Patent Description:
The invention relates to vicinal diol ether derivatives of certain polyether polymers, and methods of making the same via reaction with substituted or unsubstituted epoxides, compositions comprising the same, and methods of using the same. The polyether polymers precursors of said derivatives include, for example, polycitronellol, polyprenol, polyisocitronellol and polyisoprenol. The epoxides include straight-chain and branched-chain alkane and cycloalkane epoxides, including terpene epoxides.

Liquid polymers have important utility in cosmetic and personal care applications and play critical roles in visual displays, rheology, tribology, and drug delivery. For example, they can be used as lubricants, emollients, or as protective barriers for skin healing and UV protection. Ideally, these materials can be produced in a facile manner, be easily derivatized to modify function, and even more preferably be made from safe and sustainable raw materials.

Citronellol, prenol, and isoprenol are all naturally occurring molecules that are also commercially available on a large scale. However, these molecules possess an under-utilized combination of functionalities that allow them to be polymerized and functionalized: an isobutylenic group and an alcohol.

This type of chemistry has been mostly neglected in polymer chemistry. One reason for this could be due to the fact that the polymerization is an equilibrium reaction, and that readily abundant isobutylenic alcohols have not always been available. In recent years, however, the production of citronellol has been increasing rapidly, and one of the largest production routes also uses prenol and isoprenol as intermediates, thereby greatly increasing availability.

<CIT> discloses novel polymers derived from the naturally occurring and commercially available monomers citronellol, prenol and isoprenol. These monomers were effectively polymerized in a controlled way to yield a number of well-characterized polymeric ether alcohols. In addition, as these polymers as initially formed possess primary alcohol functional groups, <CIT> further discloses functionalization of the alcohol to derive various ether, ester and other derivative products.

In a surprising advancement in polymer science, the inventors' prior publications <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, have taught generally how to prepare polyether polymers and derivatives thereof. These polyethers represent an advance in liquid polymer technology and carry with them many desirable benefits for commercial fields of application. Polyether polymers, and simple ether and ester derivatives thereof, have found use as lubricants, emollients, humectants, and surfactants. <CIT> discloses polyether derivatives of citronellol,.

The present disclosure builds on the inventors' prior work by providing new compounds, compositions, and methods for making such polymer derivatives with different physical and chemical properties. These structurally unique vicinal diol fragments are capable of modifying the properties of the polyether polymers to provide for a variety of new applications.

The polymer derivatives disclosed herein may be used in cosmetic or specialty chemical formulations and in some instances may be used as naturally derived alternatives to silicone polymers. These polymers can be formulated into various specialty chemical applications, including personal care compositions, in order to alter and improve the function of the product or application performance. The precise functionality of these polymers depends, however, on their size and composition, and hence both on their monomeric distribution, polydispersity, and any further functionalization.

Preferably, commercially available renewable terpene oxides (epoxides) such as limonene oxide, pinene oxide, styrene oxide, caryophyllene oxide, eugenol oxide, safrole oxide, myrcene oxide, carene oxide, menthene oxide are used in the present disclosure. Alternatively, epoxides such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, styrene oxide and cyclohexane oxide may be used.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound according to Formula I below:
<CHM>.

It is understood that
<CHM>
represents an optional double bond (i.e., either a single or double bond), and thus that the terminal group,
<CHM>
may have any one of the three indicated optional bonds present (i.e., a double bond) or all optional bonds absent (i.e., all single bonds).

In further aspects, the present disclosure provides further compositions, and methods of manufacturing said compounds and methods of using said compounds.

Figure <NUM> shows the <NUM>H-NMR spectrum of the product of Example <NUM>, taken in CDCl<NUM> solvent.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, isobutylenic groups can form ethers with alcohols through an acid catalyzed mechanism. This chemistry has been used in other instances to make ether bonds in organic synthesis.

The equilibrium nature of this reaction can potentially make it challenging to produce these ethers on a large scale. However, the inventors have discovered that with monomer recycling, proper catalyst selection, and highly concentrated reaction conditions, these molecules can reach sufficient degrees of polymerization in order to be used in a number of different applications. Further, these low molecular weight polymers can be further derivatized to reach much higher molecular weights and to achieve new functionality.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound (Compound <NUM>) according to Formula I below:
<CHM>.

