To obtain cyclohexylmethanol which is a new compound having voluminous floral perfume and useful as an aromatizing component for toiletry goods such as soap, shampoo, rinse, detergent and cosmetic.
The objective compound is expressed by formula I (R1 is H or methyl; and the bond of formula II is single or double bond and either one of two bonds of formula II is double bond; the wavy line shows a cis isomer or trans isomer), e.g. the compound of formula III. The compound of formula I can be produced e.g. by reacting 4-hydroxymethylcyclohexane carbaldehyde with acetone or methyl ethyl ketone in the presence of a basic catalyst preferably at 0-50°C to obtain an α,β-unsaturated ketone of formula IV, reducing exclusively the carbonyl group of the ketone in the presence of a cerium salt at 0-60°C preferably using a reducing agent and dehydrating the obtained compound of formula V preferably in the presence of an inorganic acid or organic acid in a solvent such as toluene at 50-150°C.
FUKUDA KAZUYUKI
TANAKA SHIGEYOSHI
ETSUNO JIYUNJI
