Production of terpinolene aldehyde for use in perfumes and flavours involves reacting terpinolene with synthesis gas at elevated temperature and pressure in presence of a rhodium-organophosphorus complex

摘要

A method (M1) for the production of terpinolene aldehyde (I) from terpinolene (II) involves reaction with synthesis gas at 100-180 degrees C and 15-35 MPa in presence of a complex containing rhodium and an organophosphorus compound, optionally in presence of an organic solvent. Independent claims are also included for (1) (1) a method (M2) for the production of (I) from limonene by: (a) reaction with synthesis gas at 80-140 degrees C and 1-4 MPa in a heterogeneous system using an aqueous solution of a complex of a Group VIII transition metal compound with a water-soluble organic phosphorus(III) compound; followed by (b) separation of the organic phase; and (c) procedure M1 as described above, optionally with excess organophosphorus compound; (2) a method (M3) for the production of (I) from limonene by reacting the product from M2 with formaldehyde and working up by distillation.