In further embodiments of the first aspect, the disclosure provides any of the following:.

It is understood that the compounds of Formula I consist of a polymeric backbone that may be formed via a controlled homopolymerization reaction between monomeric units to form a compound of Formula I(a):
<CHM>
wherein n is <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>).

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula I(a) is the compound:
<CHM>
wherein n is <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>).

In a subsequent reaction (or more than one), the compound of Formula I may be formed by reacting the OH group of the compound of Formula I(a) with an epoxide of the Formula A:
<CHM>.

The resulting polymer derivative of Formula I will necessarily substantially retain the polymeric structural features-for example the values of n and the identities and structural relationships among and between the various monomeric units of the polymer backbone-from the corresponding compound of Formula I(a).

The polymerization reaction that forms the precursor compound of Formula I(a) necessarily will result in a mixture of products which vary in the value of the integer n, and as a result, also vary in the overall molecular weight of the polymer. This mixture of polymers may be difficult to completely purify, and moreover, it may be desirable to retain a mixture of polymers in order to take advantage of the unique physical and chemical properties which would inure to any mixture so formed. Thus, partial purification, by such means as distillation or chromatography, may be preferred to arrive at a mixture of related polymers having a certain set of desirable physical or chemical properties in the aggregate (e.g., boiling point, melting point, viscosity, surface tension, solubility, density, reactivity).

Therefore, in a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a Composition (Composition <NUM>) comprising one or more compounds according to Formula I. In further embodiments of the second aspect, the present disclosure provides:.

It is understood that the compositions according to Composition <NUM> et seq. , described herein, comprise a mixture of discrete polymers according to Formula I which vary in the precise value of the integer n (and optionally further comprising any other ingredients). Thus, the Composition <NUM> et seq. may be understood to be a mixture of compounds of Formula I having different values for the integer n, e.g., at least two different compounds of Formula I having different values for the integer n (for example, a mixture which comprises a compound of Formula I wherein n is <NUM>, and a compound of Formula I wherein n is <NUM>. Typically, in such compositions, substantially all polymers according to Formula I in the composition will have the same groups R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM>, that is, the various polymers according to Formula I in the composition will differ only in the value of the integer n. As used in the preceding sentence (and analogously elsewhere herein), the term "substantially all polymers according to Formula I" is understood to recognize that minor synthetic impurities may be present in which R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and/or R<NUM>, differ from that of the bulk of the composition (e.g., owing to minor impurities in starting materials, minor side-products in the synthesis, or minor amounts of unreacted intermediates, which may be present despite efforts at purification). In particular embodiments, the Composition <NUM> et seq. may comprise a mixture of compounds of Formula I having values of n selected from one or more of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

It is understood that figures for average molecular weight and polydispersity for Compounds of Formula (I) may be described based on the polymer backbone of the molecule, i.e., the portion corresponding to the Formula I(a), less the hydroxyl hydrogen. For example, measurements and calculations of molecular weight and polydispersity can be made on the alcoholic polymer (Formula I(a)) prior to reaction with the epoxide compound, and the resulting values can be extrapolated to the later-derived derivatives of Formula I.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method (Method <NUM>) of making a compound of Formula I, the method comprising the step of reacting a compound of Formula I(a) with a compound of Formula A in the presence of an acid or base catalyst, followed by isolation and complete or partial purification of the compound of Formula I (e.g., by distillation or chromatography).

In further embodiments of the third aspect, the disclosure provides any of the following:.

The term "compounds of the present disclosure" and "compositions of the present disclosure" include, respectively, the compounds of Formula I and Compounds <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and Compositions <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and any and all other embodiments thereof.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compounds and compositions of the present disclosure have a polyether backbone having a number average molar weight (Mw) of in the range of from <NUM>-<NUM>/mol, preferably in the range of from <NUM>-<NUM>/mol, for example, as measured by means of isocratic chromatography using THF as a mobile phase in HPLC.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure have a polydispersity (Mw/Mn) in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the compounds of the present disclosure are based on a polyether alcohol derived from the homopolymerization product of citronellol, geraniol, linalool, citronellic acid, limonene, dihydromyrcene, myrcenol, adipic acid, propanediol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, <NUM>,<NUM>-nonnanediol or <NUM>,<NUM>-hexanediol. Preferably they are based on the polymerization of citronellol and derivatization thereof.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure comprise compounds having number average molecular weight of polyether alcohol and derivatives thereof in the range of from <NUM>-<NUM>/mol, preferably in the range from <NUM>-<NUM>/mol. Number average molecular weight may be measured by means of isocratic chromatography, such as, using Agilent Oligopore GPC column and THF as a mobile phase in HPLC.

