Abstract: The invention is directed to an efficient and economical method of making teprenone. Teprenone is synthesized by converting geranylgeraniol to teprenone by a novel route. The method of synthesis can begin with geranylgeraniol obtained from a biological source such as fermentation of a microorganism capable of producing geranylgeranyl or enzymatic synthesis in a cell free system to produce predominantly the 5E isomer of teprenone. The chemical synthesis proceeds with retention of configuration such that the teprenone produced has the isomeric configuration of the geranylgeraniol starting material.

Abstract: Process for preparing 6-methylheptan-2-one, which comprises

Abstract: A zeolite-immobilised Lewis acid e.g. copper catalyst for performing carbonyl-ene and iminoene reactions is described. The catalyst can readily be separated from the reaction mixture and re-used in further reactions with minimal reduction in activity.

Abstract: A novel chiral lead catalyst comprising a lead compound of the following formula: Pb(ORf)2 (wherein Rf represents a fluorine-containing alkylsulfonyl group) and a chiral crown ether compound having the structure of the following formula: which is applicable in a variety of reactions, and enables simple reaction operations with high yield and high optical selectivity, is provided. Also provided is a method of asymmetric synthesis using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation, in a single step, of enones by an aldol condensation of a ketone, such as a gem-dimethyl cyclohexylethanone or gemdimethyl cyclohexenylethanone derivative, with an aldehyde in the presence of a novel catalytic system and a co-ingredient, such as a carboxylic acid anhydride or an anhydrous salt, and without the pre-formation of an enolate. The catalytic system is a metal complex, such as a [(Cl)n(alkoxy)4−nTi] or [(Cl)n(alkoxy)4−nZr] complex where n is 1 to 3.

Abstract: Production of unsaturated ketones by the aldol condensation of ketones such as acetone or methyl ethyl ketone by contacting the ketone in the vapor phase with a particulate catalyst comprising at least one basic alkali metal compound supported on an inert substrate at a temperature above 175° C. The produce ketones may be hydrogenated to form saturated ketones or alcohols.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone useful for making substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines is described by reacting an aldehyde with pyrrolidine and then adding a ketone followed by trifluoroacetic acid at low temperature. The synthesis is used in a process for making substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines wherein a vinylogous amide is prepared by reacting a 1,3-cyclohexanedione with a phenylethylamine. The &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone can be reacted with a vinylogous amide to form a 1,5-diketone which can be converted to a substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone, which is useful as an intermediate of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals, or as a reagent for introducing fluorine-containing groups.

Abstract: A method for producing &agr;-dicarbonyl compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 and R2, independently of each other, mean C1-6-alkyl. In the method, an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone of formula (II): wherein R1 and R2 have the meaning above and R3 and R4, independently of each other, mean hydrogen, C1-6-alkyl or di-C1-6-alkylamino, is reacted with ozone in the absence of a catalyst and the resultant ozonide is treated reductively.

Abstract: Metal salts of organic acids complexed with &bgr;-diketone compounds are multifunctional complexes useful in the formulation of stabilizers for halogenated resins. These complexes may be used jointly with other low toxicity intermediates, such as zinc or magnesium intermediates, to form effective stabilizers that are non-toxic and exhibit better performance than other known stabilizers, including those containing toxic heavy metals such as cadmium or lead. The complex is prepared utilizing a Claisen condensation reaction and precipitation with water and heptane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for the conversion of &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketones. This invention is an improvement over existing processes in that it operates at neutral reaction conditions that prevent the formation of side reactions and that it is a single step, which proceeds with complete selectivity and gives a yield that is approximately 30% higher than the currently used processes. An example of this process is the conversion of 16-dehydroprogesterone into 17 &agr;-hydroxyprogesterone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing ketones of formula (I) wherein A and B are as defined in claim 1, consisting of reacting at a temperature ranging between 250 and 500° C. a compound of formula (II): A—X with a compound of formula (III): B—Y, wherein A, B, X and Y are as defined in claim 1, in a coolant solvent having a boiling point higher than 250 ° C.

