Abstract: A ruthenium-carrying alumina, which is prepared by suspending alumina in a solution containing trivalent ruthenium and adding a base to the suspension, is provided. This ruthenium-carrying alumina is useful as a catalyst for oxidizing alcohols by contacting the alcohols with molecular oxygen, and can be used for oxidizing the alcohols at a high conversion to produce ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, etc. with good productivity.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of prostaglandin compounds having the formula (I): wherein A is selected from the group consisting of C1–C6 alkyl groups; C7–C16 aralkyl groups wherein an aryl portion thereof is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C1–C6 alkyl groups, halo and CF3; and (CH2)nOR? wherein n is an integer from 1 to 3 and R? represents a C6–C10 aryl group which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C1–C6 alkyl groups, halo and CF3; B is selected from OR? and NHR? wherein R? is C1–C6 alkyl groups; and represents a double bond or a single bond, is disclosed. Novel intermediates are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oily solution of water-insoluble aliphatic alcohol is allowed to react with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in the presence of a catalyst containing a metal compound belonging to Group 8 to 10 of the Periodic Table in a heterogeneous solution system. As a result, a carbonyl compound can be produced from an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution under mild conditions in high yield. Also, the reaction operation is simple and easy, a step for removing solvent after completion of the reaction is not necessary and influence and toxicity upon the environment and human body are markedly small. Thus, a carbonyl compound can be produced safely, simply and efficiently.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of prostaglandin compounds having the formula (I): wherein A is selected from the group consisting of C1–C6 alkyl groups; C7–C16 aralkyl groups wherein an aryl portion thereof is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C1–C6 alkyl groups, halo and CF3; and (CH2)nOR? wherein n is an integer from 1 to 3 and R? represents a C6–C10 aryl group which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C1–C6 alkyl groups, halo and CF3; B is selected from OR? and NHR? wherein R? is C1–C6 alkyl groups; and represents a double bond or a single bond, is disclosed. Novel intermediates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing 2-(alkyl)cycloalkenone and a method for producing alkyl(3-oxo-2-alkylcycloalkyl) acetate and 5-alkyl-5-alkanolide which are useful as flavoring materials and physiologically active substances using the same are provided. A method for producing Compound (2) including the steps of: dehydrating Compound (1) using an acid catalyst until the conversion ratio of dehydration reaction reaches 20 to 90% based on Compound (1), thereby obtaining a mixture containing Compound (1) and Compound (3); and isomerizing Compound (3) while dehydrating the remaining Compound (1), and a method for producing Compound (5) or (6) using obtained Compound (2). (wherein n represents 1 or 2, R1 and R2 each represent H, C1-8 alkyl groups and the like and R3 represents C1-3 alkyl groups).

Abstract: A method for producing a ketone, particularly a macrocyclic ketone, from a 2-hydroxycycloalkanone having from 12 to 18 carbon atoms by efficiently dehydrating and reducing the acyloin in a single reaction vessel. A method for producing a ketone compound, which comprises dehydrating and reducing an acyloin in the coexistence of an acid catalyst and a reduction catalyst and in the presence of hydrogen, particularly using a 2-hydroxycycloalkanone having from 12 to 18 carbon atoms as the acyloin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalytic process for the synthesis of furfuryl alcohol and cyclohexanone simultaneously over a copper based catalyst in vapour phase conditions by hydrogenation of furfural and dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol respectively.

