PRODUCTION OF DIHYDRONEPETALACTONE BY HYDROGENATION OF NEPETALACTONE

摘要

This invention provides a process for producing dihydronepetalactone usin g mixtures comprising both trans-cis nepetalactone and cis-trans nepetalacto ne. A reaction mixture comprising trans-cis nepetalactone and cis-trans nepe talactone is first contacted with hydrogen in the presence of at least one h ydrogenation catalyst under conditions that optimize the preferential conver sion of trans-cis nepetalactone to dihydronepetalactone. Cis-trans nepetalac tone is subsequently converted to dihydronepetalactone by contact with hydro gen in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst.