Abstract: A method for preparing ketones has advantages of improving yields and reducing the time of the reactions due to high efficiency of catalysts. Ketones are prepared by reacting an aliphatic or an aromatic aldehyde with a vinyl olefin having an aliphatic or aromatic alkyl moiety in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, 2-aminopyridine catalyst, a primary amine and an acid, as catalysts and additives.

Abstract: An ortho-alkylation method of an aromatic ketone. In the method, as starting materials, the aromatic ketone is reacted with aliphatic or aromatic alkyl moiety-containing olefins in the presence of a primary amine and a transition metal catalyst as reaction catalysts, or ketimines resulting from a reaction of aromatic ketones with a primary amine are reacted with aliphatic or aromatic alkyl moiety-containing olefins in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, thereby introducing the alkyl moiety to the ortho-position of the aromatic ketone.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a new ketone from a preexisting ketone is very advantageous in terms of production cost and yield. A reactant mixture consisting of a ketone containing &bgr;-hydrogen relative to the aldehyde group and a vinyl olefin or internal olefin having an aliphatic or aromatic alkyl moiety is allowed to react at approximately 100-180° C. for at least 6 hours in the presence of a rhodium or iridium transition metal catalyst and a 2-aminopyridine derivative.