Abstract: The invention relates to a method for catalytically condensing organic compounds containing at least one oxo and/or hydroxyl function into CH acidic compounds and/or coupling said organic compounds to the CH acidic compounds in the presence of a catalyst which comprises an active carbon substrate provided with a metal. The method is suitable in particular for generating higher alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and/or alkanes as well as mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for catalytically condensing organic compounds containing at least one oxo and/or hydroxyl function into CH acidic compounds and/or coupling said organic compounds to the CH acidic compounds in the presence of a catalyst which comprises an active carbon substrate provided with a metal. The method is suitable in particular for generating higher alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and/or alkanes as well as mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing aldehydes or ketones by oxidizing alcohols with oxygen, which comprises oxidizing alcohols to aldehydes or ketones in an organic solvent at room temperature with oxygen or air as an oxidant, wherein ferric nitrate (Fe(NO3)3.9H2O), 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine N-oxyl (TEMPO) and an inorganic chloride are used as catalysts, the reaction time is 1-24 hours, and the molar ratio of said alcohols, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine N-oxyl and the inorganic chloride is 100:1˜10:1˜10:1˜10. The present process has the advantages of high yield, mild reaction conditions, simple operation, convenient separation and purification, recoverable solvents, substrates used therefor being various and no pollution, and therefore it is adaptable to industrialization.

Abstract: A method comprising reacting glycerol with acetaldehyde or 1,1-diethoxyethane to produce 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA), without using fermentation or direct oxidation of the glycerol is provided. DHA is useful in various products, including as a sunless tanning agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the formation of acetone from acetic acid. The process is conducted at an elevated temperature of above 225° C. by contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid, and an optional carrier gas, with a catalyst. The catalyst comprises a support that is favorable for the production of acetone. The support may comprise titania, zirconia, ceria, silica, iron oxide, and carbon, but preferably is titania, zirconia, and ceria.

Abstract: Ketones may be produced in high yields from glycerides of short chain fatty acids by reaction with a carboxylic acid. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective for ketonization of decanoate with the carboxylic acid to produce free ketones. Reaction of a glyceride comprising at least one ester of decanoic acid with a carboxylic acid selected from acetic acid and/or propionic acid produces 2-undecanone and/or 3-dodecanone, respectively. Catalysts of the formula FemCenAlpOx, wherein m is between about 0.2 to about 0.6, n is about 0.2, p is between about 0.6 to about 0.2, and x is greater than 0, produce significantly higher yields of the ketones than other known metal oxides.

Abstract: Described is a method of making 2,4-diones via acid catalyzed or thermally induced ring-opening of a 4-hydroxy-6-substituted-2-pyrone to yield a 2,4-dione.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of E-farnesyl acetone characterized by reaction of nerolidol with isopropenylmethyl ether in the presence of an acidic catalyst at elevated temperature and isolation by fractionated distillation.

Abstract: Process for preparing an alkenone, which comprises the following steps: (a) providing a halogenated precursor of the alkenone; and (b) eliminating the hydrogen halide from said precursor to form the alkenone by a thermolysis treatment selected from the group consisting of flash thermolysis, vacuum thermolysis, and thermolysis under stripping with inert gas.

Abstract: A method comprising reacting glycerol with acetaldehyde or 1,1-diethoxyethane to produce 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA), without using fermentation or direct oxidation of the glycerol is provided. DHA is useful in various products, including as a sunless tanning agent.

Abstract: A metal catalyst obtained by contacting (A) at least one metal or metal compound selected from i) tungsten compounds composed of tungsten and an element of group IIIb, IVb, Vb, or VIb, ii) molybdenum compounds composed of molybdenum and an element of group IIIb, IVb, Vb, or VIb, and iii) tungsten metal and molybdenum metal; (B) at least one compound selected from tertiary amine compounds, tertiary amine oxide compounds, nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds and nitrogen-containing aromatic N-oxide compounds; (C) hydrogen peroxide; and (D) a phosphate compound, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a ?-diketone compound such as 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-heptanedione, which comprises reacting an ester compound such as an alkyl isobutyrate with a ketone compound such as 3-methylbutanone in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide as a catalyst. The process comprises a step 1 in which an ester compound CR1R2R3COOQ is reacted with a ketone compound CR4R5R6COCH2R7 using an alkali metal alkoxide catalyst to give a ?-diketone compound CR1R2R2R3COCHR4R5R6. (In the formulae, R7 is hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms while others are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and at least one of R1 to R6 is hydrogen.

