Abstract: A cyclododecanone compound is continuously produced by an isomerization reaction of a corresponding epoxycyclododecane compound in the presence of a catalyst including lithium bromide and/or lithium iodide, the isomerization reaction being carried out by passing a reaction mixture containing the epoxycyclododecane compound and the catalyst through a continuous reaction apparatus including at least one tubular reactor preferably at a temperature of 100 to 350° C.

Abstract: A process for efficiently producing a 2-alkyl-2-cyclopentenone comprising reacting an amine and a hydrogen halide, which are present in a ratio ranging from 1.1:1 to 5:1, with a 2-alkylidene cyclopentanone to carry out an isomerization reaction. A process for producing a jasmonate derivative comprising reacting a 2-alkyl-2-cyclopentenone with a malonic acid diester.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to methods for the transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of a nucleophile, e.g., hydride, to cyclic and acyclic enoates and enones. In certain embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the transition metal catalyst consists essentially of copper and an asymmetric bidentate bisphosphine ligand.

Abstract: Preparation of cyclic, &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketones of formula II by dehydrogenation of cyclic ketones which conform to formula I in which n denotes an integer from 1 to 10, and which may be substituted, at elevated temperature in the presence of catalysts in the vapor phase, wherein the reaction is carried out in the absence of oxygen or in the presence of less than 0.5 mol of oxygen per mol of compound I at temperatures ranging from 250° to 600° C. and using catalysts having a surface area (BET) of more than 0.5 m2/g.

Abstract: &agr;,&bgr;-Unsaturated keto compounds are prepared by base-catalyzed aldol condensation of aldehydes and/or ketones having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, comprising: reacting the aldehydes and/or ketones with an aqueous catalyst solution under adiabatic reaction conditions; and separating the reaction mixture obtained by rapid distillation into a top product comprising water, aldehyde and/or ketone and a bottom product comprising &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated keto compounds and aqueous catalyst phase.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of 1,3-diketones is disclosed wherein the method comprises the steps of: (A) mixing an alkali metal base with a hindered alcohol in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent; (B) boiling the mixture and azeotropically distilling water formed by the reaction between the base and the alcohol, whereby a solution of a hindered alkali metal alkoxide is formed in situ in the solvent; (C) mixing an ester with the solution of the hindered alkali metal alkoxide in the aromatic hydrocarbon solvent; and then (D) adding a ketone to the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing astaxanthin from zeaxanthin. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for said conversion using a halogenating agent with the salt of chloric or bromic acid in an inert solvent.

Abstract: A method of preparing &bgr;-carotene derivatives such as canthaxanthin and astaxanthin is described. The method employs an in situ system to generate hypobromous acid as the oxidizing agent using a salt of sulfite, hydrogen sulfite or bisulfite in combination with a bromate salt. Astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are obtained in good yield with a significantly reduced reaction time.

Abstract: Crystals of trans-4,5-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one of an &agr;-type.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing 3,4-dihydroxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione represented by the following general formula (III) (usual name: “squaric acid”) through the following reaction processes 1˜4, using a vinyl ether represented by the following general formula (V) and a halogenoacetyl halide represented by the following general formula (VI) as starting materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing canthaxanthin by mixing &bgr;-carotene with an alkali metal chlorate or an alkali metal bromate in water and an organic solvent immiscible with water; adding an iodine halide or iodide; and adding a metal iodide whereby the &bgr;-carotene is oxidized to yield canthaxanthin.

Abstract: A process for preparing ketones by so-called “crossed aldol condensation” of a ketone with an aldehyde in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of approximately equimolar amounts of a secondary amine and of a carboxylic acid containing at least 2 C atoms, to form an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone, and, where appropriate, subsequent catalytic hydrogenation. The process is used in particular for preparing 6-methyl-3-hepten-2-one by reacting acetone with isovaleraldehyde, and for preparing its hydrogenation product, 6-methylheptan-2-one, which is an important precursor for numerous active substances, in particular for preparing lipid-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexa-3-en-1-one (&bgr;-isophorone) by isomerization of 3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexa-2-en-1-one (&agr;-isophorone) in the liquid phase in the presence of a salt-like or organometallic catalyst. By using catalytic quantities of alkali-metal salts or alkaline-earth salts and/or their organometallic compounds, and without addition of a further auxiliary substance, the space-time yield in the preparation of &bgr;-isophorone is high. &bgr;-Isophorone is particularly suitable as an intermediate product for the preparation of ketoisophorone.

