PROCESS FOR PRODUCING CINNAMYLALDEHYDE DERIVATIVES, USE THEREOF AND THE LIKE

摘要

An industrial process for conveniently and efficiently producing highly pure cinnamylaldehyde derivatives such as (2E)-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy)cinnamylaldehyde which comprises reacting a benzaldehyde derivative (for example, isovanillin) with acetaldehyde in the presence of an alkali, preferably dropping acetaldehyde in portions in an aqueous solution at a low temperature. The cinnamylaldehyde derivatives thus obtained are selectively reduced into 3-(3-hydroxy-4-substituted(methoxy, etc.)phenyl)propionaldehydes. These compounds are further subjected to reductive alkylation with aspartame. Thus N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-substituted(methoxy, etc.)phenyl)propyl]-L- alpha -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl esters, which are useful as sweeteners with high sweetness, can be efficiently produced. These processes are also provided.