Title of Invention

PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF SUBSTITUTED CYCLOPENTANONE

Abstract A process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone represented by the formula (2): [Formula 2] (wherein R3 and R4 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, may be the same as R1 and R2 , respectively, and may be the same as each other) characterized by hydrogenating the double bond in the five-membered ring of a compound represented by the formula (1): [Formula 1] (wherein R1 and R2 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same as each other) in the presence of a transition metal catalyst by using a carboxylic acid as a solvent wherein the concentration of the carboxylic acid in the reaction solution at the start of hydrogenation is from 0.05 part by weight to 1,000 parts by weight based on one part by weight of the compound of formula (1).
Full Text FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
PROVISJPOfilAL/COMPLETE
SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. Title of the Invention :
PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF SUBSTITUTED CYCLOPENTANONE
-J
5 2. Applicant(s)
£J) Name, Nationality & Address :
/«\ Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
1-2, Yuraku-cho 1-chome,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo j em - 9-4 A ^
Japan
A corporation organized under the laws of Japan.
3. Preamble to the description :
PROVf SlONArr:—The-follewing-speeifieation-deseribes-the-Invention-—,
COMPLETE : The following specification particularly describes the
invention and the manner in which is to be performed.

DESCRIPTION
PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF SUBSTITUTED CYCLOPENTANONE
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a process for producing a cis-2,3-disubstituted
cyclopentanone useful as a jasmine fragrance, an intermediate thereof or the like, and
to an intermediate useful for producing the substituted cyclopentanone and a process
for producing the intermediate.
Background Art
[0002]
A 2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanone is an important compound for the
synthesis of useful chemical substances such as a jasmine fragrance and
prostaglandins. Among others, those having an alkoxycarbonylmethyl group at the
3-position are important for the synthesis of a jasmine fragrance, and many
production processes have been disclosed so far.
[0003]
For example, there are disclosed a process using cyclopentanone as a raw
material (Non-patent Document 1) and a process using adipic acid as a raw material
(Non-patent Document 2). These processes provide a thermodynamically stable
stereoisomer, that is, a trans-2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanone in which substituents
at the 2,3-positions are in the trans relationship with each other with respect to the
five-membered ring. The percentage of the cis-isomer is generally only 10% or less.
However, as a result of recent studies, it has been found that, in a jasmonate which
occupies an important position in a jasmine fragrance, a cis-2,3-disubstituted

cyclopentanone has a considerably stronger scent than a trans-2,3-disubstituted
cyclopentanone (Non-patent Document 3). Thus, development of industrial
processes for producing a cis-2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanone is strongly desired.
However, as described above, many of conventional techniques provide a trans-2,3-
disubstituted cyclopentanone as a main component.
[0004]
As a technique to compensate for such a difficulty, there is disclosed a
process for producing a cis-2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanone by using a catalyst to
isomerize the resulting trans-2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanone (patent Document 1).
However, in the case of this technique, not only a special apparatus and a special step
are required for isomerization, but also a high temperature of 160 to 190°C is
required for isomerization, which inevitably causes thermal degradation. There is a
problem that a special apparatus and a special step are further required for removing
high boiling impurities produced due to the degradation. In addition, the
concentration of the resulting cis-isomer (epimer) is only about 40%.
[0005]
On the other hand, as a process for selectively synthesizing a cis-2-
substituted-3-alkoxycarbonylmethyl cyclopentanone, there is known a process for
hydrogenating the double bond in a 2-substituted-3-alkoxycarbonylmethyl
cyclopentenone.
[0006]
Patent Document 2 discloses a process of catalytic hydrogenation in the
presence of aluminum alcoholate. The process can provide a desired cis-2-
substituted-3-alkoxycarbonylmethyl cyclopentanone at a selectivity of 90% or. more.
However, in addition to restrictions on reaction operation and equipment that require
pressurization of 3 to 10 kg/cm , it is necessary to use an equivalent amount of
aluminum alcoholate as a third component. Moreover, since the aluminum

alcoholate added is decomposed by an aqueous acetic acid solution or the like after
the reaction, a large amount of aluminum-based wastes are generated, making post-
processing difficult. Further, the process also has a difficulty in that the catalyst is
polluted with these wastes to make recycling of the catalyst difficult.
[0007]
Patent Document 3 discloses a process of hydrogenation in the presence of a
ruthenium complex having a specific ligand. This document describes that a desired
cis-2-substituted-3-alkoxycarbonylmethyl cyclopentanone can be obtained at a high
selectivity of 99% or more. However, in addition to the necessity of using a very
expensive catalyst of ruthenium, it is necessary to use a special and expensive
compound also for the ligand. A complicated pretreatment is also required for the
catalyst beforehand. Further, since the process requires a very high hydrogen
pressure of 10 to 90 kg/cm , restrictions on reaction operation and equipment are
very large. Furthermore, the technique has a serious difficulty in the industrial
implementation thereof in that, since it uses a homogeneous catalyst (dissolved in a
solvent), a special operation is required for the separation of the catalyst and the
product after reaction. Moreover, in the above technique, since a specific ligand,
which is added as a third component, is dissociated from the ruthenium complex
based on the dissociation equilibrium, part of the ligand may be transferred to the
product. As a result, there was a serious drawback that the composition of a catalyst
composition was changed in the catalyst separation operation after reaction and the
reproducibility of the catalyst performance was not obtained.
[0008]
Patent Document 4 discloses a process of hydrogenation in the presence of a
rhodium-carbon catalyst in combination with a phosphate or the like. This
document describes that a desired cis-2-substituted-3-alkoxycarbonylmethyl
cyclopentanone can be obtained at a high selectivity of 90% or more at ordinary

pressure. However, according to an experiment by the present inventors, the
selectivity of a cis-2-substituted-3-alkoxycarbonylmethyl cyclopentanone showed a
very low value of 30% or less. Further, according to the above technique, it is
necessary to add a salt such as phosphate as a third component. However, since
such a salt has a certain solubility in an organic solvent such as methanol, part of the
salt transfers to the product in the catalyst separation operation (filtration of the
catalyst) after reaction. As a result, there was a serious drawback that the
composition of a catalyst composition was changed and the reproducibility of the
catalyst performance was not obtained. As described above, a technique which can
selectively synthesize a cis-2-substituted-3-alkoxycarbonylmethyl cyclopentanone

and has proved satisfactory in terms of industrial implementation has not yet been
reported.
[0009]
On the other hand, a family of 1,3-cyclopentanediones includes very useful
compounds for organic synthesis and useful compounds also as precursors for
producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the present invention.
However, they are substances which are far more difficult to synthesize than
expected from the apparently simple molecular structure thereof (Non-patent
Document 4).
[0010]
Among others, 1,3-cyclopentanedione itself, which not only has a
fundamental structure but also is very useful, is particularly difficult to synthesize.
Typical processes for synthesizing 1,3-cyclopentanediones reported so far are
illustrated below. A first process is a process for reacting succinic acid with acyl
chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride (Non-patent Document 5).
According to this process, 1,3-cyclopentanediones can be synthesized in one step,
but the yield shows a very low value of 50%. Moreover, according to this process,

it is necessary to use a large excess of aluminum chloride and acyl chloride, that is.
2.4 times by mole and 4 times by mole, respectively, relative to the amount of
succinic acid as a raw material. This causes production of a large amount of bγ-
product. In addition, it is necessary to use an explosive solvent such as nitrobenzene
as a solvent. Thus, it is difficult to consider the above process as a satisfactory
process from the standpoint of industrial implementation. Further, since it is known
that 1,3-cyclopentanedione which not only has a fundamental structure but also is
very useful, cannot be synthesized by the above process (Non-patent Document 4),
the above process cannot be a universal process for synthesizing 1,3-
cyclopentanediones. A second process is a process for cyclizing a 4-oxoalkanoate
with a base. Although this process is also a process in which a 1,3-
cyclopentanedione can be synthesized in one step, the yield of 1,3-cyclopentanedione
which not only has a fundamental structure but also is very useful, is low. 1,3-
cyclopentanedione cannot be produced at all by using a general base (Non-patent
Document 6) and can be obtained in at most 60% yield (Non-patent Document 7)
only when a special base (potassium triphenylmethoxide) is used. Furthermore,
even in the case of a long chain 4-oxoalkanoate which is considered to undergo
cyclization relatively easily, the yield is as low as about 35 to 80% (Non-patent
Document 4). Thus, it is difficult to consider this technique as a technique that can
be industrially implemented. As described above, a technique for producing 1,3-
cyclopentanediones which has proved satisfactory in terms of industrial
implementation has not yet been reported owing to the difficulty in synthesizing 1,3-
cyclopentanediones.
[0011]
On the other hand, a γ-ketoester is a useful compound for organic synthesis
and is also useful as a precursor for producing a substituted cyclopentanone
according to the present invention. However, it is difficult to synthesize a γ-

ketoester in a small number of steps because it has two types of highly reactive
functional groups, that is, ketone and ester in the same molecule. As an example of
a few efficient synthetic processes, it is already known that a γ-ketoester can be
synthesized at a stroke by treating furfuryl alcohol with hydrogen chloride in an
alcohol. For example, Non-patent Document 8 discloses an example of reacting
furfuryl alcohol in methanol or ethanol. However, a γ-ketoester can be obtained
only in a very low yield of 29 to 36% by this technique. In other words, synthesis of
a γ-ketoester with high efficiency has not yet been achieved by conventional
techniques.
[0012]
Further, a substituted cyclopentenone represented by the following formula
(15). is a useful compound as a precursor for producing a substituted cyclopentanone
according to the present invention. Non-patent Document 5 is known as a process
for producing this compound.

This production process has a step in which succinic acid is reacted with an
acid chloride using aluminum chloride as a catalyst and nitromethane as a solvent.
However, this step has a serious problem for the industrial implementation thereof.
First, the yield is as low as 50%. In addition, this step requires a large amount of
aluminum chloride and an acid chloride, which are difficult in handling due to
fuming properties and corrosive properties, that is, 2.4 times by mole and 4 times by
mole, respectively, relative to the amount of succinic acid as a raw material. This is
not only the problem of production such as a difficulty in operation at the time of

charging these compounds and corrosion of reactor materials but also the problem of
environmental protection in that a large amount of aluminum-based and chloride-
based wastes are discharged after reaction. Moreover, there is also a problem that
since nitromethane which is used as a solvent is an explosive substance, a particular
safety measure is required for using the same in an industrial scale. As described
above, in conventional techniques, there is no process for safely and efficiently
producing a substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (15) in an
industrial scale.
[0014]
A 1,3-cyclopentanediones having a structure with a trans-double bond in a
side chain, represented by the following formula (17), is a useful compound as an
intermediate for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the present
invention.

For synthesizing this compound by conventional techniques, there can be
mentioned, for example, a process in which a halide having an allyl group in which
the double bond is in trans configuration, represented by the following formula (40):

(wherein R represents the meaning described below; and X represents a halogen
atom) is allowed to react with 1,3-cyclopentanedione in the presence of a base.
However, according to this process, it is necessary to stereoselectively synthesize a

halide represented by the above formula (40) beforehand. This involved, for
example, a problem that a complicated process is required such that the triple bond of
a compound represented by the following formula (41):

(wherein R25 represents the meaning described below) is hydrogenated with sodium
in liquid ammonia, followed by conversion of the alcohol to halogen. In other
words, simple production of a 1,3-cyclopentanedione having a trans-double bond in a
side chain, represented by the above formula (17), has not yet been achieved by
conventional techniques.
[0018]
If the trans-double bond in the side chain of a compound represented by the
following formula (18) could be selectively converted to an oxirane (epoxidation) to
synthesize a compound represented by the following formula (19), the double bond
in the side chain would be protected. Furthermore, if the oxirane ring could be
converted to a diol by its cleavage to the anti-type, the technique may provide a clue
to the introduction of a cis-double bond. This could be very useful for the synthesis
of a substituted cyclopentanone such as a jasmine fragrance. However, such a
technique has not yet been disclosed.
[0019]



Methylcyclopentenones such as cis-jasmone and dihydrojasmone occupy an
important position among jasmine fragrances, and a large number of production
processes have been reported. Many of these processes are based on an
intramolecular aldol reaction of a 1,4-diketone. For example, a large number of
examples such as Patent Documents 5 and 6 and Non-patent Document 9 are known.
According to these processes, specific methylcyclopentenones can be produced.
However, since these processes are uniquely specialized in the production of these
specific methylcyclopentenones, it is difficult to produce other useful fragrances by
using these processes. In the fragrance industry, it is indispensable that many types
of fragrance can be produced freely, and a production process specialized in one
fragrance material as described above is very inefficient. For example, it is
practically impossible to derivatively obtain jasmonates which are especially useful
and have a large demand in jasmine fragrance by using these processes, and a totally
different production process must be adopted to produce these esters. Therefore,
there was a difficulty in that unreasonableness and disadvantageousness arise in
supply of production equipment and raw materials and the like. In other words,
conventional techniques have not yet achieved derivative production of jasmonates
and methylcyclopentenones, both of which occupy important positions in the field of
jasmine fragrance, through the same synthetic route.
[0021]
There are many reports on the production process of γ-lactones, and many of
them are on the production of γ-lactones from an alcohol and an acrylic acid
derivative by radical addition with an organic peroxide and the like. For example,

there is known a process in which an acrylic acid derivative is allowed to react with
an alcohol in the presence of di-t-butyl peroxide and zinc halide (Patent Document 7).
However, γ-lactones produced by this process generally had a serious drawback in
that they had a plastic-like flavor and sourness and their original good fruity or floral
fragrance was impaired. Various purification processes to improve such a drawback
had been disclosed, but none of them was perfect. Further, there was also a
difficulty in that an organic peroxide such as di-t-butyl peroxide was a dangerous
substance having explosiveness and required special measures for the handling
thereof. Thus, development of a fundamentally different production process of γ-
lactones has been strongly desired.
[0022]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-69477
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-90155
[Patent Document 3] National Publication of International Patent Application No.
10-513402
[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-87555
[Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 45-24771
[Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 49-75555
[Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-54177
[Non-patent Document 1] Motoichi Indo, "Gosei Koryo (Synthetic Perfume)",
published by The Chemical Daily Co., Ltd., March 22, 2005, amended and revised
edition, p. 677
[Non-patent Document 2] Motoichi Indo, "Gosei Koryo (Synthetic Perfume)",
published by The Chemical Daily Co., Ltd., March 22, 2005, amended and revised
edition, p. 676
[Non-patent Document 3] Edited by The Chemical Society of Japan, "Aji-to Nioi-no