Abstract: A process for the production of aliphatic or alicyclic monoketones or alicyclic diketones of the formula R1—C(?O)—R2 in which R1 is a linear or branched C1-10-alkyl group and R2 is a linear or branched C1-10-alkyl group or a phenyl group, or R1 or R2 together are —(CH2)m—[C(?O)]n—(CH2)p—, wherein m and p independently are integers from 1 to 4 and n is 0 or 1, thus forming an alicyclic ring together with the carbonyl group of R1—C(?O)—R2 by oxidizing a secondary alcohol of formula R1?—CHOH—R2? in which R1? and R2? either have the same meaning as R1 and R2 above or, if R1 and R2 together are —(CH2)m—[C(?O)]n—(CH2)p—, are together —(CH2)m—(CHOH)n—(CH2)p— wherein m, n and p are as defined above, with a peroxy compound in the presence of a carboxylic acid and a manganese(IV) complex of 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of organic synthesis and more precisely to a process for the synthesis of an unsaturated aldehyde or ketone by oxidation of the corresponding alcohol. The oxidation is performed by a hypochlorite salt and a catalytic amount of a N-(2,2,6,6-tetraalkyl-4-piperidinyl-N-oxyl)-2-amino-1,3,5-triazine compound, preferably a N-oxyl derivative of one of the polymers known under the trademark Chimassorb® 944 or 2020.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polycyclic compound containing a ketone functionality comprising: reacting a mixture comprising a catalyst, a reactant compound and an amount of water greater than or equal to 3 weight percent (wt %) based on the weight of the reactant compound; wherein said catalyst comprises nickel and base and said reactant compound comprises at least two fused rings, A and B wherein ring A is a saturated ring or ring system having 5 to 7 cyclic carbons and substituted with a hydroxyl functionality and ring B is a non-aromatic unsaturated ring having 5 to 6 cyclic carbons; and converting the hydroxyl functionality of ring A to a ketone functionality and non-aromatic unsaturated ring B to a saturated ring.

Abstract: A salt-free process for preparing cyclobutanone, including isomerizing cyclopropylmethanol, preferably in aqueous solution, in the presence of an acidic heterogeneous catalyst to form cyclobutanol and, preferably after extraction and removal of the extractant, dehydrogenating the cyclobutanol over a heterogeneous catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 15-pentadecanolide by hydrogenating 15-pentadecenolide and to its use.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an alpha, beta-unsaturated cyclic ketone, such as carvone, comprises the dehydrogenation of a secondary allylic cyclic alcohol, such as carveol, in the presence of at least one metal carboxylate. The process can be performed in a batchwise or continuous mode. Examples of suitable metal carboxylates include magnesium stearate, calcium 2-ethylhexanoate, and zinc 2-ethylhexanoate.

Abstract: A highly pure 2,4,4,6-tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone has been prepared in a single pot, eco-friendly procedure in yields of 91-94% from phenol. In this method, a mixture of alkali/alkaline earth metal bromide and alkali/alkaline earth metal bromate was employed as brominating agent in place of corrosive liquid bromine. The reaction between phenol and the brominating reagent was initiated by the action of a mineral acid or moderately strong organic acid. The crude product was further characterized by standard analytical and spectroscopic methods.

Abstract: A salt-free process for preparing cyclobutanone, including isomerizing cyclopropylmethanol, preferably in aqueous solution, in the presence of an acidic heterogeneous catalyst to form cyclobutanol and, preferably after extraction and removal of the extractant, dehydrogenating the cyclobutanol over a heterogeneous catalyst.

Abstract: Lower alkyl- and lower alkylidene-substituted, saturated or unsaturated cyclohexadecanones are grand fragrances with muscone note with which perfumes with new odor notes can be prepared.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an alpha, beta-unsaturated cyclic ketone, such as carvone, comprises the dehydrogenation of a secondary allylic cyclic alcohol, such as carveol, in the presence of at least one metal carboxylate. The process can be performed in a batchwise or continuous mode. Examples of suitable metal carboxylates include magnesium stearate, calcium 2-ethylhexanoate, and zinc 2-ethylhexanoate.

Abstract: A safe and effective process for the oxidation of a primary or secondary alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde or ketone via the reaction of said alcohol with an anhydride solution of a 1,1,1-tri(C2-C4 alkanoyloxy-1,1-dihydro-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one, and a composition useful in this process.

