Patent ID: 7071361
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for producing a higher molecular weight saturated ketone, the process comprising reacting an aldehyde reactant with a ketone reactant having at least one hydrogen atom alpha to the carbonyl, in a reaction mixture comprising the aldehyde reactant, the ketone reactant, and an aldol catalyst comprised of a hydroxide or alkoxide of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal provided as a solution or as a solid, wherein no more than about 16 wt. % water is provided to the reaction mixture, with respect to the total initial weight of the reaction mixture, the molar ratio of ketone reactant to aldehyde reactant is from 1:1 to 20:1, and the molar ratio of the hydroxide or alkoxide of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal aldol catalyst to the aldehyde reactant is from 0.001:1 to 0.45:1, and wherein the reacting is carried out at a reaction time of no more than 120 minutes in a reactor provided with a solid hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen gas.