Bunshi Ninshiki (Molecular Recognition of Taste and Odor)", published by Japan
Scientific Societies Press, April 10, 2000, p. 168
[Non-patent Document 4] Synthesis, 479 (1989)
[Non-patent Document 5] Zhou Jingyao, Lin Guomei Sun Wei Sun Jing, "Youji
Huaxue", 1985, No. 6, p. 491
[Non-patent Document 6] Chem. Pharm. Bull. 13, 1359 (1965)
[Non-patent Document 7] Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 42, 998 (1977)
[Non-patent Document 8] Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai, Chemia, 19 (2), 26
(1974)
[Non-patent Document 9] J. Org. Chem., 31, 977 (1966)
Disclosure of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0023]
An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a cis-
2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanone highly stereoselectively and industrially
advantageously that is useful as a jasmine fragrance, an intermediate thereof or the
like, and to provide a useful intermediate for producing the substituted
cyclopentanone and a process for producing the intermediate in an industrially
advantageous manner.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0024]
The present inventors have completed the present invention as a result of
intensive studies for solving the above problems. The present invention will be
described below:

A process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone represented by the
formula (2):

(wherein R3 and R4 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, may be the
same as R1 and R2, respectively, and may be the same as each other) characterized by
hydrogenating the double bond in the five-membered ring of a compound
represented by the formula (1):

(wherein R and R represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be
the same as each other) in the presence of a transition metal catalyst by using a
carboxylic acid as a solvent.
The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the
above 1 , characterized in that the carboxylic acid is lactic acid.
The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the
above 1 or 2, characterized in that a third component soluble in the solvent and
affecting catalyst activity is not added.
The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the
above 1 or 2, characterized in that the concentration of the carboxylic acid in the
reaction solution at the start of hydrogenation is from 0.05 part by weight to 1,000

parts by weight based on one part by weight of the compound represented by the
above formula (1).
The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the
above 1 or 2, characterized in that the transition metal is palladium.
The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the
above 1 or 2, characterized in that the transition metal catalyst is palladium-carbon.
A process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone represented by the
formula (2):

(wherein R3 and R4 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, may be the
same as R1 and R2 , respectively, and may be the same as each other) characterized by
hydrogenating the double bond in the five-membered ring of a compound
represented by the formula (1):

(wherein R and R represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be
the same as each other) in the presence of a transition metal catalyst by using a
carboxylic acid ester as a solvent, wherein the concentration of the carboxylic acid
ester in the reaction solution at the start of hydrogenation is from 0.05 part by weight

to 1,000 parts by weight based on one part by weight of the compound represented
by the above formula (1).
The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the
above 7, characterized in that a third component soluble in the solvent and affecting
catalyst activity is not added.
The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the
above 7 or 8, characterized in that the transition metal is palladium.
The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone according to the
above 7 or 8, characterized in that the transition metal catalyst is palladium-carbon.
A process for producing a 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the
following formula (4):

(wherein R7 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R5) characterized jby adding a base to a compound
represented by the following formula (3):

(wherein R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;
R6 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R5 and R6 may be the

(wherein R8 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms)
with hydrogen chloride in the presence of an alcohol represented by the following
formula (6):
[0032]
[Formula 14]
R9-OH (6)
(wherein R represents a hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms).
A process for producing a substituted cyclopentenone characterized by
comprising the following 6 steps:
(the first step) a step of cleaving a furfuryl alcohol represented by the following
formula (8):

(wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms)
with hydrogen chloride in the presence of an alcohol represented by the following
formula (9):
[0035]
[Formula 17]
R13OH (9)
(wherein R represents a hydrocarbon group having one or more carbon atoms) to
produce a γ-ketoester represented by the following formula (10):
[0036]
[Formula 18]

same as each other) and heating the resulting mixture in a solvent containing aprotic
polar solvent in an amount of 10 wt% or more and 100 wt% or less to thereby cyclize
the compound represented by the formula (3).
The process for producing a 1,3-cyclopentanedione according to the above 11,
characterized in that the aprotic polar solvent is dimethyl sulfoxide.
The process for producing a 1,3-cyclopentanedione according to the above 11
or 12, characterized by carrying out the cyclization while distilling off the solvent
under reduced pressure.
A process for producing a γ-ketoester represented by the following formula
(7):

(wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;
R11 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R1 may be the same as R8;
R11 may be the same as R9; and R10 and R11 may be the same as each other)
characterized by cleaving a furfuryl alcohol represented by the following formula
(5):



(wherein R14 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;
R15 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R14 may be the same as R12 ;
R15 may be the same as R13; and R14 and R15 may be the same as each other);
(the second step) a step of hydrolyzing the ester group in the γ-ketoester represented
by the above formula (10) to produce a γ-ketocarboxylic acid represented by the
following formula (11):

(v/herein R16 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R14) and removing bγ-products;
(the third step) a step of esterifying the carboxylic acid represented by the above (11)
to produce a γ-ketoester represented by the following formula (12):

(wherein R17 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R16 ; R18 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R15; and R17 and R18 may be the same as each other);
(the fourth step) a step of cyclizing the γ-ketoester represented by the above formula

(12) to produce a compound represented by the following formula (13):

(wherein R19 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R17);
(the fifth step) a step of etherifying the compound represented by the above formula
(13) to produce a compound represented by the following formula (14):

(wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R19; R21 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;
and R20 and R21 may be the same as each other); and
(the sixth step) a step of adding a malonic ester to the compound represented by the
above formula (14) followed by decarboxylation to produce a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the following formula (15):
[0041]
[Formula 23]


(wherein R22 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R20; R23 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;
and R22 and R23 may be the same as each other).
A process for producing a 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the
following formula (17):

(wherein R25 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R24 ) characterized by rearranging a compound represented
by the following formula (16):

(wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms).
A process for producing a substituted cyclopentenone represented by the
following formula (19):
[0045]
[Formula 27]


(wherein R28 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R26; R29 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same as R27 ; and R28 and R29 may be the same as
each other) characterized by selectively oxidizing the double bond in the side chain
of a substituted cyclopentenone represented by the following formula (18):

(wherein R26 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R25 ; R27 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R26 and R27 may be the same as each other).
A process for producing a diol represented by the following formula (20):

(wherein R30 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R28 ; R31 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same as R29 ; and R30 and R31 may be the same as

each other) characterized by hydrolyzing the oxirane ring of a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (19).

A process for producing a substituted cyclopentenone characterized by
comprising the following 9 steps:
(the first step) a step of etherifying 1,3-cyclopentanediohe to produce a compound
' represented by the following formula (21):

(wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms);
(the second step) a step of rearranging the compound represented by the above
formula (21) to produce a compound represented by the following formula (22):

(wherein R33 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R32 );
(the third step) a step of etherifying the compound represented by the above formula
(22) to produce a compound represented by the following formula (23):


(wherein R14 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R33 R35 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;
and R34 and R35 may be the same as each other);
(the fourth step) a step of adding a malonic ester to the compound represented by the
above formula (23) followed by decarboxylation to produce a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the following formula (24):

(wherein R36 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R34 ; R37 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R36 and R37 may be the same as each other);
(the fifth step) a step of selectively oxidizing the double bond in the side chain of the
substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (24) to produce a
compound represented by the following formula (25):


(wherein R38 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R36 ; R39 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same as R37 ; and R38 and R39 may be the same as
each other);
(the sixth step) a step of hydrolyzing the oxirane ring of the compound represented

by the above formula (25) to produce a diol represented by the following formula
(26):

(wherein R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R38 ; R41 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same as R39 ; and R40 and R41 may be the same as
each other);
(the seventh step) a step of hydrogenating the double bond in the five-membered ring
in the above formula (26) to produce a compound represented the following formula
(27):

(wherein R42 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R40; R43 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same as R41; and R42 and R43 may be the same as
each other);
(the eighth step) a step of converting the diol represented by the above formula (27)
to a dioxolane to produce a compound represented by the following formula (28):
[0054]


(wherein R44 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R42; R45 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same as R4 ; R44 and R45 may be the same as
each other; and Z represent an alkoxy group or an amino group having 1 to 6 carbon
atoms); and
(the ninth step) a step of decomposing the compound represented by the above
formula (28) in the presence of a carboxylic acid anhydride to produce a substituted
cyclopentanone represented by the following formula (29):.

(wherein R46 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R44; R47 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the same as R45 ; and R46 and R47 may be the same as
each other).
A 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the above formula (17).
A substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (18).
A substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (19).
A diol represented by the above formula (20).
A compound represented by the above formula (23).

A process for producing a substituted cyclopentenone characterized by
comprising the following 3 steps:
(the first step) a step of reacting 1,3-cyclopentanedione with a compound represented
by the following formula (30):

(wherein R48 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;
X represents a leaving group; and the dotted line indicates that a bond may or may
not be present) in the presence of a base to produce a compound represented by the
following formula (31):

(wherein R49 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R48 ; and the dotted line represents the above-described
meaning);
(the second step) a step of etherifying the compound represented by the above
formula (31) to produce a compound represented by the following formula (32):


(wherein R50 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R49; R51 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms;
R50 and R51 may be the same as each other; and the dotted line represents the above-
described meaning);
(the third step) a step of adding a malonic ester to the compound represented by the
above formula (32) followed by decarboxylation to produce a compound represented
by the following formula (33):

(wherein R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R50 ; R53 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having
1 to 8 carbon atoms; R52 and R53 may be the same as each other; and the dotted line
represents the above-described meaning).
A process for producing a methylcyclopentenone represented by the following
formula (35):

(wherein R56 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms
and may be the same as R54 ) characterized by decarboxylating a compound
represented by the following formula (34):
[0060]


(wherein R54 and R53 represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms and may be the same as each other).
A process for producing a γ-lactone characterized by comprising the
following 2 steps:
(the first step) a step of cleaving a furfuryl alcohol represented by the following
formula (36):

(wherein R57 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 12 carbon
atoms) with hydrogen chloride in the presence of an alcohol represented by the
following formula (37):
[0063]
[Formula 45]
R58OH (37)

(wherein R58 represents a hydrocarbon group having one or more carbon atoms) to
produce a γ-ketoester represented by the following formula (38):
[0064]


(wherein R59 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 12 carbon
atoms and may be the same as R57; R60 represents a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms and may be the same as R58; and R59 and R60 may be the same as each other);
and
(the second step) a step of reducing the γ-ketoester represented by the above formula
(38) to produce a γ-lactone represented by the following formula (39):

(wherein R61 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent having 1 to 12 carbon
atoms and may be the same as R59).
Advantages of the Invention
[0066]
The present invention makes it possible to provide a process for highly
stereoselectively and industrially advantageously producing a cis-2,3-disubstituted
cyclopentanone useful as a jasmine fragrance, an intermediate thereof or the like.
The present invention also makes it possible to industrially advantageously provide a
useful intermediate for producing the substituted cyclopentanone.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0067]

The present invention will be specifically described below.
[0068]

A first aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a substituted
cyclopentanone represented by the formula (2) by hydrogenating the double bond in ,
a five-membered ring of a substituted cyclopentenone represented by the formula (1)
in the presence of a transition metal catalyst by using a carboxylic acid or a specific
concentration of a carboxylic acid ester as a solvent.
[0069]
In the hydrogenation of a compound represented by the above formula (1), it
is an essential requirement to use a carboxylic acid and/or a carboxylic acid ester as a
solvent to perform hydrogenation. A desired cis-2,3-substituted-
alkoxycarbonylmethylcyclopentanone can be obtained with high selectivity by
meeting this requirement.
[0070]
Ketones are known to undergo enolization under acidic conditions (for
example, Morrison Boyd "Organic Chemistry" (2nd Volume), 5th Edition, p. 1,139).
A 2,3-substituted cyclopentanone is also expected to undergo enolization under
acidic conditions. Specifically, it was expected that even if the cis isomer was
formed, the configuration on the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group was inverted,
and it isomerized to the thermodynamically stable trans-isomer (Figure 1). However,
as a result of the present inventors' experiment, a surprising fact was found that the
selectivity of the cis-isomer was higher in the case where hydrogenation was
performed using carboxylic acid as a solvent than the case where a neutral substance
such as methanol was used as a solvent. This fact is contrary to the common sense
of organic chemistry, and a person skilled in the art cannot predict it easily.
[0071]

In the above formula (1), R1 and R2 represent a linear or branched alkyl group,
alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and these groups may
also contain heteroatoms, such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, iron,
and cobalt. Specific examples of R1 and R2 include a methyl group, an ethyl group,
a butyl group, and a pentyl group, hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as
an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group.
When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl
group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-
pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group, and the like are also suitable. R1 and
R2 may be the same as each other.
[0072]
In the above formula (2), R and R represent a linear or branched alkyl group,
alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and these groups may
also contain heteroatoms, such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, iron,
and cobalt. Specific examples of R and R include a methyl group, an ethyl group,
a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group
as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group.
When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl
group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, a 2-pentynyl group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-
pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group, and the like are also suitable. R and
R4 may be the same as R1 and R , respectively, respectively. R3 and R4 may be the
same as each other.

