Process for preparing ketones, in particular 6-methylheptan-2-one

US6303823A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Andreas Kramer · Zürich, CH
• Christian Knoll · Schifferstadt, DE
• Johann-Peter Melder · Schifferstadt, DE
• Wolfgang Siegel · Schifferstadt, DE
• Gerd Kaibel · Lampertheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 5, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 16, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 5, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C45/73
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

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 .alpha.,.beta.-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.