| abstract |
Described is a process for the production of alpha, beta unsaturated ketones by reaction of an aldehyde with a ketone in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of either zinc acetate or zinc acetate dihydrate. The ketones obtained are suitable and some cases as solvents and in some cases as intermediates for the production of valuable odorants, dyes, plastics and especially nature-identical substances and are also useful as odorants per se. Compounds of the formula <IMAGE> where m is 0 or 1 one of the lines xxxx is a carbon to carbon single bond and the other is a carbon to carbon double bond and x is -CHOH are disclosed. They may be prepared by reduction of the corresponding ketones. |