Methyl substituted-2-oxohexane derivatives and processes for preparing and using same

Abstract

Described are methods for augmenting or enhancing the aroma of perfumes and perfumed articles by adding thereto perfume aroma augmenting or enhancing quantities of novel methyl substituted-2-oxohexane derivatives produced by dimerizing isoamylene (2-methyl-2-butene) and then oxidizing the resulting product using formic acid and hydrogen peroxide; and optionally reacting the resulting product with a methyl Grignard reagent such as methyl magnesium chloride followed by hydrolysis; as well as perfume compositions, colognes and perfumed articles including solid or liquid anionic, cationic, nonionic or zwitterionic detergents, fabric softener compositions, hair preparations, perfumed polymers and deodorant compositions as well as bleaching compositions containing same.Also covered is the genus of compounds defined according to the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 taken together represent oxygen; or wherein, taken separately, R.sub.1 is hydroxyl and R.sub.2 is methyl or R.sub.1 is oxymagnesium halide and R.sub.2 is methyl; and wherein R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 represent hydrogen or methyl with the provisos that:(i) the sum total of carbon atoms in R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 is three;(ii) when R.sub.7 is methyl, then R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are both methyl, and(iii) when either R.sub.3 or R.sub.4 is methyl, then R.sub.7 is hydrogen.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention provides methyl substituted-2-oxohexane derivatives and processes for preparing same which processes also include the production of C.sub.10 branched chain olefin epoxides, and processes for using a number of methyl substituted-2-oxohexane derivatives produced according to this invention for augmenting or enhancing the aroma of perfume compositions, colognes and perfumed articles. The methyl substituted-2-oxohexane derivatives of our invention are defined according to the structure: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 taken together represent oxygen; and wherein, taken alone, R.sub.1 represents hydroxyl and R.sub.2 represents methyl or R.sub.1 represents oxymagnesium halide and R.sub.2 represents methyl; and wherein R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 each represent the same or different methyl or hydrogen with the provisos that:

(i) the sum total of the carbon atoms of R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 is three; (ii) when R.sub.7 is methyl, then R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are each methyl; and (iii) when R.sub.7 is hydrogen, then R.sub.3 or R.sub.4 is methyl.

Chemical compounds which can provide eucalyptus-like, fruity, hay-like and camphoraceous aromas with lime and pine undertones are highly desirable in the art of perfumery. Many of the natural materials which provide such fragrances and contribute such desired nuances to perfumery compositions and perfumed articles are high in cost, unobtainable at times, vary in quality from one batch to another and/or are generally subject to the usual variations in natural products.

There is, accordingly, a continuing effort to find synthetic materials which will replace, enhance or augment the fragrance notes provided by natural essential oils or compositions thereof. Unfortunately, many of the synthetic materials either have the desired nuances only to a relatively small degree or they contribute undesirable or unwanted odor to the compositions.

Aliphatic hydrocarbons are well known in the art of perfumery, e.g. myrcene, 2-methyl-6-methylene-2,7-octadiene, a constituent of lemon grass oil. Also found in lemon oil as well as in Bergamot oil, according to Gildemeister and Hoffman, (Die Atherischen Ole, 3rd edition, Volume 1, page 301) is octylene, a long chain olefin containing eight carbon atoms.

Arctander, "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, (Aroma Chemicals)", 1969, Vol. I, at monograph 974, discloses the use of "di-isoprene" in perfumery. Arctander states that di-isoprene is a mixture of 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene; 2,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene; and 3,6-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene. Arctander states that this material has a sweet, diffusive, somewhat "gassy" odor and, overall, is of very "little interest to the perfumer". At monograph 1074, Arctander discloses "dipentene" having a use in perfumery and indicates that this "dipentene" is 1-methyl-4-iso-propenyl-1-cyclohexene and indicates that it is useful in perfumery as a "lift" in citrusy fragrances and in the reconstruction of many essential oils such as Bergamot, lime and lemon.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,180 issued on July 22, 1975 discloses the use in perfumery of the cyclic diene epoxide having the structure: ##STR3## particularly for its woody, amber odor.

Other mono-epoxidized products of tri-methylcyclododecatriene are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,723,478 issued on Mar. 27, 1973. The uses in perfumery of such materials are also disclosed in said U.S. Pat. No. 3,723,478.

Application for U.S. Letters Patent Ser. No. 184,132 filed on Sept. 4, 1980 (incorporated by reference herein) discloses the production of unsaturated branched ketones according to the reaction: ##STR4## wherein in each of the structures containing dashed lines, these structures represent mixtures of molecules wherein in each of the molecules, one of the dashed lines represents a carbon-carbon double bond and each of the other of the dashed lines represent a carbon-carbon single bond. These compounds so produced are indicated to be useful for their organoleptic properties in augmenting or enhancing the aroma or taste of consumable articles including perfume compositions and colognes. It is noteworthy that the compounds defined according to the structure: ##STR5## have unsaturation in the structure and, in addition, contain 12 carbon atoms rather than 10 carbon atoms. Disclosure of the resulting alcohols produced by reaction of these ketones with methyl magnesium halide is set forth in application for U.S. Letters Patent Ser. No. 212,887 filed on Dec. 4, 1980 (now U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,934 issued on Mar. 9, 1982). The resulting alcohols have 13 carbon atoms rather than the 11 carbon atom containing alcohols of the instant application.

Nothing in the prior art discloses compounds defined according to the generic structure: ##STR6## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are defined supra.

"Diisoamylene" is indicated to be synthesized in the following references:

(i) Murphy & Lane, Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev., Vol. 14, No. 3, 1975, p. 167 (Title: Oligomerization of 2-Methyl-2-Butene in Sulfuric Acid and Sulfuric-Phosphoric Acid Mixtures).

(ii) Whitmore & Mosher, Vol. 68, J. Am. Chem. Soc., February, 1946, p. 281 (Title: The Depolymerization of 3,4,5,5-Tetramethyl-2-Hexene and 3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Heptene in Relation to the Dimerization of Isoamylenes).