A general-purpose carboxylic acid may be used for the above carboxylic acid.
Examples of the carboxylic acid include a carboxylic acid which is liquid at ordinary
temperatures such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, malonic acid, as well
as a liquid prepared by mixing a carboxylic acid which is solid at ordinary
temperatures such as succinic acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and gluconic
acid with a liquid such as water. Among others, lactic acid is preferred in that the
yield of a compound of the formula (2) is high, and a larger amount of the cis-isomer
can be produced.
[0073]
A general-purpose carboxylic acid ester may be used for the above carboxylic
acid ester. Examples of the carboxylic acid ester include a methyl ester, an ethyl
ester, a propyl ester, and a butyl ester of the above carboxylic acid. Among others,
acetic acid ester is preferred in that the yield of a compound of the formula (2) is
high, and a larger amount of the cis-isomer can be produced. Moreover, when a
carboxylic acid is compared with a carboxylic acid ester, a carboxylic acid is more
preferred because it provides a higher yield of a compound of the formula (2).
[0074]
A carboxylic acid and/or a carboxylic acid ester only may be used, or a mixed
solvent thereof with other solvent(s) (such as alcohols, ethers, and hydrocarbons)
may be used, as a solvent for the hydrogenation of the compound of the above
formula (1).
[0075]
In the reaction solution at the start of hydrogenation, the amount of a
carboxylic acid and/or a carboxylic acid ester used as a solvent for the hydrogenation
of a compound of the above formula (1) is preferably 0.05 parts by weight and less
than 1,000 parts by weight, more preferably 0.1 part by weight or more and less than
500 parts by weight, most preferably 1 part by weight or more and less than 200 parts

by weight, based on one part by weight of the compound represented by the above
formula (1), because the reaction rate and the cis-isomer ratio can be maintained.
[0076]
A general-purpose transition metal catalyst can be used as the above transition
metal catalyst. Examples of a heterogeneous catalyst include palladium, rhodium,
ruthenium, Raney, platinum and nickel, including Pd-carbon, Rh-carbon and Ru-
carbon as a carbon-loaded catalyst; Pd-Al2O3, Rh-Al2O3 and R11-Al2O3 as an
inorganic substance-loaded catalyst; PtO2 as an oxide-based catalyst; Pt as a metal-
based catalyst; Raney Ni as an alloγ-based catalyst; and silk-Pd as a protein-loaded
catalyst. Further, examples of a homogeneous catalyst include a Wilkinson complex
(RhCl(PPh3)3). A heterogeneous catalyst is preferred in terms of the ease of
separation after a reaction, and palladium is most effective of all. Among others, a
carbon-loaded catalyst is preferred, most preferably Pd-carbon. Activated carbon is
also included in the carbon of a carbon-loaded catalyst. The amount of the catalyst
to be used is, for example, preferably from 0.01 to 100 parts by weight based on one
part by weight of the compound represented by the formula (1). In the carbon-
loaded catalyst and inorganic substance-loaded catalyst of a heterogeneous catalyst,
the amount of a transition metal to be deposited is not limited, and it is preferably
from 0.1 to 50 wt%, most preferably from 1 to 20 wt%.
[0077]
Although the aforementioned hydrogenation advances easily by introducing
hydrogen into a reaction vessel under ordinary pressure, it is also possible to carry
out the hydrogenation, for example, under a pressurization of about 1 to 10 kg/cm2
for the purpose of a further increase in the reaction rate or the like.
[0078]

The reaction temperature in the aforementioned hydrogenation is not limited,
and it is preferably from -30°C to 100°C, more preferably from -10 to 50°C from a
practical point of view.
[0079]
In performing the aforementioned hydrogenation, all the essential ingredients
other than the compound of the formula (1) which is a substrate are substantially a
catalyst, a solvent, and hydrogen, and a third component as conventionally needed in
order to affect catalytic activity, specifically, to increase the yield of a compound of
the formula (2) or to increase the cis-isomer ratio in the compound of the formula (2)
is unnecessary. In particular, it is not necessary to add a third component which is
soluble in a solvent. Examples of such a third component include co-catalysts such
as an aluminum alcoholate, a phosphate, an acetate, and a bidentate diphosphine
ligand. Therefore, a compound of the formula (2) and a catalyst can be separated
easily only by filtering out the catalyst after the end of the reaction, and the catalyst
can also be reused as it is. This is a great advantage when producing a compound of
the formula (2) industrially and is a great progress over prior art. When adding such
a third component for another purpose, a very small amount such as from 0.01 to 0.5
time by mole may be added without affecting the reaction system. Note that the
above third component does not include a substance which is easily filtered from a
a
compound of the formula (2), a solvent, or a substance which does not substantially
affect the isomer ratio or the yield of a compound of the formula (1) or a compound
of the formula (2). Such a substance can be added in the range of 0.0.1 to twice by
mole based on the catalyst according to the purpose.
[0080]
After the completion of hydrogenation reaction, the target compound of the
formula (2) can be obtained by filtering a catalyst and purifying the compound by a
known process.

[0081]

A second aspect of the present invention is a process of producing a 1,3-
cyclopentanedione by heating a compound of the above formula (3) and a base in an
aprotic polar solvent to thereby cyclize the compound. In the aforementioned
production process, it is an essential requirement to react a compound of the formula
(3) with a basic substance in a solvent containing an aprotic polar solvent in an
amount of 10 wt% or more and 100 wt% or less. By satisfying this requirement, a
1,3-cyclopentanedione can be obtained in a high yield.
A 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the formula (4) obtained in the
present invention can be used also as a precursor for producing the above compound
of the formula (2). By satisfying the requirements for the present invention, the 1,3-
cyclopentanedione can be obtained in a high yield.
[0082]
In the above formula (3), R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched,
or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.
Specific examples of R5 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl group, a
pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl
group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-
2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group
includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. When the
application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl group is
suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, a 2-pentynyl group, and the like are also
suitable.
[0083]
In the above formula (3), R represents a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific

examples of R6 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group,
and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a
pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and a methyl
group is most preferred. R5 and R6 may be the same as each other.
[0084]
In the above formula (4), R7 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched,
or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.
Specific examples of R7 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl group, a
pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl
group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-
2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group
includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. When the
application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl group is
suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, a 2-pentynyl group, and the like are also
suitable. R7 may be the same as R5.
The content of an aprotic polar solvent is still more preferably 20 wt% or
more and 100 wt% or less, most preferably 50 wt% or more and 100 wt% or less.
[0085]
The aforementioned aprotic polar solvent includes dimethyl sulfoxide
(DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMAC),
hexamethylphosphoric triamide (HMPT), N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), etc., and
these can be used alone or in combination. The most preferred among these aprotic
polar solvents is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which has high solubility of a base and
does not deteriorate easily due to a base.
[0086]
Components other than an aprotic polar solvent may be contained in the
solvent used for the aforementioned production. For example, a hydrocarbon

solvent such as toluene and xylene, and an alcoholic solvent such as methanol and
ethanol can be used. The range of the content of the components other than an
aprotic polar solvent in the solvent is 0 wt% or more and less than 90 wt%, more
preferably 0 wt% or more and less than 80%, most preferably 0 wt% or more and
less than 50 wt%.
[0087]
The concentration of the compound represented by the above formula (3) in
the reaction solution may be, for example, in the range of 0.01 to 10 mol/L, but a
more desirable result will be obtained in many cases when the compound is allowed
to react in a relatively diluted system of from 0.01 to 5 mol/L, more preferably from
0.01 to 1 mol/L.
[0088]
A general-purpose base may be used as the base used in the above production
process. For example, it is a metal alkoxide such as sodium methoxide, sodium
ethoxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, and potassium t-butoxide; a
metallic amide such as lithium diisopropylamide and lithium hexamethyldisilazane;
and the like. A metal alkoxide is preferred, and sodium methoxide is most preferred.
This base is preferably used in an amount of 1.0 mole or more and 10 moles or less,
more preferably 1.5 moles or more and 10 moles or less based on the compound of
the formula (3).
[0089]
Although there is no limit to heating temperature, when a practical rate of
reaction to be obtained and thermal stability of dimethyl sulfoxide are taken into
consideration, it is preferably from 50 to 150°C, most preferably from 60 to 120°C.
[0090]
In the process of producing 1,3-cyclopentanedione according to the present
invention, a more desirable result is obtained in many cases by satisfying the

following two requirements.
[0091]
1. The compound represented by the above formula (3) is added dropwise to a
mixture of an aprotic polar solvent and a basic substance. At this time, the
compound represented by the above formula (3) diluted with the above-mentioned
solvent or other solvents beforehand may be added dropwise. The concentration to
which it is diluted is, for example, from 0.01 mol/1 to 10 mol/1. Although there is no
limit to the drop time, it is preferably from 10 minutes to 5 hours, most preferably
from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
[0092]
2. Cyclization is performed while distilling off a solvent under reduced
pressure. Although decompression degree may be suitably set in the range where
foaming does not become a problem, it is preferably 300 mmHg or less and 0.1
mmHg or more, more preferably 200 mmHg or less and 0.1 mmHg or more. When
foaming is intense at the time of decompression, a defoaming agent may be suitably
added.
[0093]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target compound of the
formula (3) can be obtained by performing purification in a known manner.
[0094]
A third aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a γ-ketoester
of the above formula (7) characterized by cleaving a furfuryl alcohol represented by
the above formula (5) with hydrogen chloride in the presence of an alcohol
represented by the formula (6). Specifically, it can be produced by heating the
reaction liquid containing a furfuryl alcohol of the formula (5), an alcohol of the
formula (6), and hydrogen chloride. The compound of the formula (7) is useful also

as a precursor at the time of producing a substituted cyclopentanone represented by
the above formula (2), or a 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the above formula
(4). By satisfying the requirements for the present invention, 1,3-
cyclopentanediones can be obtained in a high yield.
[0095]
Specifically, in the above formula (5), R represents a hydrogen atom or a
linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8
carbon atoms. Specific examples of R include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a
butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as
an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group.
When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl
group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, a 2-pentynyl group, and the like are
also suitable.
[0096]
In the above formula.(6), R9 represents a hydrocarbon group having 3 or more
carbon atoms. Specific examples of R9 include an n-propyl group, an isopropyl
group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, an n-
hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group, and a benzyl
group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an alkenyl group;
and the like. When ease in distilling off, safety, cost, etc. in the treatment after
reaction are taken into consideration, an alkyl group is preferred; and among others,
an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, and a t-
butyl group are preferred, most preferably an n-butyl group and an isobutyl group.
[0097]

In the above formula (7), R10 represents a hydrogen atom, or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R10 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group.
When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl
group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, a 2-pentynyl group, and the like are
also suitable. R10 may be the same as R8.
[0098]
In the above formula (7), R11 represents a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R11 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl
group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group;
and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and a methyl
group is most preferred. R11 may be the same as R9, and R10 and R11 may be the
same as each other.
[0099]
The alcohol represented by the above formula (6) is preferably used in an
equimolar amount or more and in an amount of 100 times by mole or less, more
preferably in an amount of 1.5 times by mole or more and 80 times by mole or less,
based on a furfuryl alcohol represented by the formula (5).
[0100]
In the reaction liquid used for the aforementioned production process,
although other components, such as methanol, ethanol, ether, tetrahydrofuran,

toluene, and xylene, may be present in addition to the alcohol of the formula (6), the
percentage may be from about 0.01 wt% to 50 wt% of the reaction liquid.
[0101]
The process of supplying hydrogen chloride into a reaction liquid includes a
process of blowing hydrogen chloride gas; a process of adding hydrochloric acid (an
aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride); and a process of adding an acyl chloride
compound such as acetyl chloride and allowing it to react with an alcohol of the
above formula (6) or the like, thereby generating hydrogen chloride in the reaction
system; and the like. Among these, more desirable result is obtained in many cases
when the process of blowing hydrogen chloride gas is taken.
[0102]
Hydrogen chloride is used in an amount of from 0.01 mole to 5 moles based
on 1.0 mole of a furfuryl alcohol of the above formula (5), more preferably from 0.01
mole to 2 moles.
[0103]
The above heating temperature is from 30 to 150°C, more preferably from 40 to
120°C, most preferably from 50 to 100°C, when a practical reaction rate to be
obtained is taken into consideration.
[0104]
Furthermore, when a furfuryl alcohol of the above formula (5) is added
dropwise to the mixture of an alcohol of the above formula (6) with hydrogen
chloride, a γ-ketoester can be obtained in a high yield in many cases. In this case, a
'■!' »'. « '
solution prepared by diluting the compound of the above formula (5) with the alcohol
of the above formula (6) or other solvents, etc. beforehand may be added dropwise.
Concentration of the solution is, for example, from 0.01 mol/1 to 10 mol/1. The time
of dropwise addition is, but is not limited to, preferably from 10 minutes to 5 hours,
most preferably from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

[0105]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target γ-ketoester of the
formula (7) can be obtained by performing purification in a known manner.
[0106]

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a
substituted cyclopentenone which consists of the following six steps:
[1] the first step: a step of cleaving furfuryl alcohol represented by the above formula
(8) with hydrogen chloride in the presence of an alcohol represented by the above
formula (9) to produce a γ-ketoester represented by the above formula (10);
[2] the second step: a step of hydrolyzing the ester in a γ-ketoester represented by the
above formula (10) to produce a γ-ketocarboxylic acid represented by the above
formula (11) and remove a bγ-product;
[3] the third step: a step of esterifying a carboxylic acid represented by the above
(11) to produce a γ-ketoester represented by the above formula (12);
[4] the fourth step: a step of cyclizing a γ-ketoester represented by the above formula
(12) to produce a 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the above formula (13);
[5] the fifth step: a step of etherifying a 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the
above formula (13) to produce an enone represented by the above formula (14); and
[6] the sixth step : a step of adding a malonic ester to an enone represented by the
above formula (14) followed by decarboxylation to obtain a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (15).
[0107]
By satisfying these requirements, the substituted cyclopentenone represented
by the above formula (15) can be produced industrially using general-purpose
equipment in a small number of steps without discharging harmful waste.