Abstract: Production of unsaturated ketones by the aldol condensation of ketones such as acetone or methyl ethyl ketone by contacting the ketone in the vapour phase with a particulate catalyst comprising at least one basic alkali metal compound supported on an inert substrate at a temperature above 175° C. The produce ketones may be hydrogenated to form saturated ketones or alcohols.

Abstract: A method for preparing ketones in greater yield and selectivity compared to previous catalyzed reactions by acid-catalyzed condensation reaction using a metal-doped polysulfonated ion exchange resin catalyst is disclosed. For example, use of polysulfonated ion exchange resins having at least 5.0 milliequivalents sulfonic acid groups/gram catalyst and loaded with metal, such as palladium, provides enhanced yields of methyl isobutyl ketone from the condensation reaction of acetone compared to use of conventional monosulfonated ion exchange resin catalysts.

Abstract: A process for producing 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone includes the step of conducting in a gas phase a hydrogenolysis of a tetrafluoroacetone, which is represented by the general formula [1], by a hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst containing a transition metal, 1

Abstract: A process for producing methyl isobutyl ketone includes introducing acetone into a catalytic distillation. Some of the acetone is converted to mesityl alcohol (‘MSO’), water and, optionally, diacetone alcohol (‘DAA’) and/or other by-products. A product stream comprising MSO, water, and, optionally, DAA, other by-products and/or unreacted acetone is withdrawn from the catalytic distillation zone. When the product stream includes DAA, other by-products and/or unreacted acetone, it is treated in a treatment zone to remove at least some of the DAA, other by-products and/or the unreacted acetone therefrom. The product stream and hydrogen are fed into a reaction zone in which MSO present in the product stream and hydrogen react to form methyl isobutyl ketone (‘MIBK’). A MIBK rich product stream is withdrawn from this reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for forming aldol condensation products, comprising reacting at least one aldehyde starting material in the presence of an ionic liquid medium and a basic catalyst at a temperature range of from about −20° C. to about 300° C. and at a pressure range of from about 1 atm to about 1000 atm for a sufficient time to form the aldol condensation products. The invention is also directed to a method for forming aldol condensation products, comprising reacting at least one aldehyde starting material in the presence of a basic ionic liquid medium at the same parameters specified above. The advantage of the instant invention is the increased selectivity and productivity of the resulting aldol condensation products formed in ionic liquid media, along with the ability to recycle the ionic liquid for use in producing additional aldol condensation products.

Abstract: A reaction method by a novel Lewis acid catalyst stable in water for organic synthesis by using a metal compound stable in water and functioning as a Lewis acid catalyst and using water as apart or all of a solvent, the metal ion of the metal compound having a hydrolysis constant (pKh) of: 4.3≦pKh≦10.1 and a water exchange rate constant (WERC) of 3.2×106M−1sec−1 or more.

Abstract: A process for producing methyl isobutyl ketone includes introducing acetone into a catalytic distillation. Some of the acetone is converted to mesityl alcohol (‘MSO’), water and, optionally, diacetone alcohol (‘DAA’) and/or other by-products. A product stream comprising MSO, water, and, optionally, DAA, other by-products and/or unreacted acetone is withdrawn from the catalytic distillation zone. When the product stream includes DAA, other by-products and/or unreacted acetone, it is treated in a treatment zone to remove at least some of the DAA, other by-products and/or the unreacted acetone therefrom. The product stream and hydrogen are fed into a reaction zone in which MSO present in the product stream and hydrogen react to form methyl isobutyl ketone (‘MIBK’). A MIBK rich product stream is withdrawn from this reaction zone.

Abstract: A process for preparing aldols by catalytic reaction of aldehydes and/or ketones comprises conducting said reaction in the channels of a microstructured reaction system.