Compounds and compositions of the present disclosure, especially those having a polydispersity of <NUM> to <NUM>, have one or more of the following favorable features: the compounds are short-chain polymers; the compounds are made using a reversible polymerization reaction; the polymers are biodegradable and biocompatible; and the polymers may be manufactured using all-natural ingredients. These are important benefits in many of the commercial applications in which these compounds may be used. The compositions disclosed herein, with the polydispersity in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, are suitable as replacement or substitutes for surfactants, polymers, and silicones in a variety of commercial products, such as in cosmetics and pharmaceutical compositions, and as adjuvants in crop care formulations, and as lubricants or solvents in enhanced oil recovery, fracking and oil field applications. The compounds and compositions disclosed herein offer improved physical characteristics, such as appearance, odor, viscosity, refractive index and/or surface tension.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure comprise compounds having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of equal to or greater than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> Daltons. In another embodiment, the weight average molecular weight may be selected from the group consisting of: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> Daltons.

In some embodiments of this invention, the polydispersity index (PDI) of the compounds and compositions of the disclosure is less than or about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. In some embodiments, the PDI may be equal to or greater than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compounds and compositions disclosed herein are useful: for fragrance retention, fixation of fragrances, or as a fragrance carrier; as a malodor counteracting agent; in paints and coatings; as an adjuvant for crop control; as a cosmetic ingredient (e.g., as a silicone replacement or a white oil replacement); in nail polish; in writing or printing inks; as a resin or resin-replacement; as an insect repellant (e.g., a mosquito repellent); and in sun block formulations. The polymeric compounds with aforementioned properties can have one of the following average molecular weight (Mw) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> Daltons. In other embodiments the polymeric compounds with aforementioned properties can have polydispersity index (PDI), equal or greater than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

Methods to make the polyethers of Formula I(a) are described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Such polymers can generally be made with high degrees of polymerization in a short period of time by using a resin-bound acid catalyst, such as Amberlyst ®, under neat, solvent-free conditions. Amberlyst-type resins are recognized in the art and understood to be macroreticular or cellular resin covalently bonded to sulfonic acid or carboxylic acid groups, preferably sulfonic acid groups. Such polymerizations can be done at or below room temperature, preferably at slightly elevated temperature, between <NUM> and <NUM>, or even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM>). Such polymerizations can take place in batch reactors, semi-batch reactors, or even more preferably in continuous packed bed-type reactors of the type described in <CIT> and <CIT> and <CIT>.

The reversibility of the polymerization of the claimed compounds derives from the nature of these polymers, having adjacent oxygen atoms and tertiary carbon atoms. As a result, under conditions which will promote the cleavage of the O-C bond, the resulting tertiary carbocation is unusually stable. This leads to facile abstraction of an adjacent hydrogen atom to regenerate the starting materials' alcohol and alkene functional groups. Such de-polymerization may be promoted by mildly acidic conditions (e.g., with Lewis acids or Bronsted acids) or by thermal conditions or by enzymatic conditions (as by enzymes found in naturally occurring bacteria).

This depolymerization property results in biodegradation. This property also permits the formation of compositions comprising the compounds wherein the depolymerization of the polymers may be controlled to permit slow release of the monomeric polymer constituents (e.g., citronellol) or of shortened polymeric constituents (e.g., the release of dimers of citronellol by depolymerization of a larger polymer). The present disclosure embraces solid and/or liquid formulations (e.g., products) comprising any of the compounds or composition described herein, such that the wherein the formulation provides for slow, controlled depolymerization of the polymers and diffusion of the resulting monomers and or shortened oligomers so that that can be released from the composition (e.g., by vaporization at the surface of the composition). Such formulations may be comprised of ingredients which accelerate such depolymerization (such as Lewis acids or Bronsted acids, or enzymes) or such formulations may be associated with a device comprising an electrical heating element to promote thermal depolymerization. The monomers and/or shortened oligomers produced in this manner (e.g., citronellol or dimers or trimers of citronellol) are themselves beneficial for any number of reasons, e.g., as fragrances, insect repellants, anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, or as active pharmaceutical ingredients (e.g., where the composition is a pharmaceutical composition).