Abstract: A process for preparing ketones by so-called “crossed aldol condensation” of a ketone with an aldehyde in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of approximately equimolar amounts of a secondary amine and of a carboxylic acid containing at least 2 C atoms, to form an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketone, and, where appropriate, subsequent catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: Catalytic process for converting cyclododecane-1,2-dione to cyclododecanone.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a symmetrical, terminally ring-substituted polyenes by reacting a polyene di(O,O-dialkyl acetal) with a cyclic dienol ether in the presence of a Lewis or Brönsted acid, hydrolyzing the condensation product resulting therefrom and cleaving off alcohol under basic or acidic conditions from the polyene derivative produced at this stage. The novel cyclic dienol ethers, as well as, novel intermediates resulting from the condensation and additional intermediates in this process form further aspects of the invention. The final products are primarily carotenoids, which find corresponding use, e.g., as colorings and pigments for foodstuffs, animal products, etc.

Abstract: Acid catalyzed cyclization of Diels-Alder adducts of myrcene is performed in the presence of hydroxyl-containing compounds, giving the resulting mixtures of isomeric acyloctahydronaphthalenes enhanced quantities of isomers that are particularly useful in perfumery because of their woody-amber odors with enhanced amber note.

Abstract: A widely applicable process for the manufacture of carotenoids by a Wittig reaction comprises carrying out the Wittig reaction in a polar reaction medium in a manner such that neither the reactants nor the thus-manufactured carotenoid are significantly dissolved in the reaction medium. An especially suitable reaction medium is a polar, toxicologically harmless solvent which remains monophasic on the addition of water in an amount up to about 30 vol. % and which permits the triarylphosphine oxide which is formed to dissolve well. Lower alcohols and acetone, as sole solvents or as mixtures with one another and/or with water, are especially suitable as the polar reaction medium. This process permits the use of much more concentrated reaction mixtures, simplifies the regeneration of the solvent and generally the reaction procedure, and avoids toxicologically objectionable solvents such as halogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Disclosed is the compound valiolone, which has the formula (I): ##STR1## a method of preparing valiolone, and a method of using valiolone to prepare acarbose and voglibose.

Abstract: The condensation reaction of a ketone with either an ester or a carbonate to form, respectively, a 1,3-diketone or a .beta.-ketoester often affords poor results under the standard condensation reaction conditions. High yields and high purities of the desired product can be obtained by performing the reaction using an alkoxide base in DMSO as the sole solvent.

Abstract: An improved process is described for preparing .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ke-tones, which are in demand as aroma substances and intermediates for vitamins and carotenoids, by reacting tertiary allyl alcohols and alkenyl alkyl ethers in the presence of acid catalysts at elevated temperature, which comprises carrying out the reaction in the presence of a phosphorus derivative of the formula IV ##STR1## where A and B are each a branched or unbranched alkyl or alkoxy having from 1 to 10 carbons, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, cycloalkyl, aryloxy or cycloaryloxy;A can additionally be --H or --OH orA and B together are a substituted or unsubstituted tetramethylene or pentamethylene or substituted or unsubstituted phenyl-1,2-diol or 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diol.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is used as a reaction solvent in the hydrogenation of organic compounds. The carbon dioxide is preferably a liquid or a supercritical fluid. The hydrogenation method can be used advantageously in methods for making tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids from alpha-acids, iso-alpha-acids, or beta-acids. If beta-acids are used to make tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids, an acidic lower alcohol is preferably added to the carbon dioxide reaction medium to act as a promoter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-cyclo-alkenones of the formula I ##STR1## which comprises subjecting a 2-alkoxycycloalkanone and/or a 2-hydroxyalkanone ketal, in which n is an integer from 0 to 20, m is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and R is alkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, to an elimination reaction in the gas phase on an acidic heterogeneous catalyst.

