摘要 |
A process for preparing ketones by so-called "crossed aldol condensation" of a ketone with an aldehyde in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of approximately equimolar amounts of a secondary amine and of a carboxylic acid containing at least 2 C atoms, to form an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone, and, where appropriate, subsequent catalytic hydrogenation. The process is used in particular for preparing 6-methyl-3-hepten-2-one by reacting acetone with isovaleraldehyde, and for preparing its hydrogenation product, 6-methylheptan-2-one, which is an important precursor for numerous active substances, in particular for preparing lipid-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E.
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