Abstract: The present invention relates to alkoxy-substituted indanes, their preparation and use and to the preparation and use of the corresponding alkoxy-substituted indanones.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aldehyde or ketone by oxidizing a primary or secondary alcohol in the presence of a nitroxyl radical compound and a co-oxidant in an organic solvent, which process is characterized in using an organic N-bromoamide compound or a combination of N-chlorosuccinimide and a compound having bromide ion as the co-oxidant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an oxide from an alcohol compound, the process comprising the steps of causing silica gel to carry the alcohol compound thereon and an oxidative catalyst thereon, and oxidizing the alcohol compound in the presence of an oxidizing agent, giving an oxide higher in oxidizing degree than the alcohol compound, and also provides a process for producing an oxide from an alcohol compound, the process comprising the steps of causing silica gel to carry the alcohol compound, and subjecting the alcohol compound to an electrolytic oxidation, giving an oxide higher in oxidizing degree than the alcohol compound.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an organic ionic liquid in a zeolite-catalysed process, for example an acylation, alkylation, isomerisation or hydrocracking process in which zeolites act as catalysts or catalyst precursors, especially Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation procedures.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing an aromatic compound by Friedel-Crafts reaction product, which comprises reacting an aromatic compound with an ester compound in the presence of a heteropolyacid-containing solid acid catalyst.

Abstract: An oily solution of water-insoluble aliphatic alcohol is allowed to react with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in the presence of a catalyst containing a metal compound belonging to Group 8 to 10 of the Periodic Table in a heterogeneous solution system. As a result, a carbonyl compound can be produced from an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution under mild conditions in high yield. Also, the reaction operation is simple and easy, a step for removing solvent after completion of the reaction is not necessary and influence and toxicity upon the environment and human body are markedly small. Thus, a carbonyl compound can be produced safely, simply and efficiently.

Abstract: A method of producing a halogen alkenone ether by attaching carboxylic acid halogenides or carboxylic acid anhydrides to a vinyl ether. According to the invention the method is carried out in the presence of an onium salt of a carbonic acid which can be regenerated. The resulting product is obtained in high yields. Alternatively, pyridine which is substituted by one, two or three C1–C3 alkyl groups or other onium salts can be used.

Abstract: An alcohol can be oxidized by a process in which a primary or secondary alcohol are reacted with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst composition containing (i) a stable free nitroxyl radical derivative, (ii) a nitrate source, (iii) a bromide source, and (iiii) a carboxylic acid, thereby obtaining an aldehyde or a ketone.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of quinic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing quinic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme as well as conversion of quinic acid to hydroquinone are also provided.

Abstract: This invention particularly relates to a process for the acylation of aromatic compounds by an acylating agent for preparing corresponding acylated aromatic compounds, using a solid catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neolignan (NEOLASA-I) 3-ethyl-2-methyl-3-(2?,4?,5?-trimethoxy-phenyl-1-(2?,4?,5?-trimethoxy)phenyl-1-propene and a process for the preparation of high purity, higher yield neolignan, ?-asarone, 2,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl propionone from ?-asarone or ?-asarone rich Acorus calamus oil containing ? and ?-asarone by hydrogenating and dimerizing by treatment with DDQ in presence of an organic acid.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the preparation of 1,2-diarylethanones by reaction of an arylacetonitrile and an aromatic compound and hydrolysis of the ketimine compound formed, where the solvent used for the reaction is at least one dialkyl ether of a mono- or polyalkylene glycol or a cyclic ether having at least two oxygen atoms. The process produces good yields at room temperature, and drying of the solvent is not required.