Abstract: &agr;,&bgr;-Unsaturated keto compounds are prepared by base-catalyzed aldol condensation of aldehydes and/or ketones having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, comprising: reacting the aldehydes and/or ketones with an aqueous catalyst solution under adiabatic reaction conditions; and separating the reaction mixture obtained by rapid distillation into a top product comprising water, aldehyde and/or ketone and a bottom product comprising &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated keto compounds and aqueous catalyst phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing 6-methyl heptanone and corresponding methyl ketones, in particular phytone and tetrahydrogeranyl acetone, by aldolization of aldehydes with acetone in the presence of an aldolization catalyst and a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst containing a polyhydric alcohol.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of 1,3-diketones is disclosed wherein the method comprises the steps of: (A) mixing an alkali metal base with a hindered alcohol in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent; (B) boiling the mixture and azeotropically distilling water formed by the reaction between the base and the alcohol, whereby a solution of a hindered alkali metal alkoxide is formed in situ in the solvent; (C) mixing an ester with the solution of the hindered alkali metal alkoxide in the aromatic hydrocarbon solvent; and then (D) adding a ketone to the mixture.

Abstract: Enzymatic processes can produce intermediates for manufacturing retiferol derivatives that are useful for treating or preventing hyperproliferative skin diseases and for reversing conditions associated with photodamage. These processes can use as a starting material trihydroxycyclohexane, which can be chemically modified by a process that includes an enzymatic step, typically involving lipases of EC-class 3.1.1.3 or 3.1.1.34.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of the formula: 1

Abstract: Process for the continuous preparation of unsaturated ketones of the formula I where the dashed line can be an additional C—C bond, R1 is an alkyl, and R2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 1 to 37 carbons, a cycloalkyl or a cycloalkylalkyl, by reacting an unsaturated alcohol of the formula II  with an alkyl acetoacetate of the formula III where R3 is an alkyl having from 1 to 5 carbons, in the presence or organic aluminum compounds as catalyst.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing lower unsaturated ketones by reacting the corresponding &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohols with alkyl acetoacetates in a Carroll reaction in the presence of from 0.1 to 5 mol %, based on the alkyl acetoacetate to be reacted, of an organic aluminum compound as catalyst with elimination and continuous removal by distillation of the alkanol eliminated during the reaction from the alkyl acetoacetate in a reactor system with a fitted fractionation column, wherein A an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohol which boils below 140° C. is introduced, in the absence of effective amounts of a solvent, together with the organic aluminum compound into the reaction vessel, B a reaction temperature which is as constant as possible between 170° C. and 250° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing higher unsaturated ketones by reacting the corresponding &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohols with alkyl acetoacetates in a Carroll reaction , in a reactor system with fitted fractionation column, wherein A the &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohol is introduced into the reaction vessel together with the organic aluminum compound in the absence of effective amounts of a solvent, and the alkyl acetoacetate is metered into this mixture, B a reaction temperature which is as constant as possible at between 175° C. and 220° C., preferably between 180° C. and 200° C., is adjusted and C during the reaction the content of alkyl acetoacetate in the reaction mixture is adjusted to a value which is as constant as possible at between 1 and 3% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a solid catalyst of general formula (I): [(Mg2+)1−x(Al3+)x(OH−)2]x+[(OH−)x]x−(H2O)n  (I) with 0.20≦x≦0.33 and n<1.

Abstract: The condensation reaction of a ketone with either an ester or a carbonate to form, respectively, a 1,3-diketone or a .beta.-ketoester often affords poor results under the standard condensation reaction conditions. High yields and high purities of the desired product can be obtained by performing the reaction using an alkoxide base in DMSO as the sole solvent.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from an aqueous mixture of MEK and ethanol comprising extracting the MEK from the mixture using an extractive solvent selected from the group consisting of isopentane, the o-, m-, m-isomers of xylene, and mixed xylenes. Preferably the extractive solvent is separated from the MFK in the extract by fractional distillation and recycled to the extraction step.

