Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing dienoic acids.In particular, the present invention relates to a catalytic process for preparing octadienoic acids from 3-butenoic acids and butadiene.More particularly the present invention is directed to the preparation of octadienoic acids haing the two double bonds in position 3,6 and 2,6 in respect of the carboxylic carbon, starting from 3-butenoic acids and butadiene in the presence of complex catalysts of Rhodium or of Nickel.

Abstract: Optically active methyl esters of arylpropionic acids are prepared by reaction of the corresponding vinylaromatic compounds with carbon monoxide and methyl alcohol in the presence of a palladium catalyst system consisting of a palladium compound associated with optically active diphenyl-neomenthylphosphine and with trifluoroacetic acid, at substantially atmospheric pressure and at a temperature comprised between 20.degree. and 80.degree. C. There is dealt with particular regioselective and enantioselective catalysis conditions.The products obtained consist of esters of arylpropionic acids or of the corresponding acids obtainable from them, and are useful intermediates in the synthesis of organic compounds, particularly of pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: There is disclosed and claimed a process for preparing aryl- and heteroarylhexadienoic acids which is characterized in that an aryl- or heteroarylacetylene having the formula: R--C.tbd.CH, wherein R is an aryl or heteroaryl group, optionally substituted and having in the aggregate up to 20 carbon atoms, is reacted with 3-butenoic acid CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 --COOH, in an alcoholic medium, at temperatures maintained between 50.degree. C. and 120.degree. C., approximately, in the presence of a catalyst selected from among the phosphinic complexes of rhodium having the formulas: III, Rh(PR'.sub.3).sub.n L.sub.m X associated with alkaline salts of carboxylic acids having up to 4 carbon atoms, and IV, Rh(PR'.sub.3).sub.n L.sub.p.sup.+ Y.sup.

Abstract: Dienoic acids are prepared by reaction of salts of 3-butenoic acid and vinyl halides, in the presence of catalysts which are phosphinic complexes of rhodium or nickel.

Abstract: Octadienyl esters of 2-ethylidene-hepta-3,5-dienoic and 2-vinyl-hepta-3,5-dienoic acids of formula C.sub.8 H.sub.11 COOC.sub.8 H.sub.13 and .delta.-lactone of formula ##STR1## or 2-ethylidene-hepta-6-ene-5-olide, are prepared by reaction of 1,3-butadiene with CO.sub.2 at a temperature comprised between about 20.degree. and 150.degree. C. and at a total pressure between about 10 and 500 atm in the presence of a phosphinic complex of palladium having the formula Pd[P(R).sub.3 ].sub.x, wherein x is an integer from 2 to 4, and (R).sub.3 is a homogeneous or heterogeneous group consisting of alkyls, cycloalkyls having up to 8 carbon atoms and of phenyls, also substituted, in an inert atmosphere.The obtained products are "per se" new and are valuable intermediates for synthesis of chemicals (fungicides, pesticides, etc.) and in particular as effective plasticizers.