Abstract: Porous microcomposites have been prepared from perfluorinated ion-exchange polymer and metal oxides such as silica using the sol-gel process. Such microcomposites possess high surface area and exhibit extremely high catalytic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the synthesis of intermediates useful for the synthesis of estrogen receptor modulators. The process includes new methods for annelating 5-, 6- and 7-membered cycloalkenones onto an indanone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an oxide from an alcohol compound, the process comprising the steps of causing silica gel to carry the alcohol compound thereon and an oxidative catalyst thereon, and oxidizing the alcohol compound in the presence of an oxidizing agent, giving an oxide higher in oxidizing degree than the alcohol compound, and also provides a process for producing an oxide from an alcohol compound, the process comprising the steps of causing silica gel to carry the alcohol compound, and subjecting the alcohol compound to an electrolytic oxidation, giving an oxide higher in oxidizing degree than the alcohol compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds by the oxidation of alcohols in the presence of osmium compounds as catalysts in water or a solvent mixture containing water.

Abstract: An alcohol is oxidized to an aldehyde or a ketone in the presence of a nitroxyl compound as catalyst, wherein the alcohol to be oxidized is contained in an organic liquid phase, and is reacted in the presence of a nitroxyl compound with an aqueous phase comprising an oxidant. The reaction is carried out continuously at a contact time of the phases of from 0.1 s to a maximum of 15 minutes, with intensive mixing of the phases. The process produces high yields with low quantities of other oxidation byproducts.

Abstract: Improved oxidation methods are provided wherein a reaction mixture comprising a substrate to be oxidized (e.g., phenols, alkenes) and an oxidation catalyst (typically dispersed in an organic solvent system) is supplemented with a compressed gas which expands the reaction mixture, thus accelerating the oxidation reaction. In preferred practice pressurized subcritical or supercritical carbon dioxide is used as the expanding gas, which is introduced into the reaction mixture together with an oxidizing agent. The inventive methods improve the substrate conversion and product selectivity by increasing the solubility of the oxidizing agent in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of acylated aromatic ethers, in particular the acylation of anisole (methoxybenzene) and veratrole (1,2-dimethoxybenzene) for the preparation of corresponding acylated aromatic ether, namely, p-methoxyacetophenone and 3,4-dimethoxyacetophenone respectively, using clay based heterogeneous catalysts, and their lanthanide exchanged forms at moderate temperature and pressure with high selectivity.

Abstract: Allyl alcohols are converted into corresponding aldehydes or ketones in a high yield under a mild condition by using an inexpensive aluminum alkoxide as an Oppenauer oxidation catalyst and a hydride acceptor. Thus, there is provided an industrially useful method for converting allyl alcohols to corresponding aldehydes or ketones.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for sulphonylating a hydroxylated organic compound. The invention concerns in particular aliphatic hydroxylated compounds and more particularly those which comprise on their aliphatic chain, an electroattractive group. The method for sulphonylating a hydroxylated organic compound is characterised in that it consists in reacting said compound, with a sulphonylating agent, in the presence of a sufficient amount of a Lewis acid.

Abstract: A process for oxygenating organic substrates such as aliphatic hydrocarbons has been developed. The process involves contacting the organic substrate with oxygen in the presence of a bicyclo imide promoter and a metal co-catalyst. The process is preferably carried out using sulfolane as the solvent. Optionally, the oxygenated product can be hydrogenated to give the corresponding alcohol which can optionally in turn be dehydrated to provide the corresponding olefin.

