.

Abstract: Novel 3-acyloxy-4-keto-.beta.-ionone derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## wherein Z is either the radical ##STR2## in which R.sub.1 represents C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkoxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl having a maximum number of 6 carbon atoms, cyclopropyl or cyclopropyl which is substituted by methyl or by halogen or represents the radical ##STR3## wherein R.sub.2 represents C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkoxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl having a maximum number of 6 carbon atoms, cyclopropyl or cyclopropyl which is substituted by methyl or by halogen and X represents either oxygen or sulphur, and ##STR4## display very effective microbicidal activity. They can especially be used in microbicidal compositions to control plant-pathogenic microorganisms, preferably fungi of the order Oomycetes.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of the compounds of the formulae Ia and Ib ##STR1## wherein A. 2,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one oxime of the formula IIb ##STR2## is treated with a strong aqueous acid at from 30.degree. to 80.degree. C., preferably from 40.degree. to 70.degree. C.,B. the resulting ketone of the formula IIIb ##STR3## is oxidized in a conventional manner, and C. if desired, the resulting compound Ib is isomerized in a conventional manner.Compounds of the formula A ##STR4## where R is one of the following radicals: --CH(OH)--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 (IIIb), --CH(OH)--CH.sub.3 (IIIc), --CH.sub.2 OH (IIId), --CH(OH)--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 (IIIe), --CH(OCOCH.sub.3)--CH.sub.3 (IIIf), --CH.sub.2 --OCOCH.sub.3 (IIIg), --CO--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 (Ib), --CO--CH.sub.3 (Ic), and --CO--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 (Ie).The compounds IIIb to IIIg, Ib, Ic and Ie are useful scents and aromas, and furthermore may become important intermediates for novel carotenoids.

Abstract: Methyl pentanoic acid esters corresponding to the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an olefinically unsaturated, straight-chain or branched-chain or carbocyclic hydrocarbon group, a phenyl or alkyl substituted phenyl group, a phenyl substituted alkyl group, or a phenyl substituted alkenyl group, wherein R contains from 3 to 9 carbon atoms, are valuable perfumes having strong, generally vegetably odor notes and outstanding persistence. They are produced by esterifying 2-methyl pentanoic acid with an unsaturated or carbocyclic alcohol or phenol containing radicals R corresponding to the general formula.The compounds can be effectively combined with other perfumes and standard perfume ingredients to form new compositions. The methyl pentanoic acid ester content thereof generally amounts to between about 1 and about 50% by weight.

Abstract: Novel odorant substances of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: one of the three dotted lines represents an optional bond,R.sup.1 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group of one to four carbons or an alkenyl group of two to four carbons,R.sup.2 represents hydrogen or methyl,R.sup.3 represents hydrogen or methyl, provided thatR.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are never both hydrogen, and novel fragrance compositions containing same.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of the compounds of the formulae Ia and Ib ##STR1## wherein A. 2,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one oxime of the formula IIb ##STR2## is treated with a strong aqueous acid at from 30.degree. to 80.degree. C., preferably 40.degree. to 70.degree. C.,B. the resulting ketone of the formula IIIb ##STR3## is oxidized in a conventional manner, and C. if desired, the resulting compound Ib is isomerized in a conventional manner.Compounds of the formula A ##STR4## where R is one of the following radicals: --CH(OH)--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 (IIIb), --CH(OH)--CH.sub.3 (IIIc), --CH.sub.2 OH (IIId), --CH(OH)--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 (IIIe), --CH(OCOCH.sub.3)--CH.sub.3 (IIIf), --CH.sub.2 --OCOCH.sub.3 (IIIg), --CO--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 (Ib), --CO--CH.sub.3 (Ic) and --CO--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 (Ie).The compounds IIIb to IIIg, Ib, Ic and Ie are useful scents and aromas, and furthermore may become important intermediates for novel carotenoids.

Abstract: A novel method of preparing 1-crotonoyl-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-diene comprises treating an ester of the formula ##STR1## with a proton acid under essentially anhydrous conditions.

Abstract: Sulphones useful for preparing polyenes have the formula: ##STR1## where the sulphonyl group replaces a hydrogen atom on carbon atom (a) or (b), R represents alkyl, aralkyl or aryl, optionally substituted, A and Q represent an optionally substituted hydrocarbon of 5n+1 carbon atoms (n is 1-5), methyl, optionally substituted by halogen, sulphide or sulphone, CH.sub.2 OH (or an ether or ester thereof), CHO (optionally protected), COOH (or an acid chloride, ester or nitrile thereof), with the proviso that when A represents a 2-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl) ethenyl radical, Q cannot represent --COOH or an ester thereof.

Abstract: The compound 5[4(acyloxy or protected hydroxy-3-oxo-2,6,6-trimethyl-cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)-3-methyl-penta-1,4-dien- 3-ol], an intermediate for the coloring agent astaxanthin, its conversion to astaxanthin and its preparation from 4-oxo-.beta.-ionone including intermediates in this synthesis.

Abstract: 1-[3-Methyl-3,5,5-trialkoxy-pent-1-yn-1-yl]-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-1-enes, which may or may not be methyl-substituted in the 2- and/or 6-position, are obtained by reacting the corresponding 1-[3-methyl-but-1-yn-3-en-1-yl]-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-1-enes with orthoformic acid esters in the presence of acid condensing agents. The new compounds provide a new method of access to the compounds of carotinoid chemistry, especially to vitamin A, which avoids the conventional expensive synthesis via phosphorus ylide compounds.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with odorant and/or flavoring substances, a process for the manufacture thereof, odorant and/or flavoring compositions containing same and a process for the preparation of said compositions. The invention is also concerned with a method of imparting an odor and/or a flavor to materials using said substances or compositions.

Abstract: A process for introducing an allyl-positioned carbonyl group into a 2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexene ring which carries a polyenyl radical in the 1-position, by oxidizing the ring with a halogen(V)-oxyacid or a salt of such an acid, and the new oxo compounds obtainable by the said process, which may be used as dyes for foodstuffs or cosmetics. The oxidation is carried out in the presence of a catalyst and of an inert diluent or solvent, in an acid medium. Suitable catalysts are bromine and iodine and the oxides of elements of groups Va, VIa, VIIa and VIII of the periodic table.

Abstract: Symmetrical carotenoids are prepared from the half-molecules by dimerizing the phosphonium salts of the half-molecules with peroxides, peroxo compounds or peroxy compounds in an alkaline medium.

Abstract: A process for fermentatively hydrogenating and reducing ketoisophorone to produce optically active [4R,6R]-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-cyclohexanone useful as an intermediate in the production of optically active carotenoids and intermediates in the production of these carotenoids.

Abstract: A high temperature lubricant comprising a gem disubstituted cyclic compound in which one radical is a short chain alkyl group and the other radical is a methylene group substituted by an alkyl, alkylene or aryl amido radical or an alkyl, alkylene or aryl carboxylate radical.