The substituted cyclopentenone represented by the formula (15) is useful also as a
precursor for producing the substituted cyclopentanone represented by the above
formula (2).
[0108]
Each step is described below.
[0109]
[The first step]
First, a furfuryl alcohol represented by the above formula (8) is cleaved with
hydrogen chloride in the presence of an alcohol represented by the above formula (9)
to produce a γ-ketoester represented by the above formula (10). Specifically, it can
be attained by heating a compound represented by the above formula (8) in the
presence of hydrogen chloride and an alcohol represented by the above formula (9).
This step may be performed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned third
invention.
[0110]
In the above formula (8), R12 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or cyclic
alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and these
groups may also contain a heteroatom. Specific examples of R12 include a methyl
group, an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl
group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl
group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-
pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-
2-pentynyl group. When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into
consideration, a pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl
group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group, and the like
are also suitable.
[0111]

In the above formula (9), R13 represents a hydrocarbon group having one or
more carbon atoms. Specific examples of R13 include a methyl group, an ethyl
group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a
t-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl
group, a cyclohexyl group, and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a
methallyl group as an alkenyl group; and the like. When ease in distilling off, safety,
cost, etc. in the treatment after reaction are taken into consideration, an alkyl group is
preferred; and among others, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group,
an isobutyl group, and a t-butyl group are preferred, most preferably an n-butyl group
and an isobutyl group.
[0112]
In the above formula (10), R14 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or cyclic
alkyl group, alkenyl group, and alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and these
groups may also contain a heteroatom. Specific examples of R12 include a methyl
group, an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl
group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl
group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-
pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-
2-pentynyl group. When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into
consideration, a pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl
group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group, and the like
are also suitable. R14 may be the same as R12.
[0113]
In the above formula (10), Rl3 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R15 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl

group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group,
and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an
alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred. Among others, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, and a t-butyl group are
preferred. An n-butyl group and an isobutyl group are most preferred. R15 may be
the same as R13, and R14 and R15 may be the same as each other.
[0114]
The compound represented by the above formula (8) can be synthesized by a
known process. For example, various processes can be mentioned, such as a process
in which hydrogen at the 2-position of furan is drawn out with a strong base such as
an alkyllithium and an anion formed is added to an aldehyde represented by the
following formula (40):
R12-CHO (40)
(wherein R12 represents the above meaning); and a process in which an
organomagnesium compound represented by the following formula (41):
R12MgX (41)
(wherein R12 represents the above meaning; and X represents Cl or Br) or an
organolithium compound represented by the following formula (42):
R12Li (42)
(wherein R12 represents the above meaning) is allowed to be added to furfural. A
process of using an organomagnesium compound is suitable for its simplicity.
[0115]
The alcohol represented by the above formula (9) is preferably used in an
equimolar amount or more and in an amount of 100 times by mole or less based on a
furfuryl alcohol represented by the formula (8), more preferably in an amount of 1.5
times by mole or more and 80 times by mole or less.
[0116]

The process of supplying hydrogen chloride into a reaction liquid includes,
similar to the above third invention, a process of blowing hydrogen chloride gas; a
process of adding hydrochloric acid (an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride); and
a process of adding an acyl chloride compound such as acetyl chloride and allowing
it to react with an alcohol of the above formula (9) or the like, thereby generating
hydrogen chloride in the reaction system. Among these, more desirable result is
obtained in many cases when the process of blowing hydrogen chloride gas is taken.
[0117]
Hydrogen chloride is used in an amount of from 0.01 mole to 5 moles based
on 1.0 mole of a furfuryl alcohol of the above formula (8), more preferably from 0.01
mole to 2 moles.
[0118]
The reaction temperature is preferably from 30 to 150°C, more preferably
from 40 to 120°C, most preferably from 50 to 100°C, when a practical reaction rate
to be obtained is taken into consideration.
[0119]
Furthermore, when a furfuryl alcohol of the above formula (8) is added
dropwise to the mixture of an alcohol of the above formula (9) with hydrogen
chloride, a γ-ketoester can be obtained in a high yield in many cases. In this case, a
solution prepared by diluting the compound of the above formula (8) with the alcohol
of the above formula (9) or other solvents, etc. beforehand may be dropped.
Concentration of the solution is, for example, from 0.01 mol/1 to 10 mol/1. The
dropping time is, but is not limited to, preferably from 10 minutes to 5 hours, most
preferably from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
[0120]
[The second step]

Next, a γ-ketoester represented by the above formula (10) is hydrolyzed to
produce a γ-ketocarboxylic acid represented by the above formula (11) and remove a
bγ-product. According to this step, the bγ-product produced in the cleavage
reaction of the first step can be removed simply and efficiently. This process is
markedly excellent in both operability and the product yield compared with the usual
purification means such as distillation.
[0121]
In the above formula (11), R16 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or cyclic
alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and these
groups may also contain a heteroatom. Specific examples of R16 include a methyl
group, an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl
group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl
group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-
pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-
2-pentynyl group. When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into
consideration, a pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl
group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group, and the like
are also suitable. R16 may be the same as R14.
[0122]
This step consists of the following three stages. Any stage consists only of
easy operation of mixing or phase separation, and all the stages can be performed in
the same vessel.
[0123]
1. A stage in which γ-ketoester represented by the above formula (10) is
hydrolyzed by an aqueous solution which contains 1 to 10 times by mole, preferably
1 to 5 times by mole, based on the ketoester, of an alkali metal hydroxide to form an
alkali metal salt of corresponding γ-ketocarboxylic acid.

[0124]
2. A stage in which the hydrolysate is mixed with a non-water soluble organic
solvent to extract a bγ-product into an organic solvent phase, and then the organic
solvent layer is removed by phase separation.
[0125]
3. A stage in which an alkali metal salt of γ-ketocarboxylic acid is neutralized
with an acid to form a γ-ketocarboxylic acid of the formula (11).
[0126]
General-purpose alkali metal hydroxides such as lithium hydroxide, sodium
hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide can be used for the alkali metal hydroxide used
in the above 1. A known process may be adopted for the hydrolysis condition; for
example, what is necessary is just to mix a γ-ketoester with an aqueous solution of
alkali metal hydroxide at 10 to 40°C. An aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide
in the above 1 may contain water-soluble solvents such as methanol and ethanol for
the purpose of improving the compatibility of a reactant or the like. In this case,
concentration of alkali metal hydroxide in the aqueous solution of the alkali metal
hydroxide may be 0.1 to 40% by weight. The content of the water-soluble solvent
in the aqueous solution of the alkali metal hydroxide may be 10 to 95% by weight.
[0127]
Examples of the non-water soluble organic solvent used in the above 2
include hydrocarbon solvents such as pentane, hexane, toluene, xylene; and ether
solvents such as diethyl ether. The above non-water soluble organic solvent may be
added, for example, in an amount of 1 to 10 parts by weight based on 1 part by
weight of γ-ketocarboxylic acid.
[0128]

General-purpose acids such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid can be used
for the acid used in the above 3.
[0129]
[The third step]
Next, a γ-ketocarboxylic acid represented by the above (11) is esterified using
a known process to produce a γ-ketoester represented by the above formula (12).
[0130]
In the above formula (12), R17 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or cyclic
alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and these
groups may also contain a heteroatom. Specific examples of R17 include a methyl
group, an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl
group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl
group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-
pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-
2-pentynyl group. When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into
consideration, a pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl
group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group, and the like
are also suitable. R17 may be the same as R16.
[0131]
In the above formula (12), R18 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl
group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group,
and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an
alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred. Among others, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, and a t-butyl group are


preferred. An n-butyl group and an isobutyl group are most preferred. R18 may be
the same as R13, and R17 and R18 may be the same as each other.
[0132]
Examples of the above process of esterification include 1) a process of
heating a mixture of the carboxylic acid, an acid catalyst in an amount of 0.01 to 10
times by mole based on the carboxylic acid, and an alcohol in an amount of 1 to 100
times by mole based on the carboxylic acid at 50 to 120°C; and 2) a process of
heating the carboxylic acid and an alcohol in an amount of 1 to 10 times by mole
based on the carboxylic acid in benzene or toluene in the presence of an acid catalyst
in an amount of 0.01 to 10 times by mole based on the carboxylic acid and
azeotropically removing the byproduced water.
[0133]
The acid catalyst used here includes mineral acids such as hydrogen chloride,
sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid; organic acids such as p-toluenesulfonic acid; and
metal-based catalysts such as titanium tetrachloride. From a viewpoint of the yield
and cost, hydrogen chloride or sulfuric acid is desirable.
[0134]
[The fourth step]
Next, a γ-ketoester represented by the above formula (12) is cyclized to
produce a 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the above formula (13).
Specifically, it can be attained by heating γ-ketoester represented by the above
formula (12) in the presence of a base.
[0135]
In the above formula (13), R19 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an

alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group.
When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl
group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, and the like are also
suitable. R may be the same as R .
[0136]
Examples of the above base include metal alkoxides such as sodium
methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, and
potassium t-butoxide; and metallic amides such as lithium diisopropylamide and
lithium hexamethyldisilazane. A metal alkoxide is preferred, and sodium methoxide
is most preferred. The base is preferably used, but is not limited to, in an equimolar
amount or more and in an amount of 10 times by mole or less based on a ketoester of
the formula (12), more preferably in an amount of 1.5 times by mole or more and 10
times by mole or less.
[0137]
Examples of the above solvent include toluene and xylene as a hydrocarbon
solvent; methanol and ethanol as an alcohol solvent; dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO),
dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMAC),
hexamethylphosphorotriamide (HMPT), and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) as an
aprotic polar solvent. Among others, an aprotic polar solvent is preferred, and
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is more preferred. These solvents can be used alone or
in combination. The amount of the solvent is preferably 0.1 part by weight or more
and less than 1,000 parts by weight, most preferably 1 part by weight or more and
less than 500 parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight of the ketoester.
[0138]

