| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention provides a simplified process for converting unsaturated ketones having from 6 to about 24 carbon atoms into the corresponding saturated ketones comprising forming an aqueous mixture of the unsaturated ketone and at least about 50 % by weight water and heating the mixture under autogeneous pressure at a temperature of from about 200 to 450 °C, more preferably from about 250 °C up to the critical temperature of water which is abou 374 °C. Heating is continued for a period of time sufficient to convert at least about 20 % by weight of the unsaturated ketone, usually from about 5 up to about 120 minutes, depending on temperature, the amount of water present and the identity of the starting ketone feedstock. The process may be characterized as an aquathermolysis reaction wherein the reaction proceeds in water primarily through ionic routes rather than through free radical routes. Accordingly, relatively high conversion rates and good yields of saturated ketone and other reaction by-products may be obtained without the necessity of using a catalyst in the process.</p> |