(iii) Whitmore & Stahly, Vol. 67, J. Am. Chem. Soc., December, 1945, p. 2158 (Title: The Polymerization of Olefins. VIII The Depolymerization of Olefins in Relation to Intramolecular Rearrangements. II). (iv) U.S. Pat. No. 3,627,700, issued on Dec. 14, 1971, (Zuech). (v) U.S. Pat. No. 3,538,181, issued on Nov. 3, 1970, (Banks). (vi) U.S. Pat. No. 3,461,184 issued on Aug. 12, 1969 (Hay, et al). (vii) Gurwitsch, Chemische Berichte, 1912, Vol. 2, p. 796 (Production of Di-isoamylene From Isoamylene Using Mercury Acetate Catalyst).

United Kingdom Pat. No. 796,130 published on June 4, 1958 discloses the synthesis of polyalkylindanes by means of, interalia, reacting alpha-methylstyrene with trimethylethene (2-methyl-butene-2) in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or boron trifluoride methyletherate. It is further indicated that such compounds are useful intermediates in the production of perfumery compounds. Apparently, however, the more volatile diisoamylenes produced as side-products in the reaction of 2-methyl-butene-2 with alpha-methylstyrene are discarded.

The diisoamylene useful as a starting material in the instant case may be distilled from the reaction product (as see Example A infra) at a temperature in the range of 36.degree.-40.degree. C.; a liquid temperature in the range of 74.degree.-94.degree. C. and a pressure of 4-5 mm/Hg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using a 70% sulfuric acid catalyst at 35.degree. C., wherein diisoamylene is produced by dimerizing isoamylene.

FIG. 1B represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using the Amberlyst.RTM.15 acidic ion exchange resin catalyst at a temperature of 150.degree. C. wherein isoamylene is dimerized to produce diisoamylene.

FIG. 1C represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using an Amberlyst.RTM.15 catalyst at 100.degree. C. wherein isoamylene is dimerized to produce diisoamylene.

FIG. 1D represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using a sulfuric acid catalyst and an alpha-methylstyrene diluent at 35.degree. C. according to the conditions of United Kingdom Patent Specification No. 796,130 (crude reaction product) wherein isoamylene is dimerized to produce diisoamylene.

FIG. 1E represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using a sulfuric acid catalyst at 35.degree. C. and an alpha-methylstyrene diluent according to the conditions of United Kingdom Patent Specification No. 796,130 (distilled reaction product) wherein isoamylene is dimerized to produce diisoamylene. The distillation range of the diisoamylene thus produced is as follows: vapor temperature 36.degree.-40.degree. C.; liquid temperature 74.degree.-94.degree. C.; and pressure 4-5 mm/Hg.

FIG. 2A represents the NMR spectrum for Peak 1 of the GLC profile of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 2B represents the infra-red spectrum for Peak 1 of the GLC profile of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 3A represents the NMR spectrum for Peak 2 of the GLC profile of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 3B represents the infra-red spectrum for Peak 2 of the GLC profile of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 4 represents the NMR spectrum for Peak 2 of the GLC profile of Peak 1B.

FIG. 5 is the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example I containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR7##

FIG. 6 is the NMR spectrum for Peaks 31, 32 and 33 of the GLC profile of FIG. 5 containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR8##

FIG. 7 is the infra-red spectrum for Peaks 31, 32 and 33 of FIG. 5, the GLC profile of the reaction product of Example I containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR9##

FIG. 8 is the NMR spectrum for Peaks 21, 22 and 23 of FIG. 5, the GLC profile of the reaction product of Example I containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR10##

FIG. 9 is the infra-red spectrum for Peaks 21, 22 and 23 of the GLC profile of FIG. 5 which is the GLC profile of the reaction product of Example I containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR11##

FIG. 10 is the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example II containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR12##

FIG. 11 is the NMR spectrum for Fraction 10 of the distillation product of the reaction product of Example II containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR13##

FIG. 12 is the infra-red spectrum for Fraction 10 of the distillation product of the reaction product of Example II containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR14##

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1E is the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A-1 wherein in dimerizing isoamylene to form diisoamylene, sulfuric acid catalyst is used at a temperature of 35.degree. C. and an alpha-methyl styrene diluent is used according to the conditions of United Kingdom Patent Specification No. 796,130. The distillation range for the diisoamylene is 36.degree.-40.degree. C. vapor temperature and 74.degree.-94.degree. C. liquid temperature and a pressure of 4-5 mm/Hg. The Peak indicated by reference numeral "1" and reference numeral "2" are peaks signifying one of the isomers: ##STR15## with the isomer having the structure: ##STR16## being the most prevalent of the three isomers having the structures: ##STR17##

FIG. 5 is the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example I. In FIG. 5, the Peaks indicated by reference numerals "10", "11" and "12" are for the "starting material", the diisoamylene peaks having the structures: ##STR18##

The Peaks indicated by reference numerals "21", "22" and "23" are those for the epoxy compounds created as a result of the oxidation having the structures: ##STR19##

The Peaks in FIG. 5 indicated by reference numerals "31", "32" and "33" are those for the saturated branched ketones having the structures: ##STR20##

Peak 41 in FIG. 5 is the Peak which signifies the unsaturated alcohol defined according to the structure: ##STR21##

FIG. 10 is the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example II wherein the following reactions take place: ##STR22##

In FIG. 10, the Peaks indicated by reference numerals "61", "62" and "63" are the Peaks for the starting material, the reactant compounds, having the structures: ##STR23##

The Peaks indicated by the reference numerals "51" and "52" signify product having the structures: ##STR24##

THE INVENTION

It has now been determined that certain ketones of diisoamylene produced according to the reaction sequence: ##STR25## as well as alcohol derivatives produced from said ketones according to the reaction sequence: ##STR26## are capable of imparting or augmenting or enhancing a variety of fragrances to consumable materials.