Abstract: A process carried out in a reaction column for the chemical reaction of substances the reaction of which is affected by an unfavorable equilibrium position of the main reaction or a preceding equilibrium, wherein during the reaction one or more substances to be separated are continuously removed from the reaction mixture by one or more auxiliaries.

Abstract: A process for preparing .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ketones of the general formula I ##STR1## by reacting an allyl alcohol of the general formula II ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 is H or a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, with diketene or an alkyl acetoacetate of the general formula III ##STR3## in which R.sup.2 is alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in an unmodified or modified Carroll reaction in the presence of an aluminum catalyst, wherein aluminum compounds which are stable liquids at room temperature, or a mixture of such aluminum compounds, which comprise at least one radical formed from an alkyl acetoacetate and 1 or 2 alkoxy radicals, or else comprise exclusively radicals formed from alkyl acetoacetates, which are esterified with sec-butanol or isobutanol, or else are esterified with at least two different alcohols, are used as aluminum catalyst.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a dicarbonyl compound of the following formula ##STR1## by reacting a conjugated alkadiene compound of the formula ##STR2## with a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound of the formula ##STR3## in the presence of an acid catalyst. The products of the method are useful in the preparation of compounds such as vitamins A and E, various carotenoids, Retin A, dehydrolinalool, pseudoionone, citral, and linalool.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula:[M(II).sub.1-x M*(III).sub.x (OH).sub.2+x ].mH.sub.2 O (I)in which M(II) represents a divalent cation chosen from the group consisting of nickel, zinc, cobalt, magnesium or the mixture of two or more of the abovementioned metals; M(III) represents a trivalent cation, such as aluminum, gallium, iron or chromium, with the exception of the compound of formula (I) in which M(II) is magnesium and M(III) is aluminum, x is between 0.20 and 0.33 and m.ltoreq.1; in the preparation of .beta.-hydroxycarbonyl and/or .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a process for the catalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds on a catalyst of amorphous metal alloys and in a solvent, with the hydrogenation being carried out under near-critical or supercritical conditions of the solvent. The amorphous metal alloys can be produced by the shock cooling of alloy melts having eutectic solidification points. By hydrogenation at hydrogen partial pressures between 5 and 400 bar there is obtained outstanding space-time yields with high long-term stability of the catalytic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining .beta.-hydroxy carbonyl compounds and/or .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, characterized in that at least one aldehyde or one ketone is brought into contact with a solid catalyst of general formula (I):?(Mg.sup.2+).sub.1-x (Al.sup.3+).sub.x (OH.sup.-).sub.2 !.sup.x+ ?(OH.sup.-).sub.x !.sup.x- (H.sub.2 O).sub.n (I)with 0.20.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.33 and n<1.

Abstract: A process for making a sterically-hindered beta-diketone involving: (a) providing a solution comprising: (i) an ester; (ii) a base; and (iii) a solvent; (b) adding a ketone selected from the group consisting of an aromatic ketone and a hindered aliphatic ketone, to the solution, to form a condensation reaction mixture, whereby either the ester or the ketone is hindered; (c) reacting the solution with the ketone to form a sterically-hindered beta-diketone; and (d) recovering the sterically-hindered beta-diketone from the condensation reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic manufacture of MIBK and DIBK from DMK and/or IPA (optionally in the presence of water) while obtaining improved control over the ratio of DIBK to MIBK in the product stream, comprising reacting, in the presence of an aldol condensation catalyst, a reactant mixture comprising DMK and/or IPA and an effective amount of an additional reactant selected from the group consisting of mesityl oxide (MSO) and methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and mixtures thereof. Reaction temperature may also be changed to affect the product ratio obtained. The preferred catalyst is copper-based. An overall excess of hydrogen is desired, and this may be achieved by introducing or recycling hydrogen, and/or by balancing exothermic and endothermic reactions. By this invention, the product ratio of DIBK to MIBK is altered such that, as DMK and/or IPA conversion is increased, a lesser amount of DIBK than normal is produced, resulting in improved ability to control the product ratio of these materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified Raney nickel catalyst which can serves as hydrogenation catalyst for hydroxy aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxy-butanal, and 2-methyl-3-hydroxypropanal and hydroxy cyclic ethers such as 2-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran. Further, a process for preparing diols by using the modified Raney nickel catalyst is provided.

