Process for preparing cyclic alpha-keto alcohols from cyclic alpha-keto enols

US10017464B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Bernd Schafer · Kipfenberg, DE
• Wolfgang Siegel · Schifferstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 31, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 10, 2018
• Expiry date: Jul 31, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C2601/16
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preparing a cyclic α-ketoalcohol, particularly a 6-hydroxycyclohexenone from a cyclic α-ketoenol, particularly a 6-hydroxycyclohexadienone, using a reducing agent. This reducing agent is selected from hydrogen gas; a secondary alcohol, formic acid and the salts of formic acid or a mixture of at least two representatives of these compound classes. The invention further comprises the use of an α-ketoenol, in particular a 6-hydroxycyclohexadienone, as intermediate for preparing astaxanthin.