Abstract: A method of producing 3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexa-3-ene-1-one (.beta.-isophorone) including a catalyst of an oxide or mixed oxide of at least one element of the groups IIa, VIII, Ib, IIIa and Va of the periodic system. Isomerization is carried out without the addition of an organic base. The space-time yield in the production of .beta.-isophorone by the isomerization of .alpha.-isophorone is at a level suitable for an industrial application. .beta.-isophorone is especially suitable as an intermediate product for producing ketoisophorone.

Abstract: Cyclopropyl alkyl ketones are separated from 3-acyltetrahydrofuran-2-ones by adding an alcohol, water or a water/alcohol mixture to a reaction product containing C.sub.1-4 -alkyl cyclopropyl ketone and 4,5-dihydro-2-alkylfuran by-product and an acid catalyst and reacting the by-product with the added alcohol, water of water/alcohol mixture before, during or after distilling said reaction product; and effectively separating C.sub.1 -.sub.4 -alkyl cyclopropyl ketone from reaction by-products.In the preparation of cyclopropyl alkyl ketones from 3-acyltetrahydrofuran-2-ones very reactive 4,5-dihydro-2-alkylfurans are also produced. By reacting such compounds with nucleophilic compounds, such as alcohols or water, before, during or after distillation of the reaction products, it is possible reliably to separate off the 4,5-dihydro-2-alkylfurans as high-boiling addition compounds.

Abstract: A process for the removal of catalyst poisons from hops and hop extracts is disclosed. After processing the hops to extract the alpha or beta acids therein, the alpha or beta acids are treated with activated nickel catalyst. The activated nickel catalyst binds the catalyst poisons which are believed to be sulfur containing compounds. The activated nickel and catalyst poisons are separated from the alpha or beta acids, and the alpha or beta acids are then hydrogenated and isomerized into tetrahydroisoalpha acids.

Abstract: Unsaturated organic compounds, in particular .alpha.-acids and .beta.-acids, are purified prior to hydrogenation by mixing them with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing catalyst poisons, preferably activated carbon, and separating the adsorbent containing the catalyst poisons to recover the thus purified unsaturated organic compounds. A significant reduction in the use of hydrogenation catalyst is realized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel optically active bidentate phosphine ligand palladium complex of formula (I) or (II) which can be used for the preparation of optically active .beta.-hydroxyketones: ##STR1## ?wherein Y.sup.- represents an anion pair which may form salt; X represents ##STR2## {wherein R.sup.1 represents hydrogen atom, C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, C.sub.1-6 alkoxyl group, cyano group, nitro group, halogen atom or phenyl group, etc.; m represents 1 or 2; when m is 2, two R.sup.1 s may be same or different}; andA and B each independently represents phenyl group or cyclohexyl group {said phenyl group and cyclohexyl group each is unsubstituted or substituted by R.sup.2 (R.sup.2 has the same meaning as defined in R.sup.1)}).

Abstract: A concentrated single phase aqueous alkaline solution of tetrahydroiso-.alpha.-acids having greater than 10% to about 45% w/w tetrahydroiso-.alpha.-acids is disclosed. A method of hydrogenating and formulating a starting solution of iso-.alpha.-acids to obtain such concentrated solutions of tetrahydroiso-.alpha.-acids is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R and R' are independently (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl.

Abstract: Tetrahydroiso-.alpha.-acids are prepared from iso-.alpha.-acids metal salts by hydrogenating the salts in a reaction solvent of a lower alkanol containing about 5% to about 20% w/w water and in the presence of up to about 5-50 psig hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst at about 30.degree.-50.degree. C. to form tetrahydroiso-.alpha.-acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R and R' are independently (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl and R.sup.3 is an ether, silyl ether or acetal protective group which can be converted into a hydroxyl group by hydrolysis, in particular one of the radicals ##STR2## and a process for preparing these compounds by reacting an alkenyne of the formula II ##STR3## in an inert solvent in the presence of lithium amide with a cyclohexenone of the formula III ##STR4## and the use of the compounds of the formula I for preparing astaxanthin, are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to solid salts of hop acids and to processes for their production. Preferred are solid sodium and potassium salts of isoalpha acids rho-isoalpha acids, tetrahydroisoalpha acids, hexahydroisoalpha acids and beta acids.