Abstract: An alcohol is oxidized to an aldehyde or a ketone in the presence of a nitroxyl compound as catalyst, wherein the alcohol to be oxidized is contained in an organic liquid phase, and is reacted in the presence of a nitroxyl compound with an aqueous phase comprising an oxidant. The reaction is carried out continuously at a contact time of the phases of from 0.1 s to a maximum of 15 minutes, with intensive mixing of the phases. The process produces high yields with low quantities of other oxidation byproducts.

Abstract: A copper oxide based catalyst for dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol, which is a copper oxide-zinc oxide based catalyst or a copper oxide-silicon oxide based catalyst further comprising one of palladium, platinum and ruthenium in a very small amount; and a method for preparing the copper oxide based catalyst which comprises combining the co-precipitation method or the kneading method and the spray method. The copper oxide based catalyst for dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol exhibits high activity and high selectivity, and thus may be used for producing cyclohexanone at a reduced reaction temperature and/or with an enhanced yield, as compared to a conventional catalyst.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a process for preparing an oxidic catalyst comprising copper in an oxidation state >0, which comprises treating a solid oxidic support material with an aqueous solution comprising at least one copper salt and at least one organic water soluble polymer which binds copper ions coordinatively in a concentration of from 0.1 to 100 g/l and then calcining, to the catalyst obtainable by this process and also to a process for dehydrogenating secondary alcohols to ketones using the catalysts, especially for dehydrogenating cyclohexanol.

Abstract: Allyl alcohols are converted into corresponding aldehydes or ketones in a high yield under a mild condition by using an inexpensive aluminum alkoxide as an Oppenauer oxidation catalyst and a hydride acceptor. Thus, there is provided an industrially useful method for converting allyl alcohols to corresponding aldehydes or ketones.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of cyclohexene derivatives of general formula I or II: in which the substituents R1 and R2 independently of one another are defined as follows: R1 is R2 is OH or a protective group convertible to a hydroxyl group by hydrolysis; R3 and R4 are hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl; and R5 is hydrogen or C1-C4-acyl, by the reduction of alkyne compounds of general formula III or IV: in which the substituents R1 and X are as defined above, wherein the reducing agent used is a mixture of zinc and at least one compound B selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, copper salts and alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the preparation of 11(12)-pentadecen-15-olides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a linear perfluoroalkanone or a perfluorocycloalkanone, which comprises using as a starting material a combination of the same or different kinds of compounds that are selected from perfluoroalkanoyl halides represented by the formula: F(CF2)nCOX wherein X is F, Cl, Br or I and n is an integer of 1 to 8, or a perfluoroalkanedioyl dihalide represented by the formula: XOC(CF2)nCOX wherein X is F, Cl, Br or I and n is an integer of 3 to 8, and reacting the starting material with a metal carbonate or metal carbonates. According to the present invention, perfluoroalkanones can be produced with a good yield from relatively easily available starting materials by a simple synthesis method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of methods that are based on stereoselective epoxidation of an olefin by an epoxidizing agent derived from a reaction between an oxidizing agent and a chiral ketone. For example, present invention provides methods for producing an epoxide from an olefin, for increasing a relative concentration of at least one stereoisomer of an olefin, and for stereoselectively producing an &agr;-acyloxy carbonyl compound. Preferably, the chiral ketone is of the formula: or a derivative thereof which is capable of converting to the chiral ketone of Formula I under the reaction conditions, where a, b, n, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are those defined herein.

Abstract: Carbonyl compounds derived from the reaction of alkyl cyclopentenols and vinyl ethers are described. The carbonyl compounds described have excellent fragrance properties, and their use as fragrances and/or fragrance-enhancing compounds is also described. Processes for the preparation of the carbonyl compounds are described as well.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composition having the formula: in which a compound having the formula: is treated with a base and a silylating agent.