Briefly, our invention contemplates augmenting or enhancing fragrances of such consumable materials as perfumes, perfumed articles (e.g. solid or liquid anionic, cationic, nonionic or zwitterionic detergents, cosmetic powders, fabric softener compositions, fabric softener articles, hair conditioners, perfumed plastics, and floor waxes) and colognes by adding thereto a small but effective amount of at least one of the compounds defined according to one of the structures: ##STR27## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 taken together represent oxygen; or taken separately, R.sub.1 represents hydroxyl and R.sub.2 represents methyl; wherein R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 represent the same or different hydrogen or methyl with the provisos that:

(i) when R.sub.7 is methyl, then R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are each methyl; (ii) the sum total of carbon atoms in R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 is three; and (iii) when R.sub.7 is hydrogen, then R.sub.3 or R.sub.4 is methyl or represented, individually, by the compounds: ##STR28##

The foregoing compounds will be hereinafter indicated herein to be "methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives" of our invention.

The methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives of our invention augment or enhance eucalyptus-like, fruity, hay-like, and camphoraceous aromas with lime and pine undertones of perfumes, perfumed articles and colognes thereby causing one or more of said methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives of our invention to be useful, particularly in "eucalyptus" type fragrances. Furthermore, the methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives of our invention have unexpected and unobvious stability, particularly in the presence of strong oxidizing agents such as hypochlorite bleach solutions. Thus, the methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives of our invention can be used particularly to augment or enhance the aroma of perfumed bleach compositions particularly perfumed hypochlorite bleach compositions.

The ketones of our invention having the structures: ##STR29## may be prepared by first reacting 2-methyl-2-butene in the presence of an acidic catalyst which may be a Lewis acid such as zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, aluminum bromide, diethyl aluminum chloride, diethyl aluminum bromide, ethyl dialuminum chloride and ethyl dialuminum bromide, boron trifluoride, boron trifluoride etherate or any other catalyst enumerated in the following references:

(i) Murphy & Lane, Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev., Vol. 14, No. 3, 1975, p. 167 (Title: Oligomerization of 2-Methyl-2-Butene in Sulfuric Acid and Sulfuric-Phosphoric Acid Mixtures). (ii) Whitmore & Mosher, Vol. 68, J. Am. Chem. Soc., February, 1946, p. 281 (Title: The Depolymerization of 3,4,5,5-Tetramethyl-2-Hexene and 3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Heptene in Relation to the Dimerization of Isoamylenes). (iii) Whitmore & Stahly, Vol. 67, J. Am. Chem. Soc., December, 1945, p. 2158 (Title: The Polymerization of Olefins. VIII The Depolymerization of Olefins in Relation to Intramolecular Rearrangements. II). (iv) U.S. Pat. No. 3,627,700, issued on Dec. 14, 1971, (Zuech). (v) U.S. Pat. No. 3,538,181, issued on Nov. 3, 1970, (Banks). (vi) U.S. Pat. No. 3,461,184 issued on Aug. 12, 1969 (Hay, et al). (vii) Gurwitsch, Chemische Berichte, 1912, Vol. 2, p. 796 (Production of Di-isoamylene From Isoamylene Using Mercury Acetate Catalyst). thereby forming the compounds having the structures: ##STR30## Then, one or more of the compounds having the structures: ##STR31## is then oxidized using a formic acid/concentrated hydrogen peroxide reagent according to the reaction: ##STR32##

It is preferred that the concentration of diisoamylene: formic acid be between 1:1 and about 3:1 and the mole ratio of diisoamylene:hydrogen peroxide be between about 1:1 up to about 4:1 moles diisoamylene:moles hydrogen peroxide.

It is preferred that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide be in the range of from about 30% up to about 55% with a preferred concentration (weight:weight in water) of hydrogen peroxide being about 50%. Too low a concentration of hydrogen peroxide will not cause the proper reaction to be effected and too high a concentration of hydrogen peroxide is dangerous to use.

It is preferred that the reaction temperature be in the range of from about 45.degree. C. up to about 75.degree. C. with the most preferred range being from 50.degree. up to 70.degree. C. Higher temperatures of reaction give rise to shorter periods of time but less controllable reactions. Thus, at 50.degree. C. the reaction time using 50% hydrogen peroxide solution is 4.5 hours.

At the end of the reaction, the reaction mass is neutralized whereby any excess hydrogen peroxide is removed from the reaction mass. The reaction mass is then neutralized, e.g. using saturated sodium chloride solution, and then distilled whereby the desired fractions containing the ketones having the structures: ##STR33## are removed at a vapor temperature of 95.degree.-100.degree. C.; a liquid temperature of 109.degree.-120.degree. C. and a pressure of 50 mm/Hg.

This material has an excellent fruity, eucalyptus and hay-like aroma.

The resulting ketones having the structures: ##STR34## can be used "as is" or they can be further reacted with methyl magnesium halide (followed by hydrolysis) whereby the compounds having the structures: ##STR35## can be produced according to the reactions: ##STR36## for example.

Thus, in carrying out such a reaction, the mole ratio of methyl magnesium halide (e.g. methyl magnesium chloride or methyl magnesium bromide) to ketone is preferably 1:1 with an excess of methyl magnesium halide being preferred to be used. The reaction is to take place in the presence of a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran and/or diethylether at reflux conditions, e.g. 35.degree.-55.degree. C. At the end of the first reaction, the organometallic compounds defined according to the structures: ##STR37## are formed wherein X is chloro or bromo depending upon whether methyl magnesium chloride or methyl magnesium bromide is used. The compounds having the structures: ##STR38## are then hydrolyzed in the presence of weak acid such as acetic acid thereby producing the compounds having the structures: ##STR39## and the resulting reaction product is "worked-up" as by routine washing (using weak base and water), neutralization (using water) and fractional distillation.

The resulting products have eucalyptol and camphoraceous aromas with lime and pine undertones.

