Method for production of 3-cyano-3,5,5-trimethyl cyclohexanone

A method for the production of 3-cyano-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexanone by the reaction of isophorone with hydrogen cyanide, in the presence of a quaternary ammonium salt or quaternary phosphonium salt represented by the following formula:

• R.sup.1 (R.sup.2).sub.3 AX,
• wherein R.sup.1 is benzyl or alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, R.sup.2 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, A is nitrogen or phosphorus, and X is chlorine, bromine, or iodine, and a basic compound selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and potassium hydrogen carbonate as a catalyst dissolved or dispersed in water, or in the absence of water, which method comprises effecting said reaction:
• by using said quaternary ammonium salt or quaternary phosphonium salt in an amount in the range of 0.02 to 0.07 mol per mol of isophorone;
• by using said basic compound in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 mols per mol of said quaternary ammonium salt or quaternary phosphonium salt;
• by employing hydrogen cyanide at a ratio in the range of 0.6 to 1.0 mol per mol of isophorone at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 130.degree. C.;
• and, when water is used, using water in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 25% by weight based on the amount of isophorone.