Abstract: A process by which an ?-oxocarbonyl compound useful as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals/agricultural chemicals can be industrially advantageously and efficiently produced in a high yield. The process, which is for producing an ?-oxocarbonyl compound represented by the general formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the description, comprises oxidizing an ?-hydroxycarbonyl compound represented by the general formula (II) with oxygen or air in the presence of a carboxylic acid and at least one vanadium compound selected from divanadium pentaoxide, divanadium trioxide, divanadium tetraoxide, ammonium metavanadate, sodium metavanadate, potassium metavanadate, triethoxyoxovanadium, tripropoxyoxovanadium, triisopropoxyoxovanadium, vanadium oxobis(acetylacetonate) and vanadium tris(acetylacetonate).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of oxidation of alcohols selectively to aldehydes or ketones with molecular oxygen using a TEMPO based catalyst, Fe-bipyridyl or Fe-phenantroline co-catalyst and N-bromosuccinimide promoter in acetic acid solvent. The oxidation takes places at high rates and high aldehyde selectivity at temperatures in the range 45-50° C. and oxygen or air pressures of 0-15 psi. The alcohol conversion of 95-100% and aldehyde selectivity higher than 95% are achieved over 3-4 hours reaction time. Aldehydes such as 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanal can be produced efficiently using the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new synthetic process for the production of key intermediates useful in the synthesis of epothilones or epothilone derivatives, to certain compounds used to produce these key intermediates and to a process to produce said compounds.

Abstract: A method for aldol reaction in water, which comprises: reacting an aldehyde with a silyl enol ether in an aqueous medium in the presence of a boronic acid represented by the following general formula (1): R1R2BOH??(1) (wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different hydrocarbon groups that may contain a substituent), a surfactant, and a Brønsted acid is provided. This method for aldol reaction in water uses a catalytic amount of the boron source to give products in high yield and selectivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione, comprising reacting a pivalic acid alkyl ester with pinacolone in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide catalyst using a pivalic acid alkyl ester as a solvent but using no other solvent or reacting them in an amide type or urea type solvent in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide catalyst. Also disclosed is a process for preparing a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanesione metal complex using the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione obtained by the above process. The process for preparing 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione is an industrially advantageous process in which an alkali metal alkoxide that is easy to handle can be used as a catalyst for preparing 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione from a pivalic acid alkyl ester and pinacolone.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a solid basic catalyst comprising a hydrotalcite structure wherein part at least of the compensating anions are fluoride anions F? for producing Knoevenagel of Michael condensation reactions. The invention also concerns novel solid basic catalysts comprising a hydrotalcite structure characterized by a Mg/Al molar ratio ranging between 2.5 and 3.8 wherein at least part of the compensating anions are fluoride anions F?, and methods for preparing said novel catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an optically active ?-trifluoromethyl-?-hydroxycarbonyl compound represented by formula (3): comprising a step of reacting a fluoral equivalent represented by formula (1): with a carbonyl compound represented by formula (2): in the presence of an optically active amino acid or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: A process for the production of aliphatic or alicyclic monoketones or alicyclic diketones of the formula R1—C(?O)—R2 in which R1 is a linear or branched C1-10-alkyl group and R2 is a linear or branched C1-10-alkyl group or a phenyl group, or R1 or R2 together are —(CH2)m—[C(?O)]n—(CH2)p—, wherein m and p independently are integers from 1 to 4 and n is 0 or 1, thus forming an alicyclic ring together with the carbonyl group of R1—C(?O)—R2 by oxidizing a secondary alcohol of formula R1?—CHOH—R2? in which R1? and R2? either have the same meaning as R1 and R2 above or, if R1 and R2 together are —(CH2)m—[C(?O)]n—(CH2)p—, are together —(CH2)m—(CHOH)n—(CH2)p— wherein m, n and p are as defined above, with a peroxy compound in the presence of a carboxylic acid and a manganese(IV) complex of 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a novel intermediate compound useful in the preparation of phytone and vitamin E.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process whereby fluorinated ketones of various structures can be produced by short process steps and which is useful as an industrial production process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of hexafluoroacetone characterized by bringing hexafluoro-1,2-epoxypropane into contact with at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide catalysts and fluorinated titanium oxide catalysts to isomerize hexafluoro-1,2-epoxypropane; and a process for the preparation of hexafluoroacetone hydrate characterized by absorbing the hexafluoroacetone prepared by the above process into water to produce crude hexafluoroacetone hydrate, neutralizing the crude hexafluoroacetone hydrate with an alkali, and distilling the resulting mixture. According to the invention, high-purity hexafluoroacetone can be obtained by isomerization of hexafluoro-1,2-epoxypropane with little formation of by-products, and substantially acid-free high-purity hexafluoroacetone hydrate can also be obtained.

