PURPOSE: To efficiently obtain 6-methylheptan-2-one which is useful as a raw material for synthesis of isophytol by using inexpensive isovaleral and acetone through an industrially simple and easy process.
CONSTITUTION: (A) Isovaleral and (B) acetone are subjected to the aldol reaction in the presence of (C) a base such as sodium hydroxide (for example, at 30-60°C for 10 minutes to 10 hours) to produce a condensate including 4-hydroxy-6- methylheptan-2-one. Then, the condensate is hydrogenated under the dehydrative conditions. This hydrogenation reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a Pd/C or metallic catalyst and an acidic substance such as methanesulfonic acid at 90-130°C under 3-10 atmospheric pressure for 1-20 hours. The molar ratio of component A/component B is desirably 1/5-1/8.
KITAYAMA KATSUHIKO
YONEDA KOICHI
IWASAKI HIDEJI
ONISHI TAKASHI
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