Synthesis of alkyl 2-acetyl-5,9,13-trimethyltetradeca-4,8,12-trienoates and derivatives by a non-continuous production process

A process for manufacturing a compound of formula (I):

• wherein the dotted line in formula (I) indicates a carbon-carbon double bond which is located at one of the two indicated positions, wherein
• the process comprises reacting at temperature of 77° C. to 87° C. a compound of formula (II) and a compound of formula (Ill):
• in a non-continuous process in the presence of either:
• i) a mixture of a rhodium complex and water-soluble phosphine salt of formula (IV-a) or (IV-b), or
• ii) a rhodium complex obtained from a reaction of a rhodium complex and water-soluble phosphine salt of formula (IV-a) or (IV-b):
• and in the presence of water and an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of C1-C5 alcohols, alkylethers of C1-C5 alcohols, C2-C6 alkane diols, monoalkylethers of C2-C6 alkane diols, dialkylethers of C2-C6 alkane diols, esters of C1-C6 carboxyl acids or diacids, lactones and lactames;
• wherein R1 is a C1-10-alkyl group, n is an integer of 1-4, and Mn+ is an organic or inorganic cation having a charge +n, and
• wherein
• the process achieves conversions and selectivities of the compound of formula (I) of higher than 90%.