The range of the content of components other than the aprotic polar solvent in
the solvent is preferably 0% by weight or more and less than 90% by weight, more
preferably 0% by weight or more and less than 80%, most preferably 0% by weight
or more and less than 50% by weight.
[0139]
Although the concentration in the reaction solution of the compound
represented by the above formula (12) may be, for example, in the range of 0.01 to
10 mol/L, a more desirable result will be obtained in many cases when the compound
is allowed to react in a relatively thin system of 0.01 to 5 mol/L.
The concentration is more preferably from 0.01 to 1 mol/L.
[0140]
When it is taken into consideration that a practical reaction rate is obtained, a
reaction temperature of 50 to.0150°C is preferred, more preferably 60 to 120°C.
[0141]
When this fourth step satisfies the following two requirements, a more
desirable result is obtained in many cases.
[0142]
1. The compound represented by the above formula (12) is added dropwise to
a mixture of a solvent and a base. At this time, the compound represented by the
above formula (12) may be added dropwise in the state where it is diluted with the
above-mentioned solvent or other solvents beforehand. Concentration at the
dilution is, for example, from 0.01 mol/1 to 10 mol/1. Moreover, the time of
dropwise addition is, but is not limited to, preferably 10 minutes to 5 hours, most
preferably 30 minutes to 3 hours.
[0143]
2. Cyclization is performed while distilling off a solvent under reduced
pressure. At this time, the degree of reduced pressure is not particularly limited and

may be appropriately set in the range where foaming does not become a problem. It
is preferably 300 mmHg or less and 0.1 mmHg or more, more preferably 200 mmHg
or less and 0.1 mmHg or more. Moreover, when foaming is intense, you may add a
defoaming agent suitably.
[0144]
[The fifth step]
Then, the 1,3-cyclopentanedione represented by the above formula (13) is
etherified to produce an enone represented by the above formula (14).
[0145]
In the above formula (14), R represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group.
When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl
group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, and the like are also
suitable. R20 may be the same as R19.
[0146]
In the above formula (14), R21 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl
group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group,
and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an

alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or
an ethyl group. R20 and R21 may be the same as each other.
[0147]
The process of etherification of the compound represented by the above
formula (13) is preferably, but is not limited to, a process of adding an alcohol
having a corresponding substituent to a compound of the formula (13) in the
presence of an acid catalyst, followed by heating the resulting mixture, in terms of
safety and convenience. The acid catalyst includes hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid,
and phosphoric acid as a mineral acid; p-toluenesulfonic acid as an organic acid; and
titanium tetrachloride as a metal-based catalyst. Hydrogen chloride or sulfuric acid
is preferred in terms of yield and cost. The amount of the acid catalyst is preferably
from 0.01 to 10 times by mole based on a compound of the formula (13).
[0148]
The amount of an alcohol (R21-OH) having a corresponding substituent is
preferably from 1 to 100 times by mole based on a compound of the formula (13).
[0149]
The reaction temperature is preferably in the range of from 50°C to 120°C,
more preferably from 50 to 100°C, further preferably from 60°C to 90°C, in terms of
easiness in industrial implementation.
[The sixth step]
Furthermore, a malonic ester is added to an enone represented by the above
formula (14) followed by decarboxylation to obtain a substituted cyclopentenone
represented by the above formula (15).
[0150]
In the above formula (15), R22 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R22 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl

group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group.
When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl
group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, and the like are also

suitable. R22 may be the same as R20 .
[0151]
In the above formula (15), R represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R23 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl
group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group,
and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an
alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or
an ethyl group. R23 may be the same as R21 R22 and R23 may be the same as each
other.
[0152]
This step is a reaction starting from the conjugate addition reaction of a
malonic ester to an enone of the above formula (14), followed by elimination and
decarboxylation of an alkoxy group. This reaction operation may be in accordance
with a known process. For example, a simple process comprises allowing an
alkoxide of an alkali metal to act on a malonic ester beforehand, drawing out an
active hydrogen of the malonic ester to form an anion, and adding a compound of the
above formula (14) thereto, followed by heating the resulting mixture.
[0153]

The amount of the malonic ester is preferably from 1 to 10 times by mole,
most preferably from 1 to 5 times by mole, based on the enone of the above formula
(14). The amount of the alkali metal alkoxide is preferably from 1 to 5 times by
mole, most preferably from 1 to 2 times by mole, based on the malonic ester.
[0154]
Examples of alkali metal alkoxides include sodium methoxide, sodium
ethoxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, and potassium t-butoxide.
Sodium methoxide is preferred.
[0155]
The reaction temperature is preferably in the range of from 50°C to 100°C,
more preferably from 60°C to 90°C, in terms of easiness in industrial implementation.
[0156]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target compound of the
formula (15) can be obtained by purification using a known process.
[0157]

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a 1,3-
cyclopentanedione represented by the above formula (17) by rearranging a
compound represented by the above formula (16). By satisfying this requirement,
the compound of the above formula (17) can be produced simply, while controlling
the position and configuration of a side chain double bond. A 1,3-
cyclopentanedione of the formula (17) is characterized by having a trans-double
bond in the side chain, and it is a compound very useful as an intermediate or the like
in the synthesis of a useful substituted cyclopentanone of the above formulas (2) such
as a jasmine fragrance, and the present invention makes it possible to provide the
compound for the first time. In addition, the compound of the formula (17) can also
be used as a precursor for the synthesis of prostaglandins and steroids.

[0158]
In the above formula (16), R24 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R24 include a methyl group.
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group.
[0159]
In the above formula (17), R represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R25 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R25 may be the same as R24.
[0160]
There is no limit to a process of rearranging a compound represented by the
above formula (16), but for example, it can be attained only by heating the
compound of the above formula (16). The compound may be heated in a solvent or
without a solvent to 50 to 250°C, preferably 80 to 200°C, most preferably 120 to

160°C. Specific examples of a solvent include toluene and xylene as a hydrocarbon
solvent; and collidine as an amine solvent. Xylene is preferred. The amount of a
solvent to be used is preferably from 0.1 to 500 parts by weight, most preferably
from 1 to 200 parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight of the compound
represented by the above formula (16).
[0161]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target compound of the
formula (17) can be obtained by purification using a known process.
[0162]

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (19) by selectively oxidizing the
double bond in a substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (18).
By satisfying this requirement, it becomes possible to produce the substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (19) simply, while maintaining the
configuration of the side-chain double bond.
[0163]
The substituted cyclopentenone of the formula (18) is characterized by having
a trans-double bond in the side chain, and the substituted cyclopentenone represented
by the formula (19) has an oxirane ring in the side chain as a feature. Both are
compounds very useful as an intermediate or the like in the synthesis of a substituted
cyclopentanone useful for a jasmine fragrance or the like. The present invention
makes it possible to provide these compounds for the first time. In addition, these
compounds are also useful as a precursor for the synthesis of, for example,
prostaglandin and steroid.
[0164]

In the above formula (18), R26 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R26 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R26 may be the same as R25.
[0165]

In the above formula (18), R27 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R27 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R26
and R27 may be the same as each other.
[0166]
In the above formula (19), R28 represents a linear or branched alkyl group,
alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and these groups may
contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, iron, and
cobalt. Specific examples of R28 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group

includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R28
may be the same as R26 .
[0167]
In the above formula (19), R29 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R29 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R29
and R27 may be the same as each other, and R28 and R29 may be the same as each
other.
[0168]
Selective oxidation of only the trans-double bond in the side chain of the
compound of the above formula (18) can be simply accomplished by using a
peroxide. Specific examples of peroxides include performic acid, peracetic acid,
perbenzoic acid, and m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) as a peracid; and hydrogen
peroxide, tert-butylhydroperoxide, and cumene hydroperoxide as a hydroperoxide.
A peracid is preferred, and m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) is most preferred.
The amount of a peroxide to be used is preferably from 1 to 10 times by mole, most
preferably from 1 to 2 times by mole, based on the substituted cyclopentenone
represented by the above formula (18).
[0169]

A catalyst such as a vanadium-based, molybdenum-based, or manganese-
based catalyst may be used as necessary. The amount of the catalyst to be used is
preferably from 0.01 to 10 times by mole, most preferably from 0.1 to 5 times by
mole, based on the peroxide.
[0170]
Furthermore, in this oxidation, a solvent can be used as necessary. Examples
of the solvent include hexane, toluene, and xylene as a hydrocarbon solvent; and
chloroform and dichloromethane as a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent. A
chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent is preferred, and dichloromethane is most preferred.
The amount of the solvent to be used is, but is not limited to, preferably 0.1 to 500
parts by weight, most preferably 1 to 200 parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight
of the substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (18).
[0171]
The temperature of this oxidation reaction is preferably from 0 to 50°C, most
preferably from 0 to 30°C.
[0172]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target compound of the
formula (19) can be obtained by purification using a known process.
[0173]

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a diol
represented by the above formula (20) characterized by hydrolyzing the oxirane ring
of a substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (19). By
satisfying this requirement, it becomes possible to stereoselectively introduce a diol
used as a foothold to introduce a cis-double bond into a side chain particularly
important in the synthesis of a jasmine fragrance.
[0174]

The diol represented by the above formula (20) is characterized by having a
diol in the side chain, and it can be used as an intermediate in the synthesis of a
substituted cyclopentanone useful for a jasmine fragrance or the like.
The present invention makes it possible to provide the compound of the formula (20)
for the first time.
[0175]
In the above formula (20), R30 represents a linear or branched alkyl group,
alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and these groups may
contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, iron, and
cobalt. Specific examples of R30 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R30
may be the same as R28 .
[0176]
In the above formula (20), R31 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R31 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R31
and R29 may be the same as each other, and R30 and R31 may be the same as each
other.

[0177]
A known process in which an acid catalyst or a base catalyst is used may be
adopted for hydrolysis. Specific examples of an acid catalyst include hydrochloric
acid, sulfuric acid, and perchloric acid; and specific examples of a base catalyst
include sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. An acid catalyst is preferred,
and most preferred is perchloric acid. The amount of the catalyst to be used is
preferably from 0.01 to 20 times by mole, most preferably from 0.05 to 10 times by
mole, based on the substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (19).
[0178]
When performing the above hydrolysis, a hydrophilic solvent may be
contained for the purpose of improving the compatibility of reactants, or the like.
Examples of a hydrophilic solvent include methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, and t-
butanol as an alcohol solvent; and diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and dioxane as an
ether solvent. Among others, t-butanol is preferred as an alcohol solvent, and
tetrahydrofuran is preferred as an ether solvent. Most preferred is tetrahydrofuran.
A hydrophilic solvent is used preferably in an amount of 0.01 to 20 parts by weight,
most preferably in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight
of water. Moreover, a hydrophilic solvent is used preferably in an amount of 0.1 to
500 parts by weight, more preferably in an amount of 1 to 200 parts by weight, based
on 1 part by weight of the substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above
formula (19).
[0179]
The hydrolysis temperature is generally preferably from about 0°C to 50°C,
most preferably from 10 to 40°C.
[0180]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target compound of the
formula (20) can be obtained by purification using a known process.

[0181]

The present invention provides a process for producing a substituted
cyclopentanone represented by the above formula (29) characterized by comprising
the following 9 steps. By satisfying this requirement, it becomes possible to highly
stereoselectively produce the substituted cyclopentanone represented by the above
formula (29), using general-purpose equipment. The substituted cyclopentanone of
the above formula (29) is one form of a substituted cyclopentanone represented by
the above formula (2), and has a structure particularly useful as a jasmine fragrance.
[1] The first step: a step of etherifying 1,3-cyclopentanedione to produce a compound
represented by the above formula (21);
[2] The second step: a step of rearranging a compound represented by the above
formula (21) to produce a compound represented by the above formula (22);
[3] The third step: a step of etherifying a compound represented by the above
formula (22) to produce an enone represented by the above formula (23);
[4] The fourth step: a step of adding a malonic ester to an enone represented by the
above formula (23) followed by decarboxylation to produce a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (24);
[5] The fifth step: a step of selectively oxidizing the double bond in a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (24) to produce a compound
represented by the above formula (25);
[6] The sixth step: a step of hydrolyzing the oxirane ring of a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (25) to produce a diol represented
by the above formula (26);
[7] The seventh step: a step of hydrogenating the double bond in a five-membered
ring of the above formula (26) to produce a compound represented by the above
formula (27);

[8] The eighth step: a step of converting a diol represented by the above formula (27)
to a dioxolane to produce a compound represented by the above formula (28); and
[9] The ninth step: a step of decomposing a compound represented by the above
formula (28) in the presence of a carboxylic acid anhydride to produce a substituted
cyclopentanone represented by the above formula (29).
[0182]
Each step is described below.
[0183]
[The first step]
First, 1,3-cyclopentanedione is efherified to produce a compound represented
by the above formula (21).
[0184]
In the above formula (21), R represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R32 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group.
[0185]
The process of etherification may be in accordance with a common process.
For example, the process includes a process of heating under reflux an alcohol
represented by the following formula (43):
[0186]


(wherein R32 represents the above meaning) and 1,3-cyclopentanedione in benzene or
toluene in the presence of an acid catalyst and azeotropically removing the
byproduced water, or a process of reacting an allyl halide represented by the
following formula (44):

(wherein R represents the above meaning; and X represents a halogen atom) with
cyclopentanedione in the presence of a base at 50 to 120°C. The former process is
preferred.
[0188]
When the former process is adopted, the amount of the alcohol represented by
the above formula (43) is preferably from 1 to 10 times by mole, most preferably
from 1.1 to 5 times by mole, based on 1,3-cyclopentanedione. The amount of the
acid catalyst used is preferably from 0.01 to 20 times by mole, most preferably from
0.1 to 10 times by mole, based on 1,3-cyclopentanedione. The amount of benzene
or toluene used is preferably 0.05 part by weight or more and less than 1,000 parts by
weight, based on 1 part by weight of 1,3-cyclopentanedione. It is more preferably
0.1 part by weight or more and less than 500 parts by weight, most preferably 1 part
by weight or more and less than 200 parts by weight.
The process of heating under reflux and azeotropically removing the byproduced
water may be in accordance with a known process.
[0189]

On the other hand, when the latter process is adopted, the amount of the allyl
halide represented by the above formula (44) is preferably from 1 to 20 times by
mole, most preferably from 1.1 to 5 times by mole, based on 1,3-cyclopentanedione.
The amount of a base is preferably from 1 to 20 times by mole, most preferably from
1.1 to 10 times by mole, based on 1,3-cyclopentanedione.
[0190]
[The second step]
Next, a compound represented by the above formula (21) is rearranged to
produce a compound represented by the above formula (22).
[0191]
In the above formula (22), R33 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R33 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R33 may be the same as R32 .
[0192]
Typically, rearrangement can be accomplished only by heating. For example,
the compound may be heated at 50 to 250°C in a solvent or without a solvent. The
heating is preferably at 80 to 200°C, most preferably at 120 to 160°C.
[0193]
Specific examples of a solvent include toluene and xylene as a hydrocarbon
solvent; and collidine as an amine solvent. A hydrocarbon solvent is preferred; and

among others, xylene is preferred. The amount of a solvent to be used is preferably
from 0.1 to 500 parts by weight, most preferably from 1 to 200 parts by weight,
based on 1 part by weight of the compound represented by the above formula (21).
[0194]
[The third step]
Next, a compound represented by the above formula (22) is etherified to
produce an enone represented by the above formula (23). The resulting compound
of the formula (23) is characterized by having a trans-double bond in the side chain,
which is a compound very useful as an intermediate or the like in the synthesis of a
substituted cyclopentanone useful for a jasmine fragrance or the like. The present
invention makes it possible to provide the compound for the first time.
[0195]
In the above formula (23), R34 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R34 include a methyl group, an
ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R34 may be the same as R33 .
[0196]
In the above formula (23), R35 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R35 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl

group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group,
and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an
alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or
an ethyl group. R34 and R33 may be the same as each other.
[0197]
The process of etherification is, but is not limited to, preferably a process of
adding an alcohol having a corresponding substituent to a compound of the formula
(22) in the presence of an acid catalyst, followed by heating the resulting mixture, in
terms of safety and convenience.
[0198]
Examples of the acid catalyst include hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, and
phosphoric acid as a mineral acid; p-toluenesulfonic acid as an organic acid; and
titanium tetrachloride as a metal-based catalyst. Hydrogen chloride or sulfuric acid
is preferred in terms of yield and cost. The amount of the acid catalyst is preferably
from 0.01 to 10 times by mole based on a compound of the formula (22).
[0199]
The amount of an alcohol (R35-OH) having a corresponding substituent is
preferably from 1 to 100 times by mole based on a compound of the formula (22).
The heating temperature is preferably from 50 to 120°C, more preferably from 50 to
100°C, further preferably from 60°C to 90°C.
[0200]
[The fourth step]
Next, a malonic ester is added to an enone of the above formula (23) followed
by decarboxylation to produce a substituted cyclopentenone of the above formula
(24). This reaction is a reaction starting from the conjugate addition reaction of a
malonic ester to an enone of the above formula (23), followed by elimination
reaction of an alkoxy group and decarboxylation reaction.

