Process for the preparation of 6-methylheptanone

US6605746B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Degussa AG · DE

Inventors

• Steffen Krill · Mühltal, DE
• Stephan Kretz · Bad Orb, DE
• Achim Schneider · Burghausen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 14, 2002
• Grant date: Aug 12, 2003
• Expiry date: Mar 14, 2022

Classification

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

Abstract

A process for the preparation of methylheptanone and corresponding homologous methyl ketones involves the cross-aldolization of acetone with the corresponding aldehyde. The polar catalyst phase is introduced with acetone and an organic auxiliary solvent phase to form a two phase mixture in the presence of hydrogen. The corresponding aldehyde is then added at temperatures between 40° C. and 200° C. The process can be run in a continuous manner with the polar catalyst phase being recyled after regeneration. The use of the non-polar auxiliary solvent(s) increase yield and selectivity.