The compounds and compositions disclosed herein are particularly suitable for the replacement of silicones, mineral oil and/or paraffins, in cosmetic compositions, such as concealers, primers and/or moisturizers.

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a product composition (Product <NUM>), which product composition comprises a Compound <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or a Composition <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, in combination with at least one suitable solvent, carrier, or other excipient. In further embodiments of the fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides product compositions as follows:.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a Compound <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or a Composition <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or any mixtures thereof, for use in Product Composition <NUM>, or any of <NUM>-<NUM>.

In other embodiments of the preceding aspects, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising Compound <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or a Composition <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or any mixtures thereof, or Product <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the composition or product further comprises one or more additives selected from: a cooling sensate, a warming sensate and/or a tingling sensate; a flavorant or fragrance; vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, energizing agents, soothing agents, coloring agents, amino acids antioxidants, preservatives, pH modifying agents, viscosity adjusting agents, and combinations of any preceding.

In particular embodiments, such compositions comprise a cooling, warming and/or tingling sensate. Such compositions may enhance or reduce the impact of the sensate, such as by dilution, or may attenuate or otherwise alter the properties or perception of the sensate, due to antagonistic or synergistic effects between the components of the compositions. Sensates are useful to impart cooling, warming, and/or tingling sensations to the skin or to mucous membranes of the oral cavity or pharynx. As such, sensates may be useful as flavors or fragrances in a wide range of compositions and products. Compositions such as these may provide an immediate warming, cooling, and or tingling sensation upon application of the composition to the body. In some embodiments, this helps provide an emollient effect. In some embodiments, the compounds of the present disclosure (e.g., Compound <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>) or the compositions of the present disclosure (e.g., Composition <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>) may also serve as one or more of a viscosity adjusting agent, a carrier, a distributing agent, a diluent agent, or a retention agent, for the sensate in the composition. This may help result in a sensate composition which imparts a controlled, sustained and/or delayed cooling, warming or tingling sensation.

In some embodiments of the above aspect, the sensate interacts with the TRPV protein in order to induce or reduce the desired cooling or warming effect. In some embodiments of the above aspect, the sensate is a natural compound, and in other embodiments the sensate is a synthetic compound.

Suitable cooling sensates include: menthol, levomenthol, peppermint oil, n-N-substituted-p-menthane-<NUM>-carboxamides, acyclic tertiary and secondary carboxamides, <NUM>-<NUM>-menthoxy propane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diol, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable warming sensates include: vanillyl n-butyl ether, vanillyl alcohol n-propyl ether, vanillyl alcohol isopropyl ether, vanillyl alcohol isobutyl ether, vanillyl alcohol n-amino ether, vanillyl alcohol isoamyl ether, vanillyl alcohol n-hexyl ether, vanillyl alcohol methyl ether, vanillyl alcohol ethyl ether, gingerol, shogaol, paradol, zingerone, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, eugenol, cinnamon oil, cinnamic aldehyde and phosphate derivatives thereof, pine needle oil, wintergreen oil, rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, incense oil, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the cooling sensate is combined with a metal ion (e.g., stannous, calcium, zinc, copper and the like) or a non-metal counter ion (e.g., fluoride and the like) to provide enhanced activity of a coolant in term of onset, intensity, or impact and duration.

Suitable tingling sensates include Jambu oleoresin extract, particularly for use in food products.

In some embodiments, a sensate is used to induce a revulsive effect, particularly in topical compositions. Suitable sensates for this purpose include menthol, pine needle oil, orange oil, lemon oil, wintergreen oil, bergamot oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, glycosaminoglycans, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the sensate is a chemesthetic compound, which is a compound which induces trigeminal sensation.

