Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of ceramides by a two step process involving conversion of a 2-hydroximino-3-oxo-alkanoate into a 2-alkanoylamido-3-oxo-alkanoate intermediate by acylation of the oxime and reduction of the oxime ester group to an amido group, followed by reduction of the keto and ester group of the intermediate to the 1,3 diol of the ceramide. The oxime acylation and the first reduction may be carried out consecutively or simultaneously. The first reduction is preferably a catalytic hydrogenation and the second reduction is preferably a borohydride reduction.The invention further relates to novel 2-alkanoylamido-3-oxo-alkanoates and 2-alkanoyloximino-3-oxo-alkanoates which are useful as intermediates for conversion into ceramides.

Abstract: A method of acetylating 1,2,3,4,-tetrahydro-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethylnapthalene (HMT) to produce 6-acetyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethlnaphthalene (acetyl-HMT), comprises subjecting a mixture of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethlnaphthalene and or one or more substituted indanes or substituted acetylindanes to a Friedel-Crafts acetylation reaction in the presence of a saturated hydrocarbon solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the conversion of 8-hydroxymenthenes into 8-hydroxycymenes by treating the 8-hydroxymenthenes in the vapour phase with an alkaline dehydrogenation catalyst, e.g. palladium on an alkaline support. The process is carried out above 145.degree. C. The hydroxymenthene vapour is preferably passed through the catalyst system at a pressure below 8 kPa and/or with the aid of an inert gas or vapour. Oxygen may be present as a hydrogen acceptor. The process is particularly suitable for converting 8-hydroxy-p-menth-1-ene into 8-hydroxy-p-cymene. The reaction products are of value as intermediates in the preparation of musk fragrance chemicals.

Abstract: Novel perfumery chemicals having a cyclic acetal structure and providing a variety of perfume notes, especially amber, are described. They are prepared by reacting specified diols and aldehydes/ketones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the conversion of 8-hydroxymenthenes into 8-hydroxycymenes by treating the 8-hydroxymenthenes in the vapor phase with a dehydrogenation catalyst, e.g. palladium. The process is preferably carried out at 80.degree.-150.degree. C. The hydroxymenthene vapor is preferably passed through the catalyst system at a pressure below 8 kPa and/or with the aid of an inert gas or vapor. Oxygen may be present as a hydrogen acceptor. The process is particularly suitable for converting 8-hydroxy-p-menth-l-ene into 8-hydroxy-p-cymene. The reaction products are of value as intermediates in the preparation of fragrance chemicals.

Abstract: Process for preparing an alkyl substituted tetralin or indane by reacting a benzyl alcohol with an alkene having 4-7 carbon atoms under the influence of a Lewis acid catalyst. The product can be further reacted with an acyl halide or alkylene epoxide without prior isolated from the initial reaction mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the conversion of 8-hydroxymenthenes into 8-hydroxycymenes by reacting the 8-hydroxymenthenes in the liquid phase in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst, e.g. palladium and a hydrogen acceptor e.g. mesityl oxide. The process is preferably carried out at 80.degree.-150.degree. C. and in the presence of base. The process is particularly suitable for converting 8-hydroxy-p-menth-1-ene into 8-hydroxy-p-cymene. The reaction products are of value as intermediates in the preparation of fragrance chemicals.