Abstract: A process for preparing an &agr;-haloketone of the formula (1) where R1 is an optionally heteroatom-containing and optionally substituted hydrocarbon radical, R2 is a hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl radical, and X is a halogen radical, by reacting a carboxylic acid derivative of the general formula (2) where L is a leaving group, with a mono- or dienolate of a silyl ester of the formula (3) where R3 and R4 are identical or different alkyl, aryl, alkenyl or aralkyl radicals; and hydrolyzing the reaction product immediately afterwards by adding acid and decarboxylating to (1). The product &agr;-haloketone may be reduced to the corresponding &agr;-haloalcohol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the selective oxidation of alcohols to ketones or to aldehydes by means of an alkali hypohalite under alkaline conditions, which comprises carrying out the oxidation in the presence of a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst that is insoluble in the reaction medium and is selected from the group comprising the compounds of formula (I) wherein n is a number from 3 to 3000; or a 4-oxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl that is 4-oxy-bound to a Merrifield polymer. The invention relates also to the compounds of formulae (II) and (III) and to the use of the above-mentioned oxidation catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing &agr;-halogenated ketones from secondary &agr;-halogenated alcohols. More particularly, the invention concerns the preparation of &agr;-trihalogenated ketones from secondary &agr;-trihalogenated alcohols. The method for preparing said &agr;-halogenated ketone is characterized in that it consists in oxidizing in liquid phase, a secondary &agr;-halogenated alcohol, using molecular oxygen or a gas containing same, in the presence of a catalyst based on a metal M1 selected among metals of group 1b and 8 of the periodic system of elements and optionally an activating element.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of quinic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing quinic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme as well as conversion of quinic acid to hydroquinone are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of high purity and yield &agr;-asarone, trans 2,4,5-trimethoxy cinnamaldehyde, 2,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl propionone, from &bgr;-asarone or &bgr;-asarone rich Acorus calamus oil containing &agr; and &ggr;-asarone by hydrogenating, followed by treatment with DDQ with or without solid support of silica gel or alumina in dry organic solvent and &agr;-asarone can also be obtained by treating the hydrogenated product of &bgr;-asarone or &bgr;-asarone rich Acorus calamus with DDQ in an aqueous organic solvent to obtain an intermediate 2,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl propionone, which in turn is reduced with sodiumborohydride to obtain the corresponding 2,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl propanol and followed by final treatment with a dehydrating agent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of &bgr;,&ggr;,&dgr;-unsaturated ketones and/or &agr;,&bgr;,&ggr;,&dgr;-unsaturated ketones by the reaction of an unsaturated alcohol with an enol ether or mixture of enol ethers, with formation of ketals as a by-product, at temperatures of from 50° C. to 200° C., in the presence of an acid catalyst, whereby one or all of the reagents is/are heated to the reaction temperature of from 50° C. to 200° C. before the acid catalyst is added.

Abstract: An alcohol is oxidized to an aldehyde or a ketone in the presence of a nitroxyl compound as catalyst, wherein the alcohol to be oxidized is contained in an organic liquid phase, and is reacted in the presence of a nitroxyl compound with an aqueous phase comprising an oxidant. The reaction is carried out continuously at a contact time of the phases of from 0.1 s to a maximum of 15 minutes, with intensive mixing of the phases. The process produces high yields with low quantities of other oxidation byproducts.

Abstract: A process for Friedel-Crafts type liquid-phase alkylation or acylation of an aromatic compound using a hydrotalcite-type basic anionic clay catalyst represented by a formula: [(M2+)1−x(M3+)x(OH)2]x+[Ay−]x/y q H2O where M2+ is a divalent cation selected from Mg2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ or a mixture thereof, M3+ is a trivalent cation selected from Ga3+, In3+ Al3+, Fe3+ Cr3+ or a mixture thereof; x is a mole fraction of trivalent cations in the range of about 0.05 to about 0.5; O is oxygen; H is hydrogen; Ay− is an anion; y minus is an anionic negative charge having a value of 1 minus or 2 minus; and q is a number of water molecules, as the water of hydration; and involving following steps: i.

Abstract: A method of oxidizing an organic alcohol, wherein the organic alcohol is contacted with a stoichiometric excess of oxygen in the presence of an effective catalytic amount of a maganese-containing octahedral molecular sieve or octahedral layer. Primary alcohols are selectively oxidized to aldehydes, and secondary alcohols are selectively oxidized to ketones.

Abstract: An improved method is described for making 9-deoxy-PGF1-type compounds. In contrast to the prior art, the method is stereoselective and requires fewer steps than the known methods for making these compounds.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing an alkane, comprising the step of oxidizing said alkane with oxygen in the presence of an aldehyde, a copper-based catalyst and a nitrogen-containing compound. This method may be used to convert alkanes to corresponding alcohols and ketone having pharmaceutical activities, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing monoacetylated hydroquinone compounds of the formula I, to the novel final products of the process and to a process for preparing the precursors.