Abstract: Ketones having at least one hydrogen atom or ester group in the .alpha.-position with respect to a ketonic carbonyl group thereof, for example cyclopentanone, 2-methylcyclopentanone and other substituted cyclopentanones, are effectively C- or .alpha.-alkylated, especially on an industrial scale, by reacting same with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a condensed or uncondensed orthophosphate anion.

Abstract: Tetrahydro-iso-.alpha.-acids ("THIAA") are prepared directly from iso-.alpha.-acids ("IAA") by hydrogenation. Free IAA are first dissolved in ethanol. The solution is then hydrogenated in the presence of a particular type of noble metal catalyst. Hydrogenation is controlled naturally by the reaction between the catalyst and the IAA so that the IAA will be selectively converted to THIAA without unacceptable perhydrogenation into other forms.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the removal of the 4-protected hydroxy group from compounds of the following formula: ##STR1## where A is --COOAlkyl and B is hydroxy, or A and B together represent either oxo or .dbd.CHCOOAlkyl, where X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or a hydroxy-protecting group, and where X.sup.3 is ##STR2## with a hydrogen radical source, such as tributyltin hydride or tris(trimethylsilyl)silane, and a radical initiator, such as AIBN or irradiation.

Abstract: Tetrahydroisohumulones are prepared from isohumulones by hydrogenating the isohumulones in a reaction solvent of ethanol containing up to about 15% water in the presence of about 1 to about 40 psig of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst to form tetrahydroisohumulones.

Abstract: A process for the selective oxidation of a primary or secondary alcohol to an aldehyde or ketone and for the oxidation of a 1,2-diol to an .alpha.-ketol or .alpha.-diketone, which comprises contacting the alcohol or 1,2-diol with o-iodoxybenzoic acid. This process is suited for selective oxidation of alcohols containing easily oxidizable groups, such as amino or thioether groups and easily oxidizable heterocycles.

Abstract: The present invention provides special epoxy derivative (1), cyclohexanone derivative (2), cyclohexenone derivative (3) and 3-substituted cyclohexenone derivative (4) which are useful as intermediates for synthesizing physiologically active materials, and a method for stereoselectively introducing substituted groups. Further, the present invention provides a method for synthesizing optically active compounds, such as optically active carvone via these intermediates.

Abstract: A process for preparing 6-chloro-2-hexanone which comprises the steps of (a) oxidizing methylcyclopentane with ozone in the presence of a carboxylic acid and for a sufficient period of time to form 1-methylcyclopentanol; (b) reacting said 1-methylcyclopentanol with a suitable amount of an alkali metal hypochlorite in the presence of a carboxylic acid to form 1-methylcyclopentyl hypochlorite; and (c) heating said 1-methylcyclopentyl hypochlorite for a sufficient period of time to form 6-chloro-2-hexanone.

Abstract: A cyclohexanone having at least one ortho-hydrogen is selectively methylated in the ortho-position in the vapor phase. High conversion of the selected cyclohexanone and high selectivity in the ortho-position are obtained. The reaction products include 2-methylcyclohexanone, 2,6-dimethylcyclohexanone and 2,6-xylenol.

Abstract: .beta.-Carotene and canthaxanthin, as representative carotenoids, and to a lesser extent, retinoic acid, a representative retinoid, undergo extensive oxidation to yield substances, insofar as oxidized .beta.-carotene is a model, which have properties useful as non-toxic agents active against cell proliferation, tumors, and tumorigenic viruses, and useful as promoters of cell differentiation. It is evident from chemical analysis of the highly oxidized .beta.-carotene product mixture that none of the various forms of vitamin A are present or are present only in minor amounts. Furthermore, the biological activities of oxidized canthaxanthin and retinoic acid, which cannot form, vitamin A, indicate the presence of active substances that are different from vitamin A. Although the anti-proliferative and differentiation promotion activities of oxidized .beta.-carotene resemble those of vitamin A itself, generally the effects are more powerful for oxidized .beta.-carotene in a wide variety of circumstances.

