Claims
- 1. A process for preparing substituted furanones which comprises combining a 1,2-epoxyalkane containing from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, a beta-ketoester of the formula ##STR14## where R.sub.2 is a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and X is a C.sub.4-10 alkoxy group, and water; adding aqueous sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide with agitation at a rate such that the temperature of the reaction mixture does not exceed 40.degree. C., said reaction mixture containing 20% to 60% water and 2% to 4% molar excess of the base based on the beta-ketoester, with the molar ratio of the 1,2-epoxyalkane to beta-ketoester ranging from 1:1.1 to 1:1.7; maintaining the temperature of the mixture from 20.degree. C. to 35.degree. C. until the reaction is essentially complete; adding mineral acid to adjust the pH to between 4 and 7; separating the organic phase from the aqueous phase; and recovering a substituted furanone product of the formula ##STR15## wherein R is a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and R.sub.2 is the same as defined above from the organic phase.
- 2. The process of claim 1 wherein the 1,2-epoxyalkane is 1,2-butylene oxide.
- 3. The process of claim 1 wherein the 1,2-epoxyalkane is 1,2-pentylene oxide.
- 4. The process of claim 1 wherein R.sub.2 is methyl.
Parent Case Info
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/191,443 filed on May 9, 1988 now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 944,149, filed on Dec. 19, 1986 now abandoned.
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
546573 |
Sep 1957 |
CAX |
12662 |
Jul 1967 |
JPX |
Continuations (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
191443 |
May 1988 |
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Continuation in Parts (1)
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Number |
Date |
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Parent |
944149 |
Dec 1986 |
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