[0201]
In the above formula (24); R36 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R36 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R36 may be the same as R34.
[0202]
In the above formula (24), R37 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon

atoms. Specific examples of R37 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R36
and R may be the same as each other.
[0203]
The operation of this step may be in accordance with a known process. For
example, a simple process comprises allowing an alkoxide of an alkali metal to act
on a malonic ester beforehand, drawing out an active hydrogen of the malonic ester
to from an anion, and adding an enone of the above formula (23) thereto, followed by
heating the resulting mixture.

[0204]
The amount of the malonic ester is preferably from 1 to 10 times by mole,
most preferably from 1 to 5 times by mole, based on the enone. The amount of the
alkali metal alkoxide is preferably from 1 to 5 times by mole, most preferably from 1
to 2 times by mole, based on the malonic ester. Examples of alkali metal alkoxides
include sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium methoxide, potassium
ethoxide, and potassium t-butoxide. Sodium methoxide is preferred.
[0205]
The reaction temperature is preferably in the range of from 50°C to 100°C,
more preferably from 60°C to 90°C, in terms of easiness in industrial implementation.
[0206]
[The fifth step]
Next, a compound represented by the above formula (25) is produced by
selectively oxidizing the trans-double bond in a side chain of a substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (24) and introducing an oxirane
ring while maintaining the configuration of the side-chain double bond.
[0207]
In the above formula (25), R represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R38 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R38 may be the same as R36.

[0208]
In the above formula (25), R39 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R39 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R39
and R37 may be the same as each other, and R38 and R39 may be the same as each
other.
[0209]
Selective oxidation of only the trans-double bond in the side chain of the
substituted cyclopentenone of the above formula (24) can be simply accomplished,
for example, by using a peroxide. Specific examples of peroxides include performic
acid, peracetic acid, perbenzoic acid, and m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) as a
peracid; and hydrogen peroxide, tert-butylhydroperoxide, and cumene hydroperoxide
as a hydroperoxide. A peracid is preferred, and m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA)
is most preferred. The amount of a peroxide to be used is preferably from 1 to 10
times by mole, most preferably from 1 to 2 times by mole, based on the substituted
cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (24).
[0210]
A catalyst such as a vanadium-based, molybdenum-based, or manganese-
based catalyst may be used as necessary. The amount of the catalyst to be used is
preferably from 0.01 to 10 times by mole, most preferably from 0.1 to 5 times by
mole, based on the peroxide.
[0211]

In this oxidation, a solvent can be used as necessary. Examples of the
solvent include hexane, toluene, and xylene as a hydrocarbon solvent; and
chloroform and dichloromethane as a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent. A
chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent is preferred, and dichloromethane is most preferred.
The amount of the solvent used is, but is not limited to, preferably 0.1 to 500 parts by
weight, most preferably 1 to 200 parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight of the
substituted cyclopentenone represented by the above formula (24). The temperature
of this oxidation reaction is, but is not limited to, preferably from 0 to 50°C, most
preferably from 0 to 30°C.
[0212]
[The sixth step]
Next, a diol represented by the above formula (25) is produced by
hydrolyzing the oxirane ring of a substituted cyclopentenone represented by the
above formula (26).
[0213]
In the above formula (26), R represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R40 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R40 may be the same as R38.
[0214]

In the above formula (26), R41 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R41 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R41
may be the same as R39, and R40 and R41 may be the same as each other.
[0215]
A known process in which an acid catalyst or a base catalyst is used may be
adopted for hydrolysis. Specific examples of an acid catalyst include hydrochloric
acid, sulfuric acid, and perchloric acid; and specific examples of a base catalyst
include sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Among others, an acid catalyst
is preferred, and most preferred is perchloric acid. The amount of the catalyst to be
used is, but is not limited to, preferably from 0.01 to 20 times by mole, most
preferably from 0.05 to 10 times by mole, based on the substituted cyclopentenone
represented by the above formula (25).
[0216]
In the hydrolysis, a hydrophilic solvent may be contained for the purpose of
improving the compatibility of reactants, or the like. Examples of a hydrophilic
solvent include methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, and t-butanol as an alcohol solvent; and
diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and dioxane as an ether solvent. Among others, t-
butanol is preferred as an alcohol solvent, and tetrahydrofuran is preferred as an ether
solvent. Most preferred is tetrahydrofuran. The amount of a hydrophilic solvent to
be used is preferably from 0.01 to 20 parts by weight, most preferably from 0.1 to 10
parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight of water.

[0217]
The temperature of the hydrolysis is preferably from about 0 to 50°C. most
preferably from 10 to 40°C.
[0218]
[The seventh step]
Furthermore, a compound represented the above formula (27) is produced by
hydrogenating the double bond in a five-membered ring represented by the above
formula (26).
[0219]
In the above formula (27), R42 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R42 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R42 may be the same as R40.
[0220]
In the above formula (27), R43 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R43 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An

alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R43
may be the same as R41, and R42 and R43 may be the same as each other.
[0221]
A process of hydrogenation includes, for example, a process using a catalyst
as an easy example. In the hydrogenation using a catalyst, since hydrogen is
generally bonded from the same direction relative to the surface where the double
bond is formed, it is possible to selectively synthesize the cis-2,3-disubstituted
cyclopentanone targeted by the present invention.
[0222]
Although a general-purpose catalyst can be used as a catalyst, a transition
metal catalyst is preferred because it has high activity. Examples of a heterogeneous
catalyst include Pd-carbon, Rh-carbon and Ru-carbon as a carbon-loaded catalyst;
Pd-Al2O3, Rh-Al2O3 and Ru-Al2O3 as an inorganic substance-loaded catalyst; PtO2 as
an oxide-based catalyst; Pt as a metal-based catalyst; Raney Ni as an alloy-based
catalyst; and silk-Pd as a protein-loaded catalyst. Examples of a homogeneous
catalyst include a Wilkinson complex (RhCl(PPh3)3).. However, a heterogeneous
catalyst is preferred in terms of the ease of separation after a reaction, and among
others, a carbon-loaded catalyst is preferred, most preferably Pd-carbon. The
amount of the catalyst to be used is, for example, preferably from 0.01 to 100 parts
by weight based on one part by weight of the compound represented by the formula
(26). Note that the carbon in the carbon-loaded catalyst also includes active carbon.
In the carbon-loaded catalyst and inorganic substance-loaded catalyst of a
heterogeneous catalyst, the amount of a transition metal to be deposited is, but is not
limited to, preferably from 0.1 to 50 wt%, most preferably from 1 to 20 wt%.
[0223]
Although the hydrogenation of a compound represented by the above formula
(26) advances easily under ordinary pressure, it is also possible to carry out the

hydrogenation, for example, under a pressurization of about 1 to 10 kg/cm for the
purpose of a further increase in the reaction rate or the like.
[0224]
The type of a solvent is not limited, and examples of a solvent include
methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, and t-butanol as an
alcohol solvent; diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and dioxane as an ether solvent;
benzene, toluene, and xylene as a hydrocarbon solvent; acetic acid, propionic acid,
butyric acid, malonic acid, and lactic acid as a carboxylic acid solvent; methyl ester,
ethyl ester, propyl ester, and butyl ester of the above carboxylic acid as an ester
solvent; acetone and methyl ethyl ketone as a ketone solvent; and water and
supercritical CO2 as an inorganic solvent. These can be used alone or in
combination. A carboxylic acid solvent or an ester solvent is preferred, and acetic
acid or ethyl acetate is most preferred. The amount of a solvent to be used is, but is
not limited to, preferably 0.1 part by weight or more and less than 1,000 parts by
weight, most preferably 1 part by weight and less than 500 parts by weight, based on
1 part by weight of the diol represented by the above formula (26).
[0225]
The reaction temperature is, but is not limited to, preferably from -30°C to
100°C, more preferably from -20°C to 50°C, most preferably from -10 to 50°C, from
a practical point of view.
[0226]
[The eighth step]
Then, a compound represented by the above formula (28) is produced by
converting a diol represented by the above formula (27) to a dioxolane.
[0227]
In the above formula (28), R44 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,

and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R44 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R44 may be the same as R42 .
[0228]
In the above formula (28), R45 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R45 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R45
may be the same as R43, and R44 and R43 may be the same as each other.
[0229]
In the above formula (28), Z represents an alkoxy group or an amino group
having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Specific examples of Z include a methoxy group, an
ethoxy group, and a butoxy group as an alkoxy group; and a dimethylamino group, a
diethylamino group, and a dibutylamino group as an amino group. An alkoxy group
is preferred, and a methoxy group is most preferred.
[0230]
A process for preparing dioxolane may be in accordance with a known
process. Examples of the process include a process in which a diol is allowed to

react with an alkyl orthoformate such as methyl orthoformate in the presence of an
acid catalyst; and a process in which an N,N-dialkylformamide dialkyl acetal such as
N,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal is allowed to react with a diol in the
presence of an acid catalyst such as p-toluenesulfonic acid. A process in which a
diol is allowed to react with an alkyl orthoformate is preferred, and a process using
methyl orthoformate is most preferred. The amount of the alkyl orthoformate is
preferably 0.05 part by weight or more and less than 1,000 parts by weight, based on
1 part by weight of the compound represented by the above (27). The amount is
more preferably 0.1 part by weight or more and less than 500 parts by weight, most
preferably 1 part by weight or more and less than 200 parts by weight.
Examples of the acid catalyst include hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, and
phosphoric acid as a mineral acid; p-toluenesulfonic acid as an organic acid; and
titanium tetrachloride as a metal-based catalyst, and p-toluenesulfonic acid is
preferred in terms of yield and cost. The amount of the acid catalyst is preferably
from 0.01 to 20 times by mole, most preferably from 0.1 to 10 times by mole, based
on a compound represented by the formula (27).
[0231]
The reaction temperature is, for example, preferably from 20°C to 150°C,
most preferably from 50 to 120°C.
[0232]
[The ninth step]
Finally, a substituted cyclopentanone represented by the above formula (29) is
produced by decomposing a compound represented by the above formula (28) in the
presence of a carboxylic acid anhydride.
[0233]
In the above formula (29), R46 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,


and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R46 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R46 may be the same as R44.
[0234]
In the above formula (29), R47 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched, or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R47 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a butyl
group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an
alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group
includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a
pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. An
alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R47
may be the same as R45, and R46 and R47 may be the same as each other.
[0235]
As the type of the carboxylic acid anhydride, a lower carboxylic acid
anhydride is preferred, and most preferred is acetic anhydride. The amount of the
carboxylic acid anhydride is, but is not limited to, preferably 0.1 part by weight or
more and less than 1,000 parts by weight, most preferably 1 part by weight or more
and less than 500 parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight of the compound
represented by the above (28).
[0236]

The decomposition temperature may be in accordance with a known process,
and it is preferably from 50 to 200°C, most preferably from 80 to 180°C.
[0237]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target substituted
cyclopentanone of the formula (29) can be obtained by purification using a known
process.
[0238]

A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a process for producing a
compound represented by the above formula (33) comprising the following 3 steps.
By satisfying this requirement, it becomes possible to efficiently produce a
compound represented by the above formula (33), using general-purpose equipment.
The compound represented by the above formula (33) is also useful as a precursor
for producing a substituted cyclopentanone represented by the above formula (2).
[1] The first step: a step of reacting 1,3-cyclopentanedione with a compound
represented by the above formula (30) in the presence of a base to produce a
compound represented by the above formula (31);
[2] The second step: a step of etherifying a compound represented by the above
formula (31) to produce an enone represented by the above formula (32); and
[3] The third step: a step of adding a malonic ester to an enone represented by the
above formula (32) followed by decarboxylation to produce a compound represented
by the above formula (33).
[0239]
Each step is described below.
[0240]
[The first step]

