US 2010/0168447 A1 · PRODUCTION OF DIHYDRONEPETALACTONE

Abstract

This invention provides a process for producing dihydronepetalactone using mixtures comprising both trans-cis nepetalactone and cis-trans nepetalactone. A reaction mixture comprising trans-cis nepetalactone and cis-trans nepetalactone is first contacted with hydrogen in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst under conditions that optimise the preferential conversion of trans-cis nepetalactone to dihydronepetalactone. Cis-trans nepetalactone is subsequently converted to dihydronepetalactone by contact with hydrogen in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A process for preparing dihydronepetalactone comprising:

(a) contacting in a reaction mixture a starting amount of trans-cis nepetalactone (as described by the structure of Formula I) and a starting amount of cis-trans nepetalactone (as described by the structure of Formula II)
with hydrogen and a first solid hydrogenation catalyst at a first temperature or temperatures until the amount by weight of trans-cis nepetalactone in the reaction mixture is no more than about 50% of the starting amount thereof, to form a first product mixture;
and
(b) contacting the first product mixture with hydrogen and a second solid hydrogenation catalyst at a second temperature or temperatures to form a dihydronepetalactone;
wherein the second temperature or temperatures are higher than the first temperature or temperatures.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Production of dihydronepetalactone

Life of this patent

Production of dihydronepetalactone

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20