As olfactory agents the methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives of our invention taken alone or in admixture can be formulated into or used as components of a "perfume composition" or can be used as components of a "perfumed article" or the perfume composition may be added to perfumed articles.

The term "perfume composition" is used herein to mean a mixture of organic compounds including, for example, alcohols (other than the alcohols of our invention), aldehydes, ketones (other than the ketones of our invention), nitriles, ethers, lactones, epoxides, natural essential oils, synthetic essential oils, and hydrocarbons which are admixed so that the combined odors of the individual components produce a pleasant or desired fragrance. Such perfume compositions usually contain (a) the main note or the "bouquet" or foundation stone of the composition; (b) modifiers which round off and accompany the main note; (c) fixatives which include odorous substances which lend a particular note to the perfume throughout all stages of evaporation, and substances which retard evaporation and (d) topnotes which are usually low-boiling, fresh-smelling materials.

In perfume compositions, the individual component will contribute its particular olfactory characteristics, but the overall effect of the perfume composition will be the sum of the effects of each of the ingredients and, in certain instances, a synergistic effect as a result of the addition of certain ingredients. Thus, the individual compounds of this invention, or mixtures thereof, can be used to alter the aroma characteristics of a perfume composition, for example, by highlighting or moderating the olfactory reaction contributed by another ingredient in the composition.

The amount of the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s) of this invention which will be effective in perfume compositions depends on many factors, including the other ingredients, their amounts and the effects which are desired. It has been found that perfume compositions containing as little as 0.05% of the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s) of this invention, or even less, can be used to impart interesting eucalyptus-like, fruity, hay-like and camphoraceous aromas with lime and pine undertones to soaps, liquid or solid anionic, cationic, nonionic or zwitterionic detergents, cosmetics, cosmetic powders, liquid or solid fabric softeners, drier-added fabric softener articles, (e.g. BOUNCE.RTM., a registered trademark of the Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio), optical brightener compositions, hypochlorite bleach compositions, fragranced polymers, hair-conditioners and other products. The amount employed can range up to 70% or even higher and will depend on considerations of cost, nature of the end product and the effect desired on the finished product and particular fragrance sought. Thus, for example, when fragrancing liquid bleach compositions containing alkali metal hypochlorite such as, for example, sodium hypochorite, for example CLOROX.RTM. (registered trademark of Clorox, Inc.), the amount employed can range as high as 100% of the fragrance involved in the liquid bleach. Indeed, a distinctive aspect of our invention is the use of one or more of the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s) in a stable liquid bleach composition.

The methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s) of this invention taken alone or in admixture can be used alone or in a perfume composition as a olfactory component in detergents, soaps, space odorants and deodorants; perfumes; colognes, toilet waters; bath salts; hair preparations such as lacquers, brilliantines, pomades and shampoos; cosmetic preparations such as creams, deodorants, hand lotions, sun screens; powders such as talcs, dusting powders, face powders and the like; liquid bleaches such as sodium hypochlorite-containing bleaches; floor waxes, automobile aromas and automobile polish compositions. When used as an olfactory component of a perfumed article as little as 0.01% of one or more of the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s) will suffice to impart an interesting encalyptus-like, fruity, hay-like and camphoraceous aroma with lime and pine undertones. Generally no more than 1.5% is required to impart such aromas. However, in view of the rather low cost of the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s) of our invention, up to 100% of the perfume composition can be one or more of the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s).

In summary, the range of the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s) of our invention in the perfumed article can be from 0.01% up to 1.5% or even higher.

In addition, the perfume composition can contain a vehicle or carrier for the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative(s) alone or with other ingredients. The vehicle can be a liquid such as a non-toxic alcohol such as ethanol, a glycol such as propylene glycol or the like. The carrier can be an absorbent solid such as a gum or components for encapsulating the composition such as gelatin which can be used to form a capsule wall surrounding the perfume oil as by means of coacervation with gelation or as by means of formation of a polymer around the perfume oil as by polymerizing a urea formaldehyde polymer.

It will thus be apparent that the methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives of our invention can be used to alter, modify, augment or enhance sensory properties particularly organoleptic properties such as fragrances of a wide variety of consumable materials.

The following examples serve to illustrate our invention and this invention is to be considered restricted thereto only as indicated in the appended claims.

All parts and percentages given herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE A

Preparation of Diisoamylene Derivatives ##STR40##

Diisoamylene is prepared according to one of the procedures set forth in the following references:

(i) Murphy & Lane, Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev., Vol. 14, No. 3, 1975, p. 167 (Title: Oligomerization of 2-Methyl-2-Butene in Sulfuric Acid and Sulfuric-Phosphoric Acid Mixtures). (ii) Whitmore & Mosher, Vol. 68, J. Am. Chem. Soc., February, 1946, p. 281 (Title: The Depolymerization of 3,4,5,5-Tetramethyl-2-Hexene and 3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Heptene in Relation to the Dimerization of Isoamylenes).

(iii) Whitmore & Stahly, Vol. 67, J. Am. Chem. Soc., December, 1945, p. 2158 (Title: The Polymerization of Olefins. VIII The Depolymerization of Olefins in Relation to Intramolecular Rearrangements. II).

(iv) U.S. Pat. No. 3,627,700, issued on Dec. 14, 1971, (Zuech). (v) U.S. Pat. No. 3,538,181, issued on Nov. 3, 1970, (Banks). (vi) U.S. Pat. No. 3,461,184 issued on Aug. 12, 1969 (Hay, et al). (vii) Gurwitsch, Chemische Berichte, 1912, Vol. 2, p. 796 (Production of Di-isoamylene From Isoamylene Using Mercury Acetate Catalyst).

As an illustration and not by way of limitation, the following example sets forth the preparation of diisoamylenes useful in producing the methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives of our invention which are useful in producing the fragrances of our invention.

