Processes for the preparation of 3-(methylthio)propanal and 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile

摘要

Described herein is a catalytic processes for the preparation of 3-(methylthio)propanal and 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanenitrile using novel addition catalysts are disclosed. The novel addition catalysts include: triisopropanolamine, nicotinamide, imidazole, benzimidazole, 2-fluoropyridine, poly-4-vinylpyridine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, picoline, pyrazine, trialkylamines having from three to eighteen carbon atoms in each of the alkyl substituents bonded to the nitrogen atom and tertiary amines having the formula wherein A is aryl, R1 and R2 are alkyl and x, a, b and c are integers such that 0