Abstract: Metal salts of organic acids complexed with ?-diketone compounds are multifunctional complexes useful in the formulation of stabilizers for halogenated resins. These complexes may be used jointly with other low toxicity intermediates, such as zinc or magnesium intermediates, to form effective stabilizers that are non-toxic and exhibit better performance than other known stabilizers, including those containing toxic heavy metals such as cadmium or lead. The complex is prepared utilizing a Claisen condensation reaction and precipitation with water and heptane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process whereby fluorinated ketones of various structures can be produced by short process steps and which is useful as an industrial production process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of 2,3-pentanedione starting with hydroxyacetone and paraldehyde.

Abstract: There are disclosed are a method for producing at least one compound selected from a carbonyl compound and a hydroxy adduct compound by an oxidative cleavage or addition reaction of an olefinic double bond of an olefin compound, which contains reacting an olefin compound with hydrogen peroxide, utilizing as a catalyst, at least one member selected from (a) tungsten, (b) molybdenum, or (c) a tungsten or molybdenum metal compound containing (ia) tungsten or (ib) molybdenum and (ii) an element of Group IIIb, IVb, Vb or VIb excluding oxygen, and a catalyst composition.

Abstract: Metal salts of organic acids complexed with &bgr;-diketone compounds are multifunctional complexes useful in the formulation of stabilizers for halogenated resins. These complexes may be used jointly with other low toxicity intermediates, such as zinc or magnesium intermediates, to form effective stabilizers that are non-toxic and exhibit better performance than other known stabilizers, including those containing toxic heavy metals such as cadmium or lead. The complex is prepared utilizing a Claisen condensation reaction and precipitation with water and heptane.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing ketones of formula (I) wherein A and B are as defined in claim 1, consisting of reacting at a temperature ranging between 250 and 500° C. a compound of formula (II): A—X with a compound of formula (III): B—Y, wherein A, B, X and Y are as defined in claim 1, in a coolant solvent having a boiling point higher than 250 ° C.

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: 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: A process for the preparation of ketones corresponding to the general Formula I 1

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: Process for the continuous preparation of unsaturated ketones of the formula I where the dashed line can be an additional C—C bond, R1 is an alkyl, and R2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 1 to 37 carbons, a cycloalkyl or a cycloalkylalkyl, by reacting an unsaturated alcohol of the formula II  with an alkyl acetoacetate of the formula III where R3 is an alkyl having from 1 to 5 carbons, in the presence or organic aluminum compounds as catalyst.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing lower unsaturated ketones by reacting the corresponding &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohols with alkyl acetoacetates in a Carroll reaction in the presence of from 0.1 to 5 mol %, based on the alkyl acetoacetate to be reacted, of an organic aluminum compound as catalyst with elimination and continuous removal by distillation of the alkanol eliminated during the reaction from the alkyl acetoacetate in a reactor system with a fitted fractionation column, wherein A an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohol which boils below 140° C. is introduced, in the absence of effective amounts of a solvent, together with the organic aluminum compound into the reaction vessel, B a reaction temperature which is as constant as possible between 170° C. and 250° C.

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 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 an improved process for preparing higher unsaturated ketones by reacting the corresponding &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohols with alkyl acetoacetates in a Carroll reaction , in a reactor system with fitted fractionation column, wherein A the &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohol is introduced into the reaction vessel together with the organic aluminum compound in the absence of effective amounts of a solvent, and the alkyl acetoacetate is metered into this mixture, B a reaction temperature which is as constant as possible at between 175° C. and 220° C., preferably between 180° C. and 200° C., is adjusted and C during the reaction the content of alkyl acetoacetate in the reaction mixture is adjusted to a value which is as constant as possible at between 1 and 3% by weight.