EXAMPLE A-I

Over a period of 10 hours, 2-methyl-2-butene is pumped through a 5'.times.5/8" (0.625 inch) tube packed with 15.0 grams of polystyrene sulfonic acid catalyst at a temperature of 100.degree. C. and a pressure of 400 psig.

The resulting material was distilled in a fractionation column in order to separate the diisoamylene from the higher molecular weight polymers which are formed during the reaction as by-products. This material distills at 36.degree.-40.degree. C. vapor temperature; 74.degree.-94.degree. C. liquid temperature and 4-5 mm/Hg pressure. This material will be used in the syntheses in the following Example II.

FIG. 1A represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using a 70% sulfuric acid catalyst at 35.degree. C.

FIG. 1B represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using an Amberlyst.RTM.15 acidic ion exchange catalyst at a temperature of 150.degree. C.

FIG. 1C represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using an Amberlyst.RTM.15 catalyst at 100.degree. C.

FIG. 1D represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using a sulfuric acid catalyst and an alpha-methylstyrene diluent at 35.degree. C. according to the conditions of United Kingdom Patent Specification No. 796,130 (crude reaction product).

FIG. 1E represents the GLC profile for the reaction product of Example A using a sulfuric acid catalyst at 35.degree. C. and an alpha-methylstyrene diluent according to the conditions of United Kingdom Patent Specification No. 796,130 (distilled reaction product). Distillation range: 36.degree.-40.degree. C. vapor temperature for the diisoamylene; 74.degree.-94.degree. C. liquid temperature for the diisoamylene; and 4-5 mm/Hg pressure.

FIG. 2A represents the NMR spectrum for Peak 1 for the GLC profile of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 2B represents the infra-red spectrum for Peak 1 of the GLC profile of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 3A represents the NMR spectrum for Peak 2 of the GLC profile of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 3B represents the infra-red spectrum for Peak 2 of the GLC profile of FIG. 1E.

FIG. 4 represents the NMR spectrum for Peak 2 of the GLC profile of FIG. 1B.

EXAMPLE I

Preparation of Methyl Substituted Oxohexane Derivatives ##STR41##

Into a 3 liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, reflux condenser, dropping funnel, heating mantle and cooling bath is placed 1,000 grams of diisoamylene prepared according to Example A-I (distillation temperature: 36.degree.-40.degree. C. vapor temperature; 74.degree.-94.degree. C. liquid temperature at 4-5 mm/Hg pressure) and 375 grams of 90% formic acid. The resulting mixture is heated to 50.degree. C. and then over a period of 1.25 hours 485 grams of 50% hydrogen peroxide is slowly added to the reaction mass while maintaining the reaction mass at a temperature in the range of 42.degree.-69.degree. C. After the addition of the hydrogen peroxide, the reaction mass is then heated at 50.degree. C. for a period of 3.5 hours. At the end of the 3.5 hour period, the reaction mass is cooled to room temperature and 1 liter of a 25% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is added to the reaction mass. The reaction mass is then again washed with 1 liter of 25% sodium hydroxide followed by 2 volumes of 500 ml saturated sodium chloride. The organic phase is then distilled on a 2'.times.1" Goodloe column yielding the following fractions:

______________________________________ Vapor Liquid Weight ofFraction Temp. Temp. Pressure Reflux FractionNumber (.degree.C.) (.degree.C.) mm/Hg. Ratio (grams)______________________________________ 1 54/60 93/105 25/35 9:1/9:1 25.8 2 64 105 35 9:1 30.9 3 68 105 45 9:1 36.4 4 80 107 50 9:1 32.2 5 88 107 50 9:1 36.2 6 93 109 50 9:1 36.3 7 95 109 50 9:1 39.0 8 96 110 50 9:1 34.9 9 96 111 50 9:1 36.810 96 112 50 9:1 38.811 97 113 50 9:1 44.312 97 114 50 9:1 45.813 99 116 50 9:1 45.614 99 119 50 9:1 45.915 100 120 50 9:1 40.316 103 125 50 9:1 45.617 104 134 50 9:1 50.518 107 140 50 9:1 39.619 86 141 10 9:1 38.320 150 152 10 9:1 19.2______________________________________

Fractions 6-15 (boiling range 93.degree.-100.degree. C. vapor temperature; 109.degree.-120.degree. C. liquid temperature and 50 mm/Hg pressure) is bulked and evaluated from an organoleptic standpoint. Fractions 6-15 has a fruity, eucalyptus and hay-like aroma.

FIG. 5 is the GLC profile of the reaction product prior to distillation. FIG. 5 is described in detail in the section entitled "Detailed Description of the Drawings", supra.

FIG. 6 is the NMR spectrum for Peaks 31, 32 and 33 of FIG. 5 containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR42##

FIG. 7 is the IR spectrum for Peaks 31, 32 and 33 of FIG. 5 containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR43##

FIG. 8 is the NMR spectrum for Peaks 21, 22 and 23 of FIG. 5 containing epoxy diisoamylenes.

FIG. 9 is the infra-red spectrum for Peaks 21, 22 and 23 of FIG. 5 containing epoxy diisoamylenes.

EXAMPLE II

Preparation of Methyl Substituted Oxohexane Derivatives ##STR44##

Into a 5 liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, reflux condenser, dropping funnel, cooling bath and heating mantle is placed 1 liter of a solution of methyl magnesium chloride in tetrahydrofuran (1.0 moles per liter).

Into the dropping funnel is placed a mixture of 400 ml anhydrous diethylether and 400 grams of the methyl substituted oxohexane derivative prepared according to Example I, bulked fractions 6-15 consisting of the compounds having the structures: ##STR45##

The mixture in the dropping funnel is slowly added to the methyl magnesium chloride slowly allowing the temperature to rise from 32.degree. C. up to 50.degree. C. At the end of the addition, the reaction mass is heated at 51.degree.-60.degree. C. for a period of 5 hours until completion of reaction.