First, 1,3-cyclopentanedione is reacted with a compound represented by the
above formula (30) in the presence of a base.
[0241]
In the above formula (30), R48 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R48 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. In the above formula (30), X represents a leaving group. There is no limit
to the type of a leaving group, and examples thereof include chlorine, bromine, and
iodine as a halogen atom, and p-toluene sulfonate group and a methane sulfonate
group as a sulfonate group. In the above formula (30), the dotted line indicates that
a bond may or may not be present. That is, this bond indicates a triple bond or a
double bond.
[0242]
In the above formula (31), R49 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R49 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl

group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R49 may be the same as R48. In the above formula (31), the dotted line
indicates that a bond may or may not be present. That is, the bond indicates a triple
bond or a double bond.
[0243]
A general-purpose base may be used for a base. Examples of a base include
lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide
as a metal hydroxide; sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium
carbonate, and potassium hydrogencarbonate as a carbonate; sodium methoxide,
sodium ethoxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium t-butoxide as
a metal alkoxide; and lithium diisopropylamide, lithium hexamethyldisilazane as a
metallic amide. A metal hydroxide or a carbonate is preferred, and most preferred is
potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate.
[0244]
The amount of the base to be used is preferably from 1 to 20 times by mole,
most preferably from 1 to 5 times by mole, based on 1,3-cyclopentanedione.
[0245]
The amount of the compound represented by the above formula (30) is
preferably from 1 to 20 times by mole, most preferably from 1 to 5 times by mole,
based on 1,3-cyclopentanedione.
[0246]
Examples of a solvent include methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol,
butanol, isobutanol, and t-butanol as an alcohol solvent; diethyl ether,
tetrahydrofuran, and dioxane as an ether solvent; benzene, toluene, and xylene as a
hydrocarbon solvent; and water and supercritical CO2 as an inorganic solvent.
These can be used alone or in combination. An alcohol solvent or an inorganic
solvent is preferred, and water is most preferred. The amount of the solvent to be

used is, but is not limited to, preferably 0.1 part by weight or more and less than
1,000 parts by weight, most preferably 1 part by weight or more and less than 500
parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight of 1,3-cyclopentanedione. The reaction
temperature is preferably from 25°C to 150°C, most preferably from 40 to 120°C.
[0247]
[The second step]
Next, a compound represented by the above formula (31) is etherified to
produce an enone represented by the above formula (32).
[0248]
In the above formula (32), R50 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R50 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R50 may be the same as R49. In the above formula (32), the dotted line
indicates that a bond may or may not be present. That is, the bond represents a
triple bond or a double bond.
[0249]
In the above formula (32), R51 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R51 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl
group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group,

and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an
alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or
an ethyl group. R50 and R51 may be the same as each other.
[0250]
The process of etherification of a compound represented by the above formula
(31) is, but is not limited to, preferably a process of adding an alcohol having a
corresponding substituent to a compound of the formula (31) in the presence of an
acid catalyst, followed by heating the resulting mixture, in terms of safety and
convenience.
[0251]
The acid catalyst includes hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric
acid as a mineral acid; p-toluenesulfonic acid as an organic acid; and titanium
tetrachloride as a metal-based catalyst. Hydrogen chloride or sulfuric acid is
preferred in terms of yield and cost. The amount of the acid catalyst is preferably
from 0.01 to 10 times by mole based on a compound of the formula (13).
[0252]
The amount of an alcohol (R51 -OH) having a corresponding substituent is
preferably from 1 to 100 times by mole based on a compound of the formula (31).
[0253]
The reaction temperature is preferably in the range of from 50°C to 120°C,
more preferably from 50 to 100°C, further preferably from 60°C to 90°C, in terms of
easiness in industrial implementation.
[0254]
[The third step]
Furthermore, a malonic ester is added to an enone of the above formula (32)
followed by decarboxylation to produce a compound represented by the above
formula (33).

[0255]
In the above formula (33), R52 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R52 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl
group. R52 may be the same as R50. In the above formula (33), the dotted line
indicates that a bond may or may not be present. That is, this indicates a triple bond
or a double bond.
[0256]
In the above formula (33), R53 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R53 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl
group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group,
and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an
alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or
an ethyl group. R52 and R53 may be the same as each other.
[0257]
This reaction is a reaction starting from the conjugate addition reaction of a
malonic ester to an enone of the above formula (32), followed by elimination of an
alkoxy group and decarboxylation. This reaction operation may be in accordance
with a known process. For example, a simple process comprises allowing an

alkoxide of an alkali metal to act on a malonic ester beforehand, drawing out an
active hydrogen of the malonic ester to form an anion, and adding a compound of the
above formula (32) thereto, followed by heating the resulting mixture.
[0258]
The amount of the malonic ester to be used is preferably from 1 to 10 times
by mole, most preferably from 1 to 5 times by mole, based on the enone. The
amount of the alkali metal alkoxide to be used is, but is not limited to, preferably
from 1 to 5 times by mole, most preferably from 1 to 2 times by mole, based on the
malonic ester. Examples of alkali metal alkoxides include sodium methoxide,
sodium ethoxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, and potassium t-
butoxide. Sodium methoxide is preferred.
[0259]
The reaction temperature is preferably in the range of from 50°C to 100°C,
more preferably from 60°C to 90°C, in terms of easiness in industrial implementation.
[0260]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target compound, of the
formula (33) can be obtained by purification using a known process.
[0261]

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a
methylcyclopentenone represented by the above formula (35) characterized by
decarboxylating a compound represented by the above formula (34).
[0262]
The compound represented by the above formula (34) is a substance widely
known as a raw material for jasmonates, and is a useful substance capable of easily
obtaining jasmonates only by hydrogenating the double bond in the five-membered
ring. That is, by using this compound as a starting material, the present invention

can not only provide methylcyclopentenones useful as a jasmine fragrance and the
like, but also can derivatively produce jasmonates which are also very useful as a
jasmine fragrance and the like and have a large demand. In the fragrance industry, it
is indispensable that many types of fragrance can be produced flexibly, and it is a
great advantage in supply of raw materials and equipment and the like that a plurality
of useful fragrances can be produced derivatively from the same starting material in
this way. Moreover, the methylcyclopentenone of the above formula (35) not only
has the skeleton of jasmine fragrances in itself, but also is useful as a precursor for
obtaining a compound of the above formula (2) useful as a jasmine fragrance and the
like. In addition, the compound of the above formula (35) can also be used as a
precursor for the synthesis of prostaglandins and steroids.
[0263]
In the above formula (34), R54 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R54 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a
pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, a 5-hydroxy-
cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group, and the like are also suitable.
[0264]
In the above formula (34), R55 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear,
branched or cyclic alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon
atoms. Specific examples of R55 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-

propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl
group, an n-pentyl group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a
cyclohexyl group, and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a
methallyl group as an alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most
preferred is a methyl group or an ethyl group. R54 and R55 may be the same as each
other.
[0265]
In the above formula (35), R56 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R56 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl
group, and a nonyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group;
and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-2-
pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group includes
a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. When the application to a
jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-
pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-
pentynyl group, and the like are also suitable. R56 may be the same as R54.
[0266]
A known process may be used for the above decarboxylation. For example,
when R is a hydrogen atom, it can be achieved by using a general-purpose solvent
such as methanol, ethanol, and tetrahydrofuran and heating the mixture in the
presence of an acid or a base. Further, when R55 is an alkyl group, it can be
achieved by using dimethyl sulfoxide as a solvent and heating the mixture in the
presence of sodium chloride.
[0267]

The amount of an acid or a base is preferably from 0.01 to 20 times by mole,
most preferably from 0.1 to 10 times by mole, based on the compound represented
by the above formula (34).
[0268]
The amount of a solvent is preferably 0.1 part by weight or more and less than
1,000 parts by weight, most preferably 1 part by weight or more and less than 500
parts by weight, based on 1 part by weight of the compound represented by the above
formula (34). The reaction mixture is typically heated at 40°C to 200°C, more
preferably at 50°C to 180°C.
[0269]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target substituted
cyclopentanone of the formula (35) can be obtained by purification using a known
process.
[0270]

A eleventh aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a γ-
lactone represented by the above formula (39) which consists of the following two
steps. By satisfying this requirement, the targeted γ-lactone can be produced safely
and simply.
[1] The first step: a step of cleaving a furfuryl alcohol represented by the above
formula (36) by hydrogen chloride in the presence of an alcohol represented by the
above formula (37) to produce a γ-ketoester of the above formula (38); and
[2] The second step: a step of reducing a γ-ketoester represented by the above
formula (38) to produce a γ-lactone represented by the above formula (39).
[0271]
Each step is described below.
[0272]

[The first step]
First, a furfuryl alcohol represented by the above formula (36) is cleaved by
hydrogen chloride in the presence of an alcohol represented by the above formula
(37) to produce a γ-ketoester of the above formula (38). Specifically, it is produced
by heating a reaction liquid containing a furfuryl alcohol represented by the above
formula (36), an alcohol of the formula (37), and hydrogen chloride.
[0273]
In the above formula (36), R57 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R57 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group as an alkyl group; a
pentenyl group as an alkenyl group; and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A
pentenyl group includes a cis-2-pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl
group, and a pentynyl group includes a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl
group. When the application to a jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a
pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, a 5-hydroxy-
cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group, and the like are also suitable.
[0274]
In the above formula (37), R58 represents a hydrocarbon group having one or
more carbon atoms. Specific examples of R58 include a methyl group, an ethyl
group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a
t-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, an n-hexyl group; an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl
group, a cyclohexyl group, and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a
methallyl group as an alkenyl group. When ease in distilling off, safety, cost, etc. in
the treatment after reaction are taken into consideration, an alkyl group is preferred;
and among others, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an

isobutyl group, and a t-butyl group are preferred, most preferably an n-butyl group
and an isobutyl group.
[0275]
In the above formula (38), R59 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R59 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl
group, and a nonyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group;
and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-2-
pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group includes
a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. When the application to a
jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-
pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-
pentynyl group, and the like are also suitable. R59 may be the same as R57.
[0276]
In the above formula (38), R60 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl
group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific
examples of R60 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an
isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a t-butyl group, an n-pentyl
group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, a cyclohexyl group,
and a benzyl group as an alkyl group; an allyl group and a methallyl group as an
alkenyl group. An alkyl group is preferred, and most preferred is a methyl group or
an ethyl group. R60 may be the same as R58, and R59 and R60 may be the same as
each other.
A compound of the above formula (36) can be synthesized by a known
process.

[0277]
The alcohol represented by the above formula (37) is preferably used in an
equimolar amount or more and in an amount of 100 times by mole or less, more
preferably in an amount of 1.5 times by mole or more and 80 times by mole or less,
based on a furfuryl alcohol represented by the formula (36).
[0278]
In the reaction liquid used for the aforementioned production process,
although other components, such as methanol, ethanol, ether, tetrahydrofuran,
toluene, and xylene, may be present in addition to the alcohol of the formula (37), the
percentage may be from about 0.01 wt% to 50 wt% of the reaction liquid.
[0279]
The process of supplying hydrogen chloride into a reaction liquid includes a
process of blowing hydrogen chloride gas; a process of adding hydrochloric acid (an
aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride); and a process of adding an acyl chloride
compound such as acetyl chloride and allowing it to react with an alcohol of the
above formula (37) or the like, thereby generating hydrogen chloride in the reaction
system; and the like. Among these, more desirable result is obtained in many cases
when the process of blowing hydrogen chloride gas is taken.
[0280]
Hydrogen chloride is used in an amount of from 0.01 mole to 5 moles based
on 1.0 mole of a furfuryl alcohol of the above formula (36), more preferably from
0.01 mole to 2 moles.
[0281]
The above heating temperature is from 30 to 150°C, more preferably from 40
to 120°C, most preferably from 50 to 100°C, when a practical reaction rate to be
obtained is taken into consideration.
[0282]