Abstract: The present invention provides special epoxy derivative (1), cyclohexanone derivative (2), cyclohexenone derivative (3) and 3-substituted cyclohexenone derivative (4) which are useful as intermediates for synthesizing physiologically active materials, and a method for stereoselectively introducing substituted groups. Further, the present invention provides a method for synthesizing optically active compounds, such as optically active carvone via these intermediates.

Abstract: Myo-inositol in a specimen is assayed by reacting a specimen containing myo-inositol with:a) myo-inositol dehydrogenase using a thio-NADP group or thio-NAD group and an NADP group or NAD group as coenzymes, and which catalyzes a reversible reaction forming myo-inosose from myo-inositol,b ) A.sub.1 andc) B.sub.1to effect a cycling reaction ##STR1## wherein A.sub.1 is a thio-NADP group, thio-NAD group, NADP group or NAD group, A.sub.2 is a reduced form of A.sub.1, when A.sub.1 is a thio-NADP group or thio-NAD group, B.sub.1 is a reduced NADP group or reduced NAD group and when A.sub.1 is an NADP group or NAD group, B.sub.1 is a reduced thio-NADP group or reduced thio-NAD group, and wherein B.sub.2 is an oxidized form of B.sub.1. The change in the amount of A.sub.2 generated or B.sub.1 consumed by the cycling reaction is measured to perform the assay. A composition for performing the assay comprises the above myo-inositol dehydrogenase, as well as the above components A.sub.1 and B.sub.1.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for converting .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated aldehydic or ketonic compounds into the corresponding allylic alcohol using an alcohol as a hydrogen donor. This process is conducted in the presence of a supported tetragonal zirconium oxide catalyst or supported HfO.sub.2, V.sub.2 O.sub.5, NbO.sub.5, TiO.sub.2 and Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for converting a lactone of a diamondoid compound to the hydroxyketone of the diamondoid compound wherein the hydroxyl group and the carbonyl group are separated by at least one bridgehead carbon comprising reacting an anhydride containing from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms with the lactone of the diamondoid compound in the presence of acid.

Abstract: The present application discloses a novel and advantageous method for the preparation of essentially odor-free alkali metal tetrahydroisohumulate (THIH) which proceeds through isomerization of the essential alkali metal tetrahydrohumulate (THH) intermediate, which is in turn produced by the hydrogenation with two moles of hydrogen of a starting alkali metal humulate (H) at a pH of at least 10, the intermediate THH being thus produced with relative ease and in high yields and purity, which high yields and purity carry over to the ultimate end product, namely, to the essentially aroma-, odor-, and impurity-free THIH, which end product accordingly does not require steam-stripping or other cleanup procedure as is conventional for THIH produced from other sources or by other procedure.

Abstract: Certain squaric acid derivatives are useful for the thermochemical generation of acid. The squaric acid derivatives may be used in imaging media in conjunction with acid-sensitive materials which undergo a color change when contacted by the acid generated from the squaric acid derivatives. Preferably, the acid-sensitive materials undergo an irreversible color change, so that the image can be fixed by neutralizing all the acid generated with excess base, thereby preventing further color change in the image during long term storage.

Abstract: Pyrethrolone of the formula [II], ##STR1## is produced by reacting a cyclopentenolone derivative of the formula [I], ##STR2## with zinc in an aqueous alcohol solvent. And the cyclopentenolone derivative of the formula [I] is produced by reacting a propargylcyclopentenolone derivative of the formula [III], ##STR3## with vinyl halide in the presence of a palladium catalyst, a copper catalyst and a tertiary amine. These processes permit easy production of pyrethrolone of the formula [II] and an intermediate compound of the formula [I] for the production of the pyrethrolone.