400 ml of 50% acetic acid is then added to the reaction mass. The reaction mass is then poured into a mixture of 500 ml toluene and 500 ml 50% aqueous sodium chloride. The resulting mixture is stirred for 15 minutes and the organic layer is washed with 500 ml 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide followed by 2 liters of water. The organic layer is the distilled on a 3' Goodloe column yielding the following fractions:

______________________________________ Vapor Liquid Weight ofFraction Temp. Temp. Pressure Reflux FractionNumber (.degree.C.) (.degree.C.) mm/Hg Ratio (grams)______________________________________1 44/49 82/86 10/10 9:1/9:1 11.92 55 92 10 9:1 18.93 60 92 10 9:1 20.14 65 93 10 9:1 14.05 70 95 10 9:1 10.46 70 95 10 9:1 16.17 70 97 10 9:1 11.18 72 97 10 9:1 14.29 73 97 10 9:1 17.710 74 99 10 9:1 22.811 74 113 10 9:1 16.512 74 151 10 9:1 11.713 74 250 10 9:1 4.5______________________________________

Fractions 5-11 are bulked for evaluation (vapor temperature 70.degree.-74.degree. C.; liquid temperature 95.degree.-113.degree. C. and vacuum 10 mm/Hg pressure). The resulting bulking has a eucalyptol, camphoraceous aroma with lime and pine undertones.

FIG. 10 is the GLC profile of the reaction product prior to distillation with peaks indicated by reference numerals "51" and "52" being product having the structure: ##STR46##

FIG. 11 is the NMR spectrum for distillation fraction 10 of the foregoing distillation containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR47##

FIG. 12 is the infra-red spectrum for fraction 10 of the foregoing distillation containing the compounds having the structures: ##STR48##

EXAMPLE III

The methyl substituted oxohexane derivatives produced according to Examples I and II have aromas which may be utilized to a great extent in inexpensive functional products. The following pine fragrance demonstrates the use of the materials produced according to Examples I and II in perfume compositions. In these cases they are used in concentrations of 47.9%:

______________________________________ Ex- ample Example ExampleIngredient III (A) III (B) III (C)______________________________________Mixture of ketones, bulked 479 0 239fractions 6-15 of Example IMethyl substituted oxohexane 0 479 240derivatives (alcohols)produced according to Example II,bulked fractions 5-11Isobornyl acetate 100 100 100Camphor 10 10 10Terpineol 25 25 25Fir balsam absolute (50% in 20 20 20diethyl phthalate)Coumarin 4 4 4Linalool 30 30 30Anethol 2 2 2Fenchyl alcohol 10 10 10Lemon terpenes 50 50 50Borneol 5 5 5Galbanum oil 5 5 5Turpentine Russian 150 150 150Pinus pumilionus 50 50 50Eucalyptol 50 50 502,2,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene- 5 5 51-carboxaldehydeMaltol 1% in diethyl phthalate 5 5 5______________________________________ PG,38

The presence of the mixture of ketones produced according to Example I having the structures: ##STR49## (bulked fractions 6-15) imparts to the compositions of Examples III(A) and III(C) fruity, eucalyptus and hay-like nuances. The mixture of alcohols produced according to Example II (bulked fractions 5-11) having the structures: ##STR50##

imparts to the compositions of Examples III(B) and III(B) eucalyptol-like and camphoraceous-like nuances with lime and pine undertones. Thus, the fragrances of Examples III(A), III(B) and III(C) can be described as follows:

Example III(A)--a pine aroma with fruity, eucalyptus and hay-like nuances. Example III(B)--a pine aroma with eucalyptol-like and camphoraceous-like nuances and lime undertones. Example III(C)--a pine aroma with fruity, eucalyptus-like, hay-like and camphoraceous nuances and lime undertones.

EXAMPLE IV

Preparation of A Cosmetic Powder Composition

A cosmetic powder is prepared by mixing in a ball mill 100 grams of talcum powder with 0.25 grams of a perfume substance as set forth in Table I below. The resulting powder has an excellent aroma as set forth in Table I below:

TABLE I______________________________________Perfume Substance Aroma Description______________________________________Mixture of ketones having A fruity, eucalyptus andthe structures: hay-like aroma. ##STR51## ##STR52##and ##STR53##produced according toExample I, bulked fractions6-15. Mixture of alcohols having A eucalyptol-like,the structures: camphoraceous-like aroma ##STR54## with lime and pine under- tones. ##STR55##and ##STR56##produced according toExample II, bulked fractions5-11 Fragrance of Example III(A). A pine aroma with fruity, eucalyptus and hay-like nuances.Perfume composition of A pine aroma withExample III(B). eucalyptol-like and camphoraceous nuances and lime undertones.Perfume composition of A pine aroma with fruity,Example III(C). eucalyptus-like, hay-like and camphoraceous nuances and lime undertones.______________________________________

EXAMPLE V

Perfume Liquid Detergent

Concentrated liquid detergent (lysine salt of n-dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid as more specifically described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,818, issued on Apr. 6, 1976, the specification for which is incorporated herein by reference) with aroma nuances as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra are prepared containing 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30% and 0.35% of the substances as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra. They are prepared by adding and homogeneously mixing the appropriate quantity of fragrance formulation of Table I of Example IV supra in the liquid detergents. The detergents all possess excellent aromas, the intensity increasing with greater concentration of perfume substance of Table I of Example IV.

EXAMPLE VI

Preparation of a Cologne and Handkerchief Perfume

The perfume substances as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra are incorporated into colognes at concentrations of 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5% and 5.0% in 75%, 80%, 85% and 90% aqueous food grade ethanol; and into handkerchief perfumes at concentrations of 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% (in 80%, 85%, 90% and 95% aqueous food grade ethanol solutions). Distinctive and definitive aroma nuances as set forth in Table I of Example IV are imparted to the colognes and to the handkerchief perfumes at all levels indicated above.

