Process for preparing hydroxy citronellal by saponification of the hydroxy ester

摘要

A process is provided for the preparation of hydroxy citronellal starting from citronellal, by way of the citronellyl enol ester or citronellyl diester. The citronellyl enol ester or diester is prepared by acylation of citronellal, using an organic acid anhydride. The hydration of the enol ester or citronellyl diester is carried out using aqueous 58 to 78% sulfuric acid, and the hydroxy enol ester and hydroxy diester are saponified by a strong base in the presence of water.