Abstract: 1-Deoxybaccatin III, 1-deoxytaxol and 1-deoxy taxol analogs and method for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of cationic vinylidene, allenylidene and higher cumulenylidene complexes of ruthenium or osmium as catalysts or catalyst precursors for olefin metathesis reactions of all types, as well as to new cationic allenylidene complexes of ruthenium and osmium which can be used as metathesis catalysts with preferred embodiment. These catalysts or catalyst precursors are easy to prepare from well accessible, stable and essentially non toxic starting materials, can be isolated and stored, they exhibit a high catalytic activity, a good compatibility with functional groups, solvents, water and additives, and they need not to be activated by any additive.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of &bgr;,&ggr;,&dgr;-unsaturated ketones and/or &agr;,&bgr;,&ggr;,&dgr;-unsaturated ketones by the reaction of an unsaturated alcohol with an enol ether or mixture of enol ethers, with formation of ketals as a by-product, at temperatures of from 50° C. to 200° C., in the presence of an acid catalyst, whereby one or all of the reagents is/are heated to the reaction temperature of from 50° C. to 200° C. before the acid catalyst is added.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composition having the formula: 1

Abstract: Improved, safe process for the purification of ketones obtained by ozonolysis and subsequent reduction of the corresponding terpenes, in which, after the ozonolysis and reduction of acyclic mono-, bi- or tricyclic terpenes with ozonizable double bonds, converting the resulting corresponding crude ketone into a high-purity ketone by means of steam distillation at atmospheric pressure or at reduced pressure, extraction of the steam distillate and subsequent distillation.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and catalyst systems for catalyzing enantioselective oxidation reactions, including cyclization reactions and enantioselective oxidation reactions of secondary alcohols and other similarly reactive organic substrates. Use of the methods and catalyst systems for kinetic resolution of racemic mixtures of secondary alcohols is also described.

Abstract: Cyclododecanone and cyclododecanol are produced each in high yield by reacting a epoxycyclododecane compound with hydrogen in the presence of a solid catalyst containing (a) catalytic component including a platinum group metal, (b) a promoter component including a VIII group, IIb group, IIIb group, IVb group, Vb group VIb group or VIIb group element or lanthanoid element or compound of the element, and (c) a carrier supporting the components (a) and (b) thereon.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of carvone comprises hydrogenating carvoxime in the presence of a selecively poisoned catalyst. Preferred catalysts include noble metals supported on inorganic materials poisoned with a catalyst modifier. In a preferred embodiment of the process defined herein, the crude carvone reaction product produced in accordance with the process of the invention, is purified by treating the crude carvone product with an organometallic compound M(X)n wherein M is a polyvalent metal, n is the valence of M and X denotes an inorganic or organic atom or group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing cyclobutanone by oxidizing cyclobutanol with an alkali metal hypochlorite or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the selective oxidation of alcohols to ketones or to aldehydes by means of an alkali hypohalite under alkaline conditions, which comprises carrying out the oxidation in the presence of a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst that is insoluble in the reaction medium and is selected from the group comprising the compounds of formula (I) (III), wherein n is a number from 3 to 3000; or a 4-oxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl that is 4-oxy-bound to a Merrifield polymer. The invention relates also to the compounds of formulae (II) and (III) and to the use of the above-mentioned oxidation catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols.

Abstract: A cyclododecanone compound is continuously produced by feeding a liquid feed containing a corresponding epoxycyclododecane compound and LiBr and/or LiI into a frontmost reaction region of a plurality of reaction regions connected to each other in series; successively passing the liquid feed through the series of reaction regions to catalytically isomerize the epoxycyclododecane compound into a corresponding cyclododecanone compound; and collecting the resultant reaction mixture containing the target cyclododecanone compound from a rearmost reaction region of the series of reaction regions.

Abstract: Lower alkyl- and lower alkylidene-substituted, saturated or unsaturated cyclohexadecanones are grand fragrances with muscone note with which perfumes with new odor notes can be prepared.

