Process for the preparation of cycloaliphatic ketones

A process for the preparation of cycloaliphatic ketones having the formula ##STR18## wherein index m designates an integer 0, 1 or 2, n stands for 0 or 1 and the dotted lines represent an optional supplemental bond, which comprises effecting the following subsequent reaction steps:

• a. deprotonation of an ester having the formula ##STR19## having either an isolated double bond in position 1 or 2 (exocyclic), or two conjugated double bonds in position 1 and 3 or 2 (exocyclic) and 3 as indicated by the dotted lines, and wherein symbol R' represents a linear or branched alkyl radical, preferably a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl radical, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, and wherein Y designates an oxygen or a sulphur atom by reacting said ester with a strong base;
• b. adding to the thus formed enolate having the formula ##STR20## an organo-metallic compound having the formula ##STR21## wherein m stands for an integer 0, 1 or 2, n has a value of 0 or 1, Z represents a MgX radical or an alkali metal, with X designating a halogen atom, and the dotted lines represent an optional supplemental bond;
• and
• c. hydrolyzing the resulting product.