Process for the preparation of pinacolone

摘要

This invention relates to a new process for the preparation of pinacolone (2.2-dimethyl-3-oxobutane) of the formula (CH3)3C-CO-CH3 (I), which process comprises reacting a 2-alkoxy-2-methylbutane of the formula <IMAGE> (II) wherein R is alkyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms with formaldehyde at a temperature of 40 DEG to 100 DEG 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.