Product compositions according to the present disclosure comprising such sensates include: cosmetics (such as lipstick, after shave lotions, foundations and the like), personal care products (such as skin creams, astringent lotions, cleansing lotions, deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, hair gels, hair tonics, hair growth stimulants, shaving foams, shaving creams, bubbling bath beads, insect repellent sprays, and the like) and pharmaceuticals products (such as, analgesic preparations, lozenges and the like).

Other suitable additives include: flavorants (e.g., berry flavors such as pomegranate, acai, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, boysenberry, and/or cranberry; natural or synthetic flavors or aromas, such as peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, chocolate, licorice, citrus; fruit flavors, such as apple, peach, pear, cherry, plum, orange, lime, grape, mango, passion fruit, pineapple, and grapefruit, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanilline, butter, rum, coconut, almond, pecan, walnut, hazelnut, French vanilla, sugar cane, maple, cassis, caramel, banana, malt, espresso, white chocolate, spice flavors such as cinnamon, clove, cilantro, basil, oregano, garlic, mustard, nutmeg, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, dill, sage, anise, and fennel, methyl salicylate, linalool, jasmine, coffee, olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, bergamot oil, geranium oil, peanut oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, balsamic vinegar, rice wine vinegar, red wine vinegar; vegetable flavors, such as tomato, carrot, spinach, broccoli, squash, onion, beet, turnip, parsnip, asparagus, pepper, fennel, zucchini, potato; and any combinations thereof); supplemental vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pyridoxin, choline, inositol, vitamin B12, PABA, vitamin C, and mixtures thereof); preservatives (e.g., methyl paraben, propyl paraben, sodium propionate, citric acid, ascorbic acids, sorbic acid alkali metal salts, such as potassium sorbate, benzoic acid alkali metal salts, such as sodium benzoate, and the like); nutraceuticals (e.g., compounds derived from natural food sources and/or genetically modified food sources); and amino acids (e.g., valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, and phenylalanine, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, proline, serine, tyrosine and mixtures thereof). Another particularly useful additive is arrowroot powder, which can be used as a substitute for talc, such as in cosmetic compositions.

In other embodiments of the preceding aspects, especially the fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising Compound <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or a Composition <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or any mixtures thereof, or Product <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, optionally wherein the composition or product further comprises one or more additives, as described hereinabove, wherein the composition or product is packaged in a container or device comprising packaging made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a combination thereof. Preferably, the composition or product is packaged in a container or device comprising packaging made from high density polyethylene (HDPE). In further embodiments, the present disclosure provides:.

In a fifth aspect the, the present disclosure provides a method of using a Compound <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or a Composition <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or any mixtures thereof, in the manufacture of a Product Composition (e.g., Product Composition <NUM>, et seq. ), or Composition or Product <NUM>-<NUM>, for example, a fragrance composition, perfume, soap, insect repellant and insecticide, detergent, household cleaning agent, air freshener, room spray, pomander, candle, cosmetic, toilet water, pre- and aftershave lotion, talcum powder, hair-care product, body deodorant, anti-perspirant, shampoo, skin care applications, pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials, pet litter, crop care formulation, or oil field, fracking or enhanced oil recovery formation).

An added benefit of these materials described herein is that they are expected to be fully biodegradable and biocompatible.

During the course of the evaluation of these polyethers, it was surprisingly observed that the depolymerization back to monomer would spontaneously occur at ~<NUM> for the citronellol-type polymers. This thermal depolymerization property, or similar enzymatic and/or, acid catalyzed depolymerization properties could be beneficially used to deliver citronellol monomer in a controlled fashion over time.

In one aspect, thermal depolymerization could be used to deliver monomer into the air in a controlled release. In one aspect, the invention contemplates using the compounds of Compound <NUM>, et seq. , and/or Composition <NUM>, et seq. , e.g., as produced by Method <NUM>, et seq. , e.g., in candles or thermal dispensers used for odor control and/or mosquito control, in low pH industrial cleaners which could have the depolymerized monomer ingredient released over time to promote beneficial odor, and laundry detergents that could use enzymes to digest the polymers over time to have fresh odor over longer periods.

Other aspects regarding the use of compounds and compositions of the present disclosure may be found as disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying description below. In the case of conflict, the present specification will control.

Unless otherwise indicated, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the definitions set forth below.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a reactant" includes not only a single reactant but also a combination or mixture of two or more different reactant, reference to "a substituent" includes a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.