EXAMPLE VII

Preparation of Soap Compositions

One hundred grams of soap chips (IVORY.RTM., produced by the Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio) are mixed with 1 gram of each of the perfumery substances of Table I of Example IV, supra until homogeneous compositions are obtained. In each of the cases, the homogeneous compositions are heated under 3 atmospheres pressure at 180.degree. C. for a period of three hours and the resulting liquids are placed into soap molds. The resulting soap cakes, on cooling, manifest excellent aromas as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra.

EXAMPLE VIII

Preparation of Solid Detergent Compositions

A detergent is prepared from the following ingredients according to Example I of Canadian Pat. No. 1,007,948, (the specification for which is incorporated herein by reference):

______________________________________Ingredient Percent by Weight______________________________________Neodol .RTM. 45-11 (a C.sub.14 -C.sub.15 12alcohol ethoxylated with11 moles of ethylene oxide)Sodium carbonate 55Sodium citrate 20Sodium sulfate, water brighteners q.s.______________________________________

This detergent is phosphate-free detergent. A total of 100 grams of said detergent is admixed with 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 grams of the substances of Table I of Example IV supra. The detergent samples in each case have excellent aromas as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra.

EXAMPLE IX

Utilizing the procedure of Example I at column 15 of U.S. Pat. No. 3,632,396, (the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein) a nonwoven cloth substrate useful as a drier-added fabric softening article of manufacture is prepared wherein the substrate, the substrate coating and the outer coating and the perfuming material are as follows:

1. A water dissolvable paper ("Dissolvo Paper"); 2. Adogen 448 (melting point about 140.degree. F.) as the substrate coating; and 3. An outer coating having the following formulation (melting point about 150.degree. F.): 57% C.sub.20-22 HAPS 22% isopropyl alcohol 20% antistatic agent 1% of one of the perfume substances of Table I of Example IV, supra.

Fabric softening compositions having aromas as set forth in Table I of Example IV are prepared which essentially consist of a substrate having a weight of about 3 grams per 100 square inches; a substrate coating having a weight of about 1.85 grams per 100 grams of substrate; and an outer coating having a weight of about 1.4 grams per 100 square inches of substrate, thereby providing a total aromatized substrate and outer coating weight ratio of about 1:1 by weight of the substrate. The aromas as set forth in Table I of Example IV are imparted in a pleasant manner to the head space in the drier on operation thereof using each of the drier-added fabric softening nonwoven fabric samples.

In the following examples, Aromox.RTM.DMC-W and Aromox.RTM.DMMC-W are 30% aqueous solutions of dimethyl cocoamine oxide; and Aromox.RTM.NCMDW is a 40% aqueous solution of N-cocomorpholine oxide produced by Armac Division of ADZO of Chicago, Ill.

EXAMPLE X

Four drops of one or more of the perfume substances as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra is added to 2 grams of Aromox.RTM.DMC-W to produce a clear premix. The clear premix is added to 200 grams of CLOROX.RTM. with stirring resulting in a clear, stable, single phase solution. Sufficient 1M aqueous NaOH is added to bring the pH of the mixture up to 12.8. The solution remains substantially stable at 120.degree. F. for a period of 7 days. When the 5% aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution is used as a laundry bleach, the resulting laundry on dry-out in an atmosphere of 65% relative humidity yields substantially no characteristic "hypochlorite" odor but does have a faint, pleasant aroma as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra. Furthermore, no such characteristic "hypochlorite" aroma is retained on the hands of the individual handling such laundry in both the wet and the dry states.

EXAMPLE XI

Aromox.RTM.DMMC-W in various quantities is mixed with 0.1 grams of each of the substances of Table I of Example IV supra. The resulting premixes are then added to 200 grams of an aqueous 5% sodium hypochlorite solution. Sufficient 12.5M aqueous NaOH is added to bring the pH of each of the mixtures up to 13. The following results are obtained:

______________________________________Percentage Aromox .RTM. Clarity of hypochlorite solu-DMMC-W tion after addition of premix______________________________________0.23% Clear after three days0.15% Clear after three days0.08% Initially slightly turbid; two phases exist after three days______________________________________

When the 5% aqueous sodium hypochlorite solutions are used as laundry bleaches, the resulting laundry batches on dry-out in an atmosphere of 65% relative humidity yields substantially no characteristic "hypochlorite" odor but do have faint, pleasant aromas as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra. Furthermore, no such characteristic "hypochlorite" aroma is retained on the hands of the individual handling such laundry batches in both the wet and the dry states.

EXAMPLE XII

Two grams of Aromox.RTM.DMMC-W are admixed with eight drops of each of the perfume substances of Table I of Example IV supra. Each of the premixes is then added with stirring to 200 grams of a 7% aqueous solution of lithium hypochlorite. Sufficient 3M aqueous LiOH is added to bring the pH of the solution to 13.4. The mixtures are then heated to 120.degree. F. and maintained at that temperature with stirring for a period of one week. The resulting solution remains clear in a single phase. When used as laundry bleaches, the resulting bleached laundry batches on dry-out in an atmosphere of 50% relative humidity retain an aroma as described in Table I of Example IV whereas without the use of the substances of Table I of Example IV, the bleached laundry batches have faint characteristic disagreeable "hypochlorite" aromas.

EXAMPLE XIII

Two grams of Aromox.RTM.DMMC-W are admixed with eight drops of each of the substances of Table I of Example IV supra. The premixes are then added with stirring to 200 grams of a mixture containing 4.5% aqueous sodium hypochlorite and 4.5% aqueous lithium hypochlorite. Sufficient 4M aqueous LiOH is added to bring the pH of the solutions to 13.4. The mixtures are then heated to 120.degree. F. and maintained at that temperature for a period of one week. The resulting solutions remain clear in a single phase. When used as laundry bleach, the resulting bleached laundry batches on dry-out in an atmosphere of 50% relative humidity retain an aroma as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra whereas without the use of the perfume substances as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra, the bleached laundry batches have faint characteristic and disagreeable "hypochlorite" aromas.

