Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an alpha, beta-unsaturated cyclic ketone, such as carvone, comprises the dehydrogenation of a secondary allylic cyclic alcohol, such as carveol, in the presence of at least one metal carboxylate. The process can be performed in a batchwise or continuous mode. Examples of suitable metal carboxylates include magnesium stearate, calcium 2-ethylhexanoate, and zinc 2-ethylhexanoate.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising a primary catalyst chosen from one or more homogeneous or heterogeneous, inorganic, organic or complex metal-containing compound; and one or more phenolic activator/modifier(s). The catalyst system can be used for the preparation of allylic alcohols by rearrangement of corresponding epoxides, the subsequent Oppenauer type oxidation of allylic alcohols to alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, and/or the preparation of alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by rearrangement of epoxides to corresponding allylic alcohols followed by the subsequent Oppenauer type oxidation of allylic alcohols in a one pot process.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an alpha, beta-unsaturated cyclic ketone, such as carvone, comprises the dehydrogenation of a secondary allylic cyclic alcohol, such as carveol, in the presence of at least one metal carboxylate. The process can be performed in a batchwise or continuous mode. Examples of suitable metal carboxylates include magnesium stearate, calcium 2-ethylhexanoate, and zinc 2-ethylhexanoate.

Abstract: A catalyst system that can be used to achieve (a) preparation of allylic alcohols by rearrangement of the corresponding epoxide, when the allylic alcohol is a desired product; (b) subsequent reaction, e.g., selective oxidation, of the allylic alcohols obtained in step (a) to afford a desired product, e.g., alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds; and/or (c) the ability to perform steps a) and b) in a one-pot process. In one embodiment, the catalyst system includes (i) at least one primary catalyst includes one or more homogeneous or heterogeneous, inorganic, organic or complex metal-containing compound, and (ii) at least one activator/modifier comprising at least one phenolic compound.