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: 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: A method for the catalytic manufacture of MIBK and DIBK from DMK and/or IPA (optionally in the presence of water) while obtaining improved control over the ratio of DIBK to MIBK in the product stream, comprising reacting, in the presence of an aldol condensation catalyst, a reactant mixture comprising DMK and/or IPA and an effective amount of an additional reactant selected from the group consisting of mesityl oxide (MSO) and methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and mixtures thereof. Reaction temperature may also be changed to affect the product ratio obtained. The preferred catalyst is copper-based. An overall excess of hydrogen is desired, and this may be achieved by introducing or recycling hydrogen, and/or by balancing exothermic and endothermic reactions. By this invention, the product ratio of DIBK to MIBK is altered such that, as DMK and/or IPA conversion is increased, a lesser amount of DIBK than normal is produced, resulting in improved ability to control the product ratio of these materials.

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: A process for producing an optically active .beta.-hydroxyketone represented by formula (I): ##STR1## by catalytic asymmetrical aldol reaction is disclosed, comprising reacting a silyl-enol ether represented by formula (II): ##STR2## with a substituted aldehyde represented by formula (III):R.sup.5 CHO (III)in the presence of a binaphthol-titanium complex represented by formula (IV): ##STR3## An optically active .beta.-hydroxyketone is efficiently produced with diastereo-specificity and enantio-specificity.

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 present invention provides a method of preparing sodium formyl acetone using acetone, methyl formate and sodium methoxide as raw materials. A mixture consisting of an acetone and a methyl formate is supplied to a methanol solution of sodium methoxide, or an acetone and a methyl formate are separately supplied simultaneously to the methanol solution of sodium methoxide. The resultant mixture is sufficiently stirred over a predetermined period of time so as to carry out the reaction to form sodium formyl acetone. Also provided is a method of preparing 4,4-dimethoxy-2-butanone. In this method, the reaction mixture obtained in the reaction to form sodium formyl acetone is directly charged into a reaction vessel simultaneously with sulfuric acid to neutralize and acetalize sodium formyl acetone contained in the reaction mixture so as to obtain 4,4-dimethoxy-2-butanone.

Abstract: Methods of forming unsaturated C-18 ketones which can be used in the synthesis of Vitamins E and K.sub.1 are disclosed. One procedure involves coupling a C-9 primary allylic halide to a carbonyl-group-containing C-9 terminal alkyne. A second, two-step procedure employs a C-4 bis allylic halide (molar excess) and a carbonyl-group-containing C-9 terminal alkyne to form a C-13 primary allylic halide. The C-13 primary allylic halide can then be converted to the desired C-18 ketone by reaction with 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol. Novel C-18 ketones (e.g., 14-hydroxy-6,14-dimethyl-10-methylene-5-pentadecen-7,12-diyn-2-one), C-13 allylic halides (e.g., 10-chloromethyl-6-methyl-5,10-undecadien-7-yn-2-one) and C-9 allylic halides (e.g., 6-chloromethyl-2-methyl-6-hepten-3-yn-2-ol) are formed in the process.

Abstract: Terpene derivatives of formula I, their preparation and their use. In formula I, R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkanoyl radical and R' represents a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical.

Abstract: A process for preparing .alpha.,.alpha.-dialkoxy ketones of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4 -C.sub.30 -cycloalkylakyl, C.sub.9 -C.sub.30 -alkylcycloalkyl, unsubstituted or C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkoxy-, halogen-, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -haloalkyl-, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -haloalkoxy-, phenyl-, phenoxy-, halophenyl-, halophenoxy- and/or cyano-substituted aryl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 -aralkyl or heterocyclyl,R.sup.2 is also ##STR2## R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each, independently of one another, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 -cycloalkyl, aryl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 -arylalkyl, or together are an unsubstituted or C.sub.1-C.sub.4 -alkyl- substituted C.sub.2 -C.sub.7 -alkylene chain andR.sup.5 is R.sup.1 or together with R.sup.1 is an unsubstituted or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl-substituted C.sub.2 -C.sub.