Abstract: Improved oxidation methods are provided wherein a reaction mixture comprising a substrate to be oxidized (e.g., phenols, alkenes) and an oxidation catalyst (typically dispersed in an organic solvent system) is supplemented with a compressed gas which expands the reaction mixture, thus accelerating the oxidation reaction. In preferred practice pressurized subcritical or supercritical carbon dioxide is used as the expanding gas, which is introduced into the reaction mixture together with an oxidizing agent. The inventive methods improve the substrate conversion and product selectivity by increasing the solubility of the oxidizing agent in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the selective oxidation of alcohols to ketones or to aldehydes by means of an alkali hypohalite under alkaline conditions, which comprises carrying out the oxidation in the presence of a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst that is insoluble in the reaction medium and is selected from the group comprising the compounds of formula (I) (III), wherein n is a number from 3 to 3000; or a 4-oxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl that is 4-oxy-bound to a Merrifield polymer. The invention relates also to the compounds of formulae (II) and (III) and to the use of the above-mentioned oxidation catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols.

Abstract: A process for the liquid phase acylation of aromatic compounds by acyl halides to corresponding acylated aromatic compounds, using a reusable solid catalyst comprising indium halide represented by a formula: MxIn1−xAy(a)/s wherein, S is a porous catalyst support selected from clays, zeolites and zeolite-like materials; M is a metallic chemical element(s) selected from the group consisting of Ga (gallium), Fe (iron), Zn (zinc), Ti (titanium) and a mixture of two or more thereof; In is a metallic chemical element, indium; A is a non-metallic chemical element selected from the group consisting of Cl (chlorine), Br (bromine), I (iodine), F (fluorine) and a mixture of two or more thereof; is mole fraction of M in the metallic elements in the range from 0.01 to 0.99; y is the number of A atoms required to satisfy the valence requirement of MxIn1−x; and a is the loading of MxIn1−x A on the support, S, in the range from 0.05 mmol.g−1 to 5.0 mmol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein Y is a group that is inert during preparation of the compound and m is from 0 to 4 is described. The process broadly involves the steps of a) reacting a compound of formula II wherein X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, and Y and m are as defined above, with a vinylether or an enamide in a solvent, a base and a catalytic amount of a palladium compound and a phosphine ligand. The resulting intermediate is then hydrolyzed to the compound of formula I.

Abstract: Improved processes for preparation of tetralones in high enantiomeric purity centers on resolution using simulated moving bed chromatography of a racemic tetralone derivative. Resolution is effected with high enantiomeric purity, and subsequent reactions of the desired tetralone derivative enantiomer performed with high optical specificity to maintain enantiomeric purity. The undesired enantiomer may be racemized and recycled to the resolution phase to avoid loss.

Abstract: A new process is described for the preparation of (alkoxyalkyl)(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)methanones. The process comprises reacting a 4-trifluoromethylbenzonitrile with an alkoxyalkyl Grignard in the presence of a suitable polar aprotic solvent. The compound (4-methoxybutyl)(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)methanone is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of the antidepressant drug fluvoxamine.

Abstract: The invention relates to 2-(3-alkenylbenzoyl)cyclohexane-1,3-diones of the formula I where the variables have the following meanings: R1, R2 are hydrogen, nitro, halogen, cyano, thiocyanato, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, —OR6, —OCOR7, —OSO2R7, —SH, —S(O)nR8, —SO2OR6, —SO2NR6R9, —NR9SO2R7 or —NR9COR7; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl; R4, R5 are hydrogen, nitro, halogen, cyano, thiocyanato, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, —COR10, —CO2R10, —COSR10, —CONR10R11, —C(R12)═NR13, —PO(OR10)(OR11); unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, phenyl, phenylalkyl, hetaryl or hetarylalkyl; or R4 and R5 together form an alkanediyl chain which can be substituted and/or can be interrupted by a hetero atom; Q is an unsubstituted or substituted cyclohexane-1,3-dione ring wh

Abstract: An efficient, cost-effective method useful for the production of aryl ketones that minimizes the generation of toxic byproducts is disclosed. The method utilizes a metal triflate salt to catalyze the reaction between the carboxylic acid substrate and the aromatic substrate. The water generated by the reaction is collected and removed during the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the acylation or sulphonylation of an aromatic compound. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for the acylation or sulphonylation of an activated or deactivated aromatic compound. The invention is applied to the preparation of aromatic ketones or sulphones. The process for the acylation or sulphonylation of an aromatic compound which consists in reacting at least one aromatic compound with an acylating or sulphonylating agent, in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst is characterized in that the acylation or sulphonylation reaction is carried out in liquid phase under microwave irradiation.

