Process for preparing 1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtalene.

摘要

A process is disclosed for the production of 1,1,3,4,4,6-Hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydronaphthalene comprising reacting para-cymene with an olefinic compound selected from the group consisting of 2,3-dimethyl-1-butene and neohexene, in the presence of a reagent of the formula <CHEM> and further in the presence of an aluminum halide and I2, wherein in the above formula, R<1>, R<2>, R<3>, R<4>, R<5> and R<6>, independently, are H or a C1-C3 straight chain, or branched alkyl, provided that no more than one of R<1>, R<2> and R<3> are H, and no more than one of R<4>, R<5> and R<6> are H. The subject process produces the desired compound in a surprisingly high yield, with a surprisingly high selectivity, and at a relatively high rate of reaction, using better, more convenient and/or less expensive process methodology than many processes known heretofore. Using the subject process, one is able to efficiently and effectively produce HMT, a compound of extreme importance to the fragrance industry.