As used herein, the phrases "for example," "for instance," "such as," or "including" are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. These examples are provided only as an aid for understanding the disclosure, and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "may," "optional," "optionally," or "may optionally" mean that the subsequently described circumstance may or may not occur, so that the description includes instances where the circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase "optionally present" means that an object may or may not be present, and, thus, the description includes instances wherein the object is present and instances wherein the object is not present.

As used herein, the phrase "having the formula" or "having the structure" is not intended to be limiting and is used in the same way that the term "comprising" is commonly used.

In some formulae of the present application, one or more chiral centers are identified by an asterisk placed next to the chiral carbon. In other formulae, no chiral center is identified, but the chiral isomers are nonetheless covered by these formulae.

Some compounds of the present invention can exist in a tautomeric form which is also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

"Tautomers" refers to compounds whose structures differ markedly in arrangement of atoms, but which exist in easy and rapid equilibrium. It is to be understood that the compounds of the invention may be depicted as different tautomers. it should also be understood that when compounds have tautomeric forms, ail tautomeric forms are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and the naming of the compounds does not exclude any tautomeric form. Further, even though one tautomer may be described, the present invention includes all tautomers of the present compounds.

As used herein, the term "salt" can include acid addition salts including hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, phosphates, sulfates, hydrogen sulfates, alkylsulfonates, arylsulfonates, acetates, benzoates, citrates, maleates, fumarates, succinates, lactates, and tartrates; alkali metal cations such as Na+, K+, Li+, alkali earth metal salts such as Mg<NUM>+ or Ca<NUM>+, or organic amine salts, or organic phosphonium salts.

The term "alkyl" as used herein refers to a monovalent or bivalent, branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon group having from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, typically although, not necessarily, containing <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, octyl, and the like. It will be understood from the context that in some cases the term "alkyl" refers to a bivalent radical rather than a monovalent radical. In such cases where the context indicated that the radical is bivalent, while the term "alkyl" may be further exemplified as "methyl," "ethyl," "propyl," etc., as a bivalent radical such terms would be understood as referring to "-CH<NUM>-", "-CH<NUM>CH<NUM>-" and "-CH<NUM>CH<NUM>CH<NUM>-", respectively.

The term "alkenyl" as used herein refers to a monovalent or bivalent, branched or unbranched, unsaturated hydrocarbon group typically although not necessarily containing <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms and <NUM>-<NUM> carbon-carbon double bonds, such as ethylene, n-propylene, isopropylene, n-butylene, isobutylene, t-butylene, octylene, and the like.

The term "alkynyl" as used herein refers to a monovalent or bivalent, branched or unbranched, unsaturated hydrocarbon group typically although not necessarily containing <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms and <NUM>-<NUM> carbon-carbon triple bonds, such as ethyne, propyne, butyne, pentyne, hexyne, heptyne, octyne, and the like.

The term "aryl" as used herein refers to an aromatic hydrocarbon moiety comprising at least one aromatic ring of <NUM>-<NUM> carbon atoms, including, for example, an aromatic hydrocarbon having two fused rings and <NUM> carbon atoms (i. e, naphthalene).

By "substituted" as in "substituted alkyl," "substituted alkenyl," "substituted alkynyl," and the like, it is meant that in the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or other moiety, at least one hydrogen atom bound to a carbon atom is replaced with one or more non-hydrogen substituents, e.g., by a functional group.

The terms "branched" and "linear" (or "unbranched") when used in reference to, for example, an alkyl moiety of Ca to Cb carbon atoms, applies to those carbon atoms defining the alkyl moiety. For example, for a C<NUM> alkyl moiety, a branched embodiment thereof would include an isobutyl, whereas an unbranched embodiment thereof would be an n-butyl. However, an isobutyl would also qualify as a linear C<NUM> alkyl moiety (a propyl) itself substituted by a C<NUM> alkyl (a methyl).