Abstract: Described are cyclohexanone derivatives of the formula (I), a method of preparing them and intermediates used in their preparation.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of formula (I): ##STR1## by rearrangement of a compound of formula (II): ##STR2## in a non-polar solvent in the presence of a cyanide source, an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate, a phase transfer catalyst and 1-6 moles of water with respect to the compound of formula (II).

Abstract: A process for preparing .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ketones bya) reacting vinylcarbinols or propargyl alcohols with alkyl acetoacetates or diketene andb) thermally rearranging the resulting acetoacetates in the presence or absence of an aluminum catalyst to .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ketones (Carroll reaction),wherein step a) and/or step b) is carried out in a cyclic carbonate of the formula I or a .gamma.-lactone of the formula II ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are H, or lower alkyl and R.sup.4 is H, lower alkyl, phenyl or methoxymethyl, as solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of terpenic ketones, which comprises reacting a 1,3-butadiene derivative with a .beta.-keto ester followed by decarbalkoxylation of the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining isophorone from acetone, characterized in that the operation is carried out (i) in liquid phase in the presence of a magnesium aluminum double oxide of formula Mg.sub.1-x Al.sub.x O.sub.1+x or (ii) either in gaseous or liquid phase in the presence of a catalyst of general formula (I):?(Mg.sup.2+).sub.1-x (Al.sup.3+).sub.x (OH.sup.-).sub.2 !.sup.x+ ?(OH.sup.-).sub.x !.sup.x- (H.sub.2 O).sub.n (I)with 0.20.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.33 and n<1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions containing novel beta-diketones of formula (I) and formula (II),R.sub.1 COCH.sub.2 COR.sub.2 (I)R.sub.2 COCH.sub.2 COR.sub.2 (II)which may be used to stabilize various polymers, such as polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs). The present invention is also directed to a method for preparing .beta.-diketones by a Claisen condensation reaction, which is represented as follows:R.sub.4 COCHR.sub.5 H+R.sub.6 C(O)OR.sub.7 +RO.sup.- .fwdarw.?R.sub.4 COCR.sub.5 COR.sub.6 !-+R.sub.7 OH+ROH.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel process for the selective trihalogenation of ketones employing organic halogen salts.

Abstract: The aldolization is characterized by the use of a solid basic catalyst which has the following general formula?(Mg.sup.2+).sub.1-x (Al.sup.3+).sub.x (OH.sup.-).sub.2 !.sup.+x ?(OH.sup.-).sub.x (H.sub.2 O).sub.n !.sup.-x (II)wherein 0.20.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.33 and n has a value of less than 1. This catalyst has a defined crystal structure similar to that of hydrotalcite or, alternatively, of meixnerite. Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new, technically simple but efficient process, with a good yield, for the preparation of 2-ethyl-1,3-hexane diol from n-butyraldehyde by aldol condensation in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide or alkali earth metal hydroxide catalyst. To promote the reaction and to improve its controllability, a neutral phase-transfer catalyst is additionally used in the process according to the invention. 2-Ethyl-1,3-hexane diol is used in insecticides and, for example, in the preparation of polyesters.

Abstract: A novel process for the manufacture of .beta.-keto alcohols from aldehydes comprising reacting a conjugated polyene aldehyde under basic conditions with a cyclocarbonate or derivative thereof. Certain carotenoid products of this process are novel compounds and are also an object of the present invention. The products, which for the most part belong to the carotenoid field, find corresponding use, for example, as colorants or pigments for foodstuffs, egg yolk, integuments and/or subcutaneous fat of poultry and flesh and/or integuments of fish and crustaceans.