Abstract: The process for producing alicyclic monoketones (hydroxyphenylcyclohexanone derivatives) according to the present invention comprises hydrogenating substituted bisphenols such as bisphenol A in a solvent in the presence of a palladium/alkali metal catalyst in which palladium and an alkali metal are both supported on a carrier to obtain alicyclic monoketones such as 2-(4-oxocyclohexyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane. The process for producing alicyclic diketones according to the present invention comprises hydrogenating substituted bisphenols such as bisphenol A in a solvent in the presence of a palladium/alkali metal catalyst in which palladium and an alkali metal are both supported on a carrier to obtain alicyclic diketones such as 2,2-bis(4-oxocyclohexyl)propane and 4,4′-bicyclohexanone.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of compounds of Formula (1): wherein X1 and X2 are each independently H, Cl or F, provided that at least one of X1 and X2 is Cl or F; one of R1 and R2 is H and the other is OH; and R5 is an unsubstituted alkyl, preferably a C1-6 alkyl, group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a microcomposite comprising a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer containing pendant sulfonate functional groups, said polymer existing as aggregated particles entrapped within and dispersed throughout a network of silica. Due to their high surface area and acid functionality, these microcomposites possess wide utility as improved solid acid catalysts, particularly in the substitution of aromatic compounds, in the decomposition of hydroperoxides, and in the isomerization of olefins.

Abstract: Acetophenones which are di- or polysubstituted by fluoroalkyl groups on the aromatic ring are prepared in a particularly advantageous manner from the corresponding fluoroalkylanilines and acetaldoxime by preparing a corresponding diazonium salt mixture from the fluoroalkylaniline, reacting this mixture with acetaldoxime in the presence of at least one copper and/or palladium compound, without adding buffer salts or a reducing agent, carrying out the reaction with acetaldoxime at 5 to 50° C. and in the presence of halide ions and at least one strong acid that is not a hydrohalic acid, and finally heating the mixture to a temperature in the range 70 to 160° C.

Abstract: A process for the selective hydrolysis of acetals in the presence of phthalides comprises reacting a mixture (M) comprising a) a phthalide of the formula (I) where: R1,R2,R3 and R4: are independently hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl or halogen, and b) an acetal or ketal of the formula (II) where: R5 and R6: are independently C1-C6-alkyl, C6-C10-aryl or together ethylene, and R7 and R8: are independently C1-C6-alkyl, or one radical is a hydrogen and the other is a phenyl radical where from 1 to 3 hydrogen atoms of the phenyl radical may be replaced by C1-C6-alkyl radicals or C1-C4-alkoxy radicals, or R7 and R8 are together C3-C6-alkanediyl, and a hydrogen atom may be replaced by a hydroxyl group, at from 10 to 200° C. in the presence of from 1 to 10 mol of water, based on the amount of acetal or ketal of the formula (II), to hydrolyze the acetal or ketal of the formula (II) to the corresponding aldehyde or ketone.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for acylation of an aromatic compound. The acylation process of the invention consists of reacting the aromatic compound with an acylation agent in the presence of a zeolitic catalyst, and is characterized in that it consists of: mixing the aromatic compound and the acylation compound in any manner; passing said mixture over a catalytic bed comprising at least one zeolite; recirculating the reaction mixture from the catalytic bed over the catalytic bed for a number of times which is sufficient to obtain the desired degree of conversion of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oxidation which converts a primary or secondary alcohol of Formula II: ##STR1## to an acid or ketone of Formula I: ##STR2## with periodic acid and a catalytic amount of a chromium reagent.