Examples of functional groups include, without limitation: halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkoxy, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyloxy, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkynyloxy, C<NUM>-C<NUM> aryloxy, acyl (including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylcarbonyl (-CO-alkyl) and C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylcarbonyl (-CO-aryl)), acyloxy (-O-acyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkoxycarbonyl (-(CO)-O-alkyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> aryloxycarbonyl (-(CO)-O-aryl), halocarbonyl (-CO)-X where X is halo), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylcarbonato (-O-(CO)-O-alkyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylcarbonato (-O-(CO)-O-aryl), carboxy (-COOH), carboxylato (-COO-), carbamoyl (-(CO)-NH<NUM>), mono-substituted C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylcarbamoyl (-(CO)-NH(C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl)), di-substituted alkylcarbamoyl (-(CO)-N(C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl)<NUM>), mono-substituted arylcarbamoyl (-(CO)-NH-aryl), thiocarbamoyl (-(CS)-NH<NUM>), carbamido (-NH-(CO)-NH<NUM>), cyano (-C=N), isocyano (-N+≡C-), cyanato (-O-C≡N), isocyanato (-O-N+≡C-), isothiocyanato (-S-C=N), azido (-N=N+=N-), formyl (-(CO)-H), thioformyl (-(CS)-H), amino (-NH<NUM>), mono- and di-(C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl)-substituted amino, mono- and di-(C<NUM>-C<NUM> aryl)-substituted amino, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylamido (-NH-(CO)-alkyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylamido (-NH-(CO)-aryl), imino (-CR=NH where R = hydrogen, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl, C<NUM>-C<NUM> aryl, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkaryl, C<NUM>-C<NUM> aralkyl, etc.), alkylimino (-CR=N(alkyl), where R = hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, etc.), arylimino (-CR=N(aryl), where R = hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, etc.), nitro (-NO<NUM>), nitroso (-NO), sulfo (-SO<NUM>-OH), sulfonato (-SO<NUM>-O-), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylsulfanyl (-S-alkyl; also termed "alkylthio"), arylsulfanyl (-S-aryl; also termed "arylthio"), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylsulfinyl (-(SO)-alkyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylsulfinyl (-(SO)-aryl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylsulfonyl (-SO<NUM>-alkyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylsulfonyl (-SO<NUM>-aryl), phosphono (-P(O)(OH)<NUM>), phosphonato (-P(O)(O-)<NUM>), phosphinato (-P(O)(O-)), phospho (-PO<NUM>), phosphino (-PH<NUM>), mono- and di-(C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl)-substituted phosphino, mono- and di-(C<NUM>-C<NUM> aryl)-substituted phosphino; and the hydrocarbyl moieties such as C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl (including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl, further including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl, and further including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl (including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl, further including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl, and further including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkynyl (including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkynyl, further including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkynyl, and further including C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkynyl), C<NUM>-C<NUM> aryl (including C<NUM>-C<NUM> aryl, and further including C<NUM>-C<NUM> aryl), and C<NUM>-C<NUM> aralkyl (including C<NUM>-C<NUM> aralkyl, and further including C<NUM>-C<NUM> aralkyl). In addition, the aforementioned functional groups may, if a particular group permits, be further substituted with one or more additional functional groups or with one or more hydrocarbyl moieties such as those specifically enumerated above. For example, the alkyl or alkenyl group may be branched. For example, the "substituent" is an alkyl group, e.g., a methyl group.

As used herein, the term "fragrance composition" means a mixture of fragrance ingredients, e.g., including the Compound <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>, or a Composition <NUM> or any of <NUM>-<NUM>. , including auxiliary substances if desired, dissolved in a suitable solvent or mixed with a powdery substrate used to provide a desired odor to a product, optionally packaged according to Composition of Product <NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM>.

Fragrance and ingredients and mixtures of fragrance ingredients that may be used in combination with the disclosed compound for the manufacture of fragrance compositions include, but are not limited to, natural products including extracts, animal products and essential oils, absolutes, resinoids, resins, and concretes, and synthetic fragrance materials which include, but are not limited to, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, acids, esters, acetals, phenols, ethers, lactones, furansketals, nitriles, acids, and hydrocarbons, including both saturated and unsaturated compounds and aliphatic carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds, and animal products.

As used herein, "citronellol polymer" and "prenol polymer" is meant to include all derivatives and cyclic forms of the citronellol and prenol and polymer.

