Process for the preparation of pinacolone

US4384145A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC · DE

Inventors

• Otto Berendes · Dormagen, DE
• Peter Siegle · Cologne, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 24, 1981
• Grant date: May 17, 1983
• Expiry date: Jun 24, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C45/00
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention relates to a new process for the preparation of pinacolone (2.2-dimethyl-3-oxobutane) of the formula EQU (CH.sub.3).sub.3 C--CO--CH.sub.3 (I), which process comprises reacting a 2-alkoxy-2-methylbutane of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms with formaldehyde at a temperature of 40.degree. to 100.degree. C., in an aqueous medium and in the presence of a strong inorganic acid. Pinacolone (I) can be used as a solvent, and also as an intermediate product in organic synthesis, for example for the production of known herbicides.