Abstract: The invention discloses a novel intermediate for preparing tapentadol and analogues thereof, wherein the structural formula is shown as formula I or II, and the groups are defined as the specification. The invention further discloses a method for preparing the novel intermediate and use of the intermediate for preparing tapentadol and analogues thereof. The invention can remarkably improve the product yield and quality of tapentadol, reduce the production cost, and simplify the production procedure. The preparation process is environment friendly, thus more suitable for the requirements of industrial production.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel intermediate for preparing tapentadol and analogues thereof, wherein the structural formula is shown as formula I or II, and the groups are defined as the specification. The invention further discloses a method for preparing the novel intermediate and use of the intermediate for preparing tapentadol and analogues thereof. The invention can remarkably improve the product yield and quality of tapentadol, reduce the production cost, and simplify the production procedure. The preparation process is environment friendly, thus more suitable for the requirements of industrial production.

Abstract: A high yield and high productivity processes for preparing 3-hydroxyglutaronitrile by reacting an epihalohydrin or a 4-halo-3-hydroxy-butanenitrile, or analogous compound containing a different leaving group, with cyanide (CN—) in the presence of water and an ionic liquid. The use of an ionic liquid as a cosolvent with water results in increased productivity and selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the modification of butyl elastomers, particularly halobutyl elastomers, under solvent free conditions with a phase transfer catalyst in the presence of an alkyl metal salt of an oxygen or sulfur-based nucleophile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation and recovery of cyclopropylacetonitrile by a novel combination of process steps beginning with a mixture of cyclopropylmethyl halide, a cyclobutyl halide and a 4-halo-1-butene. The process permits the recovery of substantially pure cyclopropylacetonitrile and cyclobutyl halide, e.g., cyclopropylacetonitrile and cyclobutyl halide each having a purity greater than about 95%.

Abstract: A process of making certain compounds using a phase transfer catalyst that permits the recovery and recycle of the phase transfer catalyst.

Abstract: In a method of carrying out organic conversions via heterogeneous phase transfer catalysis by contacting immiscible liquid phases containing respective substances capable of interacting, with a solid catalyst to promote the transfer of reactive species from one liquid phase to another, the improvement comprises employing as catalyst a cation exchanged form of a 2:1 layered silicate clay with layer charge densities in the range of above 0.4 to 2.0 containing an onium ion containing one or more alkyl hydrocarbon chains and maintaining the materials in emulsified form by having a sufficient chain length of an alkyl group relative to the charge density of the clay.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method for preparation of S-3,4-dihydroxy butyronitrile expressed by the structural formula (II) ##STR1## characterized by causing R-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol expressed by the structural formula (I) ##STR2## to react with a cyanating agent. According to this invention, optically active 3,4-dihydroxy butyronitrile and 3,4-dihydroxy butyric acid derivatives may be manufactured economically and efficiently.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a dimeric aromatic acyl cyanide of the formula ##STR1## in which Ar is optionally substituted phenyl, naphthyl or hetaryl,comprising reaction an acyl halide of the formulaAr--CO--Halin whichHal is fluorine, chlorine or bromine, with an alkali metal cyanide in a two-phase system comprising water and a water-immiscible or only sparingly water-miscible aliphatic ketone, and in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst. The products are known intermediates for pesticides.

Abstract: A simplified process for the preparation of basically substituted phenylacetonitriles, in particular of verapamil, is described. This process is carried out with fewer stages and higher yields than the known processes according to the state of the art.

Abstract: Veratryl cyanide is prepared by chloromethylating veratrol in solution in toluene and then reacting the resulting veratryl chloride with from 1 to 5 moles of an alkali metal cyanide, by a process in which the toluene from the chloromethylation is not removed for the reaction with cyanide, and from 3 to 25% by weight, based on veratryl chloride, of water, from 5 to 50% by weight, based on toluene, of a ketone of 3 to 6 carbon atoms and from 0.1 to 10% by weight, based on veratryl chloride, of a phase transfer catalyst are added before the reaction with cyanide.