Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an acetylenically unsaturated alcohol comprising reacting formaldehyde, an aldehyde or a ketone (a carbonyl compound) with acetylene in the presence of ammonia and a strongly basic macroporous anion exchange resin, the latter preferably featuring a polystyrene matrix and quaternary ammonium groups, preferably of type I or Type II. The reaction products, which depending on the starting carbonyl compound are propargyl alcohol or 1-monosubstituted or 1,1-disubstituted derivatives thereof, are of use as intermediates in the synthesis of many useful end products, inter alia in the field of vitamins and carotenoids.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an acetylenically unsaturated alcohol comprising reacting formaldehyde, an aldehyde or a ketone (a carbonyl compound) with acetylene in the presence of ammonia and a strongly basic macroporous anion exchange resin, the latter preferably featuring a polystyrene matrix and quaternary ammonium groups, preferably of type I or Type II. The reaction products, which depending on the starting carbonyl compound are propargyl alcohol or 1-monosubstituted or 1,1-disubstituted derivatives thereof, are of use as intermediates in the synthesis of many useful end products, inter alia in the field of vitamins and carotenoids.