Patent ID: 6313318
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
A process for preparing .alpha.-methylenelactones of Formula II comprising heating lactones of Formula I and formaldehyde in the vapor phase at a temperature of above 200.degree. C. in the presence of a basic catalyst: ##STR5##wherein,n=1-11;R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 taken independently are hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl containing at least one heteroatom unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring, and unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring containing at least one heteroatom.