Abstract: Catalyst mixtures are comprised of zinc oxide, calcium carbonate or calcium oxide, and an amount of chromium (III) oxide in an amount sufficient to improve conversion and/or selectivity of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone under cyclohexanol dehydrogenation conditions.

Abstract: Crystals of trans-4,5-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one of an &agr;-type.

Abstract: Epoxidized C6-C12 cyclohydrocarbon compounds, for example, epoxidized C6-C12 cycloalkanes, cycloalkenes and/or cycloalkadienes are converted to cycloalkanols, cycloalkanones and cycloalkanes by hydrogenating the epoxidized C6-C12 cyclohydrocarbon compounds with hydrogen under a pressure of 0.1 to 5.4 MPa at a temperature of 100 to 280° C. in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one platinum group metal, for example, Pd or Ru.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds of the formula I where R1 and R2 are a hydrocarbon radical, or R1 and R2 together are an unsubstituted or substituted alkylene group, and X is ═O or two alkoxy groups, comprises oxidizing alcohols of the formula II  where R1 to R2 and X are as defined above, with oxygen in the gaseous phase a) at temperatures of from 270 to 600° C. on silver coated catalysts which comprise an abrasion-resistant coating of metallic silver on a core of inert support material, or b) at temperatures of from 450 to 750° C. on silver crystals and/or copper crystals having a particle size of from 0.1 to 2.5 mm for a residence time of at most 0.1 second. Also claimed is an advantageous overall process for the preparation of &agr;-diketones, preferably diacetal, from the corresponding ketone, in particular methyl ethyl ketone, via the carbonyl compounds of the formula I where X is two alkoxy groups.

Abstract: By treating the reactant of 3,4-ditrimethylsilyloxytricyclo[4.2.1.02.5]nona-3,7-diene and binaphthol monoether-tin tetrachloride complex, optically active acyloin is produced. Using the optically active acyloin compound as a starting material, optically active oxydicyclopentadiene useful as several kinds of intermediates can be obtained efficiently.

Abstract: A method for making cyclopentene derivatives of the formula (IX): by acidolysis of an intermediate epoxide of formula (VIII): is described.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds of the formula I where R1 and R2 are a hydrocarbon radical, or R1 and R2 together are an unsubstituted or substituted alkylene group, and X is=O or two alkoxy groups, comprises oxidizing alcohols of the formula II where R1 to R2 and X are as defined above, with oxygen in the gaseous phase a) at temperatures of from 270 to 600° C. on silver coated catalysts which comprise an abrasion-resistant coating of metallic silver on a core of inert support material, or b) at temperatures of from 450 to 750° C. on silver crystals and/or copper crystals having a particle size of from 0.1 to 2.5 mm for a residence time of at most 0.1 second. Also claimed is an advantageous overall process for the preparation of &agr;-diketones, preferably diacetal, from the corresponding ketone, in particular methyl ethyl ketone, via the carbonyl compounds of the formula I where X is two alkoxy groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of hydroxyalkyl- and acyloxyalkyl-substituted cycloketones by free-radical addition of hydroxyalkenes and acyloxyalkenes respectively to cyclic ketones.

Abstract: A method for the transformation of cis- and trans-cyclododecene oxide into cyclododecanone, comprising carrying out the reaction with catalytically activated hydrogen in the presence of a copper catalyst at a temperature of 150-260° C. and at a pressure in a range from atmospheric pressure to elevated pressure. The reaction proceeds via the intermediate products cyclododecen-3-ol and cyclododecen-3-one, and with cyclododecene being obtained as a by-product.

Abstract: A method of producing nootkatone by laccase catalyzed oxidation of valencene. Valencene and a composition having laccase activity are reacted in the presence of an oxygen source, at a valencene concentration greater than 0.1%, to form valencene hydroperoxide. Optionally, a mediator and/or a solvent at a concentration that maintains laccase activity may also be included. The valencene hydroperoxide is degraded to form nootkatone, and nootkatone is then recovered. The method produces nootkatone in commercially viable yields.