EXAMPLE XIV

Two grams of Aromox.RTM.DMMC-W are admixed with eight drops of one of the perfume substances of Table I of Example IV supra. These premixes are then added with stirring to 200 grams of mixture containing 4% aqueous sodium hypochlorite and 4% aqueous lithium hypochlorite. Sufficient 2M aqueous NaoH is added to bring the pH of the solutions to 13.4. The mixtures are then heated to 110.degree. F. and maintained at that temperature with stirring for a period of two weeks. The resulting solutions remain clear as a single phase when used as laundry bleaches. The resulting bleached laundry batches on dry-out in an atmosphere of 50% relative humidity retain aromas as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra whereas without the use of the perfume substances of Table I of Example IV supra, the bleached laundry batches have faint, characteristic disagreeable "hypochlorite" aromas.

EXAMPLE XV

Four drops of each of the substances of Table I of Example IV supra are added to 1.5 grams of Aromox.RTM.NCMDW to produce a clear premix. The clear premixes are added to 200 grams in each case of CLOROX.RTM. with stirring resulting in a clear single phase solution. Sufficient 1M aqueous NaOH is added to bring the pH of the mixture up to 12.8. The solution remains substantially stable at 120.degree. F. for a period of 7 days. When the 5% aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution is used as a laundry bleach, the resulting laundry on dry-out in an atmosphere of 65% relative humidity yields substantially no characteristic hypochlorite aroma but does have a faint pleasant aroma as set forth in Table I of Example VI supra. Furthermore, no such characteristic "hypochlorite" aroma is retained on the hands of the individual handling such laundry in both the wet and the dry states.

EXAMPLE XVI

Four drops of each of the substances of Table I of Example IV supra are added to 1 gram of n-undecyl dimethyl amine oxide to produce a clear premix in each case. The clear premix is added to 200 grams of CLOROX.RTM. with stirring resulting in a clear, single phase solution. Sufficient 1M aqueous NaOH is added to bring the pH of the mixture to 12.8. The solution remains substantially stable at 120.degree. F. for a period of 7 days. When the 5% aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution is used as a laundry bleach, the resulting laundry on dry-out in an atmosphere of 65% relative humidity yields substantially no characteristic hypochlorite odor but does have a faint pleasant odor as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra. Furthermore, no such characteristic "hypochlorite" odor is retained on the hands of the individual handling such laundry in both the wet and the dry states.

EXAMPLE XVII

Four drops of each of the substances of Table I of Example IV supra is added to 1 gram of n-dodecyl dimethyl amine oxide to produce a clear premix. The clear premix is added to 200 grams of CLOROX.RTM. with stirring resulting in a clear stable single phase solution. Sufficient 1M aqueous NaOH is added to bring the pH of the mixture up to 12.8. The solution remains substantially stable at 120.degree. F. for a period of 7 days. When the 5% aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution is used as a laundry bleach, the resulting laundry on dry-out in an atmosphere of 65% relative humidity yields substantially no characteristic "hypochlorite" odor but does have a faint pleasant aroma as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra. Furthermore, no such characteristic "hypochlorite" aroma is retained on the hands of the individual handling such laundry in both the wet and the dry states.

EXAMPLE XVIII

One gram of n-tridecyl dimethyl amine oxide is admixed with eight drops of each of the substances of Table I of Example IV supra. Each of the premixes is then, with stirring, added to 200 grams of a 7% aqueous solution of lithium hypochlorite. Sufficient 3M aqueous LiOH is added to bring the pH of the solution to 13.4. The mixture is then heated to 120.degree. F. and maintained at that temperature with stirring for a period of one week. The resulting solution remains clear in a single phase. When used as a laundry bleach, the resulting bleached laundry on dry-out in an atmosphere of 50% relative humidity retains an aroma as set forth in Table I of Example IV supra; whereas without the use of any of the substances of Table I of Example IV supra, the bleached laundry has a faint, characteristic, disagreeable "hypochlorite" aroma.

Claims

1. A process comprising the steps of:

(i) dimerizing 2 moles of isoamylene in the presence of an acidic catalyst to form diisoamylene which is a mixture of molecules having the structures: ##STR57## having a distillation range of 36.degree.-40.degree. C. vapor temperature; 74.degree.-94.degree. C. liquid temperature and 4-5 mm/Hg pressure; and

(ii) intimately admixing the resulting diisoamylene mixture with concentrated hydrogen peroxide and formic acid whereby a mixture of alcohols, epoxides and ketones is formed according to the reaction: ##STR58##

2. The product prepared according to the process of claim 1.

3. The process comprising the steps of:

(i) dimerizing isoamylene to form diisoamylene in the presence of an acid catalyst, said diisoamylene being a mixture of compounds having the structures: ##STR59## said diisoamylene having a distillation range of 36.degree.-40.degree. C. vapor temperature; 74.degree.-94.degree. C. liquid temperature and 4-5 mm/Hg pressure;

(iii) admixing the resulting diisoamylene mixture with a mixture of concentrated hydrogen peroxide and formic acid in order to effect the reaction: ##STR60## at a temperature in the range of from about 40.degree. C. up to about 70.degree. C.;

(iii) distilling the resulting reaction product at a vapor temperature in the range of from about 93.degree. C. up to about 100.degree. C. vapor temperature; 109.degree. C. up to 120.degree. C. liquid temperature at 50 mm/Hg pressure whereby a mixture of ketones is formed having the structures: ##STR61## (iv) reacting the resulting mixture of ketones with a methyl magnesium halide in the presence of an inert solvent whereby a mixture of organometallic compounds is formed having the structures: ##STR62## ; and wherein X is chloro or bromo;

(v) reacting the resulting organometallic compound mixture with acid thereby forming a mixture of alcohols having the structures: ##STR63## (vi) fractionally distilling the resulting acid mixture at a temperature in the range of 70.degree.-74.degree. C. vapor temperature; 95.degree.-113.degree. C. liquid temperature and 10 mm/Hg pressure.

4. The product produced according to the process of claim 3.