Process for the preparation of .alpha.-diketones from ketols or ketals from ketols

US6242653A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Werner Aquila · Mannheim, DE
• Jörg Botzem · Schifferstadt, DE
• Melanie Brunner · Schifferstadt, DE
• Hartwig Fuchs · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Wolfgang Krause · Münstermaifeld, DE
• Klaus Pandl · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Ulrich Schafer-Luderssen · Ludwigshafen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 19, 1999
• Grant date: Jun 5, 2001
• Expiry date: Aug 19, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C45/515
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds of the formula I ##STR1## PA1 where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are a hydrocarbon radical, or PA1 R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together are an unsubstituted or substituted alkylene group, PA1 and X is=O or two alkoxy groups, comprises oxidizing alcohols of the formula II ##STR2## PA1 where R.sup.1 to R.sup.2 and X are as defined above, PA1 with oxygen in the gaseous phase PA2 a) at temperatures of from 270 to 600.degree. C. on silver coated catalysts which comprise an abrasion-resistant coating of metallic silver on a core of inert support material, or PA2 b) at temperatures of from 450 to 750.degree. C. on silver crystals and/or copper crystals having a particle size of from 0.1 to 2.5 mm for a residence time of at most 0.1 second. Also claimed is an advantageous overall process for the preparation of .alpha.-diketones, preferably diacetal, from the corresponding ketone, in particular methyl ethyl ketone, via the carbonyl compounds of the formula I where X is two alkoxy groups.