In the present specification, the structural formula of the compounds represents a certain isomer for convenience in some cases, but the present invention includes all isomers, such as geometrical isomers, optical isomers based on an asymmetrical carbon, stereoisomers, tautomers, and the like. In addition, a crystal polymorphism may be present for the compounds represented by the formula, it is noted that any crystal form, crystal form mixture, or anhydride or hydrate thereof is included in the scope of the present invention.

Where a range is recited, such as <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM>, the range embraces all integer values within the range, as well as integer subranges. Thus, the range <NUM>-<NUM> includes <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

All percentages used herein, unless otherwise indicated, are by volume.

All ratios used herein, unless otherwise indicated, are by molarity.

A <NUM>-foot-long, <NUM>-inch smooth bore stainless steel tube with a <NUM>-inch wall thickness is packed with Amberlyst resin and is coiled and outfitted with PTFE tubing on either end for continuous flow. The coil is heated to <NUM> in an oil bath and <NUM> of citronellol is pumped through the packed coil at a rate of <NUM>/min. The material coming out of the coil has reached a high degree of polymerization as shown by <NUM>H-NMR analysis. NMR indicates a dramatic increase in the number of protons associated with methylene groups adjacent to ether oxygen atoms (-<NUM> ppm) compared to the protons associated with methylene groups adjacent to alcohol oxygen atoms (-<NUM> ppm). The integrated ratio is found to be about <NUM>:<NUM> for these two different sets of protons.

Pressurized nitrogen gas is used to expel all material from the coil. The collected material is further distilled under vacuum (<NUM> mbar) at elevated temperature (up to <NUM>) to remove monomeric and dimeric species, resulting in a clear, odorless liquid identified as follows:
<CHM>.

Various fractions may be collected, each having different values for number average molecular weight, weight average molecular weight, polydispersity and values of n. Such fractions have differing physical properties, such as viscosity, refractive index, boiling point, and surface tension.

One fraction is obtained wherein the citronellol polymer has an average value of n of <NUM>-<NUM>. Another fraction is obtained wherein the citronellol polymer has an average value of n of <NUM>-<NUM>.

A mixture of polycitronellol (<NUM>) and limonene oxide (<NUM>, <NUM> eq. ) is treated with Amberlyst resin (<NUM>%, <NUM>) and allowed to stir at room temperature for two hours. The reaction is monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and <NUM>H NMR during the process. No change compared to the starting materials is noted. The reaction is then heated to <NUM> for an additional two hours. Product is evident in the mixture, but the reaction is incomplete. The reaction is heated at <NUM> for additional four hours. TLC and NMR showed the consumption of starting material (see Figure <NUM>). The reaction mixture is filtered through Celite to remove the resin. <NUM> of reaction mixture is collected. The mixture is distilled at elevated temperature and reduced pressure (temperature <NUM> through <NUM>, pressure <NUM> mbar through <NUM> mbar). The product thus obtained was characterized by NMR and is consistent with the desired product.

A sample of a citronellol polymer derivative is weighed out (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> in a <NUM>-mL volumetric flask) and diluted with solvent (e.g., THF, unstabilized) to flask volume. The mixture is shaken well until it is homogenous. An isocratic chromatographic condition is used to separate the polymer peaks for analysis. The chromatographic parameters are listed below:.

Calculation: Because there is the one double bond in each polymer molecule is the only functional group absorbing light at a <NUM> wavelength, the area % values derived from the chromatogram are equivalent to mole % values. Therefore, the HPLC data report values for peak are used for calculation, and only need to be corrected for weight percent calculation. <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> <MAT>.

From the HPLC chromatogram, each peak can be characterized by its retention time, % Area, and molecular weight. From these values, mass and mass% may be derived. Number average molecular weight, weight average molecular weight, and polydispersity are then calculated from these figures.

Claim 1:
A compound according to Formula I below:
<CHM>
wherein R<NUM> is optionally substituted C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl;
R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> are each independently hydrogen, optionally substituted C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl, optionally substituted C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl, optionally substituted C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl (e.g., phenyl), or
R<NUM> and R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM>, or R<NUM> and R<NUM>, are taken together to form an optionally substituted C<NUM>-C<NUM> cycloalkyl or optionally substituted C<NUM>-C<NUM> cycloalkenyl; and
n is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>);
wherein
<CHM>
represents either a single bond or double bond.