Furthermore, when a furfuryl alcohol of the above formula (36) is added
dropwise to the mixture of an alcohol of the above formula (37) with hydrogen
chloride, a γ-ketoester can be obtained in a high yield in many cases. In this case, a
solution prepared by diluting the compound of the above formula (36) with the
alcohol of the above formula (37) or other solvents, etc. beforehand may be added
dropwise. Concentration of the solution is, for example, from 0.01 mol/1 to 10 mol/1.
The time of dropwise addition is, but is not limited to, preferably from 10 minutes to
5 hours, most preferably from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
[0283]
After the completion of the above-mentioned reaction, the target γ-ketoester
of the formula (38) can be obtained by performing purification in a known manner.
[0284]
[The second step]
Next, a γ-ketoester represented by the above formula (38) is reduced to
produce a γ-lactone of the above formula (39). Specifically, it can be achieved by
reducing the ketone of γ-ketoester to form a hydroxyl group.
[0285]
In the above formula (39), R61 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or
branched alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms,
and these groups may contain heteroatoms such as chlorine, bromine, nitrogen,
oxygen, sulfur, iron, and cobalt. Specific examples of R61 include a methyl group,
an ethyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl
group, and a nonyl group as an alkyl group; a pentenyl group as an alkenyl group;
and a pentynyl group as an alkynyl group. A pentenyl group includes a cis-2-
pentenyl group and a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, and a pentynyl group includes
a 2-pentynyl group and a 5-hydroxy-2-pentynyl group. When the application to a
jasmine fragrance is taken into consideration, a pentyl group is suitable, and a cis-2-

pentenyl group, 2-pentynyl group, a 5-hydroxy-cis-2-pentenyl group, a 5-hydroxy-2-
pentynyl group, and the like are also suitable. R61 may be the same as R59 .
[0286]
The process of reducing the ketone of a γ-ketoester represented by the above
formula (38) may be in accordance with a known process. Examples of the process
include a process in which a hydride such as sodium borohydride is used; and
hydrogenation using a transition metal catalyst. Among others, the former is
desirable due to the simplicity of operation. The amount of sodium borohydride is
preferably from 0.25 to 10 times by mole, most preferably from 0.5 to 5 times by
mole, based on the ketoester.
[0287]
When the ketonic group of a γ-ketoester is reduced, a 4-hydroxy ester is
produced, but at the same time a five-membered ring is formed very often to produce
a γ-lactone. A known cyclization using an acid catalyst or the like may be applied
when the five-membered-ring formation is imperfect.
[0288]
For example, there may be added an acid catalyst in an amount of 0.01 to 10
times by mole based on the hydroxy ester and heated at 50 to 100°C. Examples of
the acid catalyst include hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid as a
mineral acid; p-toluenesulfonic acid as an organic acid; and titanium tetrachloride as
a metal-based catalyst, and p-toluenesulfonic acid is preferred in terms of yield and
cost.
[0289]
By the way, it is known that an optically active γ-lactone has a great
advantage in scent intensity and fragrance characteristics. If asymmetrical
hydrogenation can be achieved in this process, great added value can be provided to
a product. For asymmetrical hydrogenation, it is effective to use a transition metal

catalyst having an asymmetric ligand and a biocatalyst such as baker's yeast, an
enzyme, and the like. Thus, it is also one of the great features of the present
invention that an optically active substance can be produced.
[0290]
After the completion of the above reaction, the target γ-lactone of the formula
(39) can be obtained by purification using a known process.
Examples
[0291]
The present invention will be described in accordance with Examples.
The conditions in Examples are as follows:
-Reaction vessel: use the one which is equipped with a magnetic stirrer, unless
otherwise described;
-Filtration of a catalyst: filtrate by pressure filtration using a film made from
polytetrafluoroethylene;
-Gas chromatograph:
Column: DB-1 (0.25 mm x 30 m, a liquid phase film thickness of 0.25 µm)
manufactured by J&W Scientific Company;
Column temperature: 100°C x 2 minutes to 250°C (10°C/min)
Injection part temperature: 250°C
Detection part temperature: 300°C
-Liquid chromatograph:
Column: Inertsil C4 manufactured by GL Science Inc.;
Developing solvent: 10 mM-KH2PO4, 1 mM-EDTA-2Na/CH3CN = 60/40;
Flow rate: 1.0 ml/min.
Examples 1 to 7, Comparative Examples 1 to 6

To a reactor (a volume of 50 ml) was respectively charged lg (4.5 mmol) of
methyl (2-pentyl-3-keto-l-cyclopentenyl-)acetate (a compound in which R1
represents an n-pentyl group and R2 represents a methyl group in the above formula
(1)) and 0.2g of each catalyst shown in Table 1. Thereto was respectively added 10
ml of a solvent shown in Table 1, and the mixture was held at a temperature shown
in Table 1. Pressure reduction and hydrogen introduction were repeated while
stirring the mixture, and the air in the reactor was replaced with hydrogen at ordinary
pressure. The mixture was continuously stirred in this state for 4 hours.
Subsequently, the catalyst was removed from the reaction mixture by filtration, and
then thereto were added 30 ml of water and 30 ml of toluene followed by stirring to
extract a product into the toluene phase. Toluene was distilled off from this toluene
phase, yielding methyl dihydrojasmonate (a compound in which R3 represents an n-
pentyl group and R4 represents a methyl group in the above formula (2)). The yield
and isomer ratio (cis-isomer/trans-isomer) of the resulting methyl dihydrojasmonate
were determined by gas chromatography. The results are shown in Table 1.



Example 8
The air in a reactor equipped with a three-blade stirrer (a volume of 5 L) was
replaced with nitrogen gas at ordinary pressure, and 22.7 g (0.42 mol) of sodium
methoxide and 3 L of dimethyl sulfoxide were charged to the reactor. The resulting
solution was heated to about 90°C, and the inside of the reactor was decompressed to
about 25 mmHg with stirring. While allowing dimethyl sulfoxide to be distilled off
from the reactor at a rate of 12 mL/min in this state, 42.0 g (0.21 mol) of methyl 4-
oxodecanoate (a compound in which R5 represents an n-pentyl group, and R6
represents a methyl group in the above formula (3)) preliminarily dissolved in 1.5 L
of dimethyl sulfoxide was added dropwise over 2 hours.
[0293]
After completion of the dropwise addition, the pressure in the reactor was
increased to about 15 mmHg; subsequently dimethyl sulfoxide was distilled off; and
then the resulting reaction mixture was cooled to about 40°C. Thereto were added 1
L of water, 46 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 0.8 L of isobutyl alcohol.
The resulting mixture was stirred and then allowed to stand, and the resulting organic
phase was separated. Liquid chromatographic analysis of this organic phase showed
that 2-n-pentyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione (a compound in which R7 represents an n-
pentyl group in the above formula (4)) was produced, and the yield was 92%.
Example 9
The air in a reactor (a volume of 5 L) was replaced with nitrogen gas at
ordinary pressure, and 3.8 g (0.07 mol) of sodium methoxide and 0.5 L of dimethyl
sulfoxide were charged to the reactor. The resulting solution was heated to 100°C,
and 7.0 g (0.035 mol) of methyl 4-oxodecanoate (a compound in which R5 represents
an n-pentyl group, and R6 represents a methyl group in the above formula (3))
preliminarily dissolved in 0.5 L of dimethyl sulfoxide was added dropwise at a rate

of 8 ml/min with stirring. After completion of the dropwise addition, the reaction
mixture was stirred for further 20 minutes under heating at the same temperature.
The mixture was cooled to 25°C, and then thereto were added 100 g of water and 8.0
g of concentrated hydrochloric acid followed by stirring. Liquid chromatographic
analysis of the reaction mixture showed that 2-n-pentyl-l,3-cyclopentanedione (a
compound in which R7 represents an n-pentyl group in the above formula (4)) was
produced, and the yield was 86%.
Comparative Example 7
The air in a reactor (a volume of 2 L) was replaced with nitrogen gas at
ordinary pressure, and 3.8 g (0.07 mol) of sodium methoxide and 0.5 L of xylene
were charged to the reactor. The resulting solution was heated to 140°C, and while
allowing xylene to be distilled off from the reactor at a rate of 8 mL/min, 7.0. g
(0.035 mole) of methyl 4-oxodecanoate (a compound in which R5 represents an n-
pentyl group, and R6 represents a methyl group in the above formula (3))
preliminarily dissolved in 0.5 L of xylene was added dropwise at a rate of 8 ml/min.
After completion of the dropwise addition, the reaction mixture was heated and
stirred for further 10 minutes while further allowing xylene to be distilled off. The
mixture was cooled to 25°C, and thereto was added 100 g of water followed by
stirring. The resulting mixture was then allowed to stand to separate the water phase.
To the separated water phase were added 8.0 of concentrated hydrochloric acid and
100 ml of isobutyl alcohol followed by stirring. The resulting mixture was allowed
to stand to separate the organic phase. Liquid chromatographic analysis of the
organic phase showed that 2-n-pentyl-l,3-cyclopentanedione (a compound in which
R7 represents an n-pentyl group in the above formula (4)) was produced, and the
yield was 29%.

Example 10
The air in a reactor (a volume of 2 L) was replaced with nitrogen gas at
ordinary pressure, and 3.8 g (0.07 mol) of sodium methoxide and 0.8 L of dimethyl
sulfoxide were charged to the reactor. The resulting solution was heated to about
107°C, and the inside of the reactor was decompressed to about 50 mmHg with
stirring. While allowing dimethyl sulfoxide to be distilled off from the reactor at a
rate of 14 mL/min in this state, 4.6 g (0.035 mol) of methyl levulinate (a compound
in which R5 represents a hydrogen atom, and R6 represents a methyl group in the
above formula (3)) preliminarily dissolved in 0.5 L of dimethyl sulfoxide was added
dropwise at a rate of 8 ml/min.
[0294]
After completion of the dropwise addition, the reaction mixture was heated
and stirred for further 10 minutes while allowing dimethyl sulfoxide to be distilled
off, and then cooled to 25°C. Thereto were added 200 g of water and 8.0 of
concentrated hydrochloric acid followed by stirring. Liquid chromatographic
analysis of the resulting reaction mixture showed that 1,3-cyclopentanedione (a
compound in which R7 represents a hydrogen atom in the above formula (4)) was
produced, and the yield was 65%.
Comparative Example 8
The air in a reactor (a volume of 2 L) was replaced with nitrogen gas at
ordinary pressure, and 3.8 g (0.07 mol) of sodium methoxide and 0.8 L of toluene
were charged to the reactor. The resulting solution was heated to 110°C, and while
allowing toluene to be distilled off from the reactor at a rate of 13 mL/min with
stirring, 4.6 g (0.035 mol) of methyl levulinate (a compound in which R5 represents a
hydrogen atom, and R6 represents a methyl group in the above formula (3))
preliminarily dissolved in 0.5 L of toluene was added dropwise at a rate of 7 ml/min.

After completion of the dropwise addition, the reaction mixture was heated and
stirred for further 10 minutes while allowing toluene to be distilled off. After
distilling off toluene in vacuo, the resulting mixture was cooled to 25°C, and thereto
were added 200 g of water and 8.0 of concentrated hydrochloric acid followed by
stirring. Liquid chromatographic analysis of the resulting reaction mixture showed
that 1,3-cyclopentanedione (a compound in which R7 represents a hydrogen atom in
the above formula (4)) was produced, and the yield was 7%.
[0295]
Example 11
The air in a reactor (a volume of 2 L) was replaced with nitrogen gas at
ordinary pressure, and 1.1 L of isobutanol containing 0.7 wt% of hydrogen chloride
(prepared by preliminarily blowing hydrogen chloride therein) was charged to the
reactor. The hydrogen chloride solution was heated to 80°C and stirred, and then
thereto was added dropwise 264 g (1.57 mol) of n-pentyl-furylcarbinol (a compound
in which R8 represents an n-pentyl group in the above formula (5)) over 3 hours.
After completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was stirred for further 10
minutes at the same temperature. Isobutanol was distilled off in vacuo, and the
resulting mixture was cooled to 25°C. Gas chromatographic analysis of the liquid in
the reactor showed that isobutyl 4-decanoate (a compound in which R10 represents an
n-pentyl group, and R11 represents an isobutyl group in the above formula (7)) was
produced, and the yield was 85%.
Example 12
The reaction was carried out in the same conditions as in Example 11 except
that n-pentanol was used instead of isobutanol, yielding n-pentyl 4-decanoate (a

compound in which both R10 and R11 represent an n-pentyl group in the above
formula (7)) in 82% yield.
Comparative Example 9
The reaction was carried out under the same conditions as in Example 11
except that methanol was used instead of isobutanol and the reaction temperature
was adjusted to 64°C. As a result, it was found that methyl 4-decanoate (a
compound in which R10 represents an n-pentyl group, and R11 represents a methyl
group in the above formula (7)) was produced, and the yield was 26%.
Comparative Example 10
The reaction was carried out under the same conditions as in Example 11
except that ethanol was used instead of isobutanol and the reaction temperature was
adjusted to 78°C. As a result, it was found that ethyl 4-decanoate (a compound in
which R10 represents an n-pentyl group, and R11 represents an ethyl group in the
above formula (7)) was produced, and the yield was 31%.
Example 13
The air in a reactor (a volume of 2 L) was replaced with nitrogen gas at
ordinary pressure, and 1.1 L of isobutanol containing 0.7 wt% of hydrogen chloride
(prepared by preliminarily blowing hydrogen chloride therein) was charged to the
reactor. The hydrogen chloride solution was heated to 80°C and stirred, and then
thereto was added dropwise 264 g (1.57 mol) of n-pentyl-furylcarbinol (a compound
in which R represents an n-pentyl group in the above formula (8)) over 3 hours.
After completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was stirred for further 10
minutes at the same temperature. Isobutanol was distilled off in vacuo, yielding
isobutyl 4-oxodecanoate (a compound in which R14 represents an n-pentyl group, and

R15 represents an isobutyl group in the above formula (10)). Gas chromatographic
analysis showed that the yield of isobutyl 4-oxodecanoate was 86%.
[0296] .
To the resulting isobutyl 4-oxodecanoate were added 1 L of methanol and 250
g of 25% sodium hydroxide, and the mixture was stirred at 25°C for 1 hour, followed
by distilling off methanol in vacuo. Subsequently, thereto were added 2 L of water
and 1 L of toluene. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1
hour and then allowed to stand to separate the water phase. To the water phase were
added 175 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1.8 L of toluene. The resulting
mixture was stirred for 10 minutes and then allowed to stand to separate the organic
phase. Toluene in the organic phase was distilled off in vacuo and 1 L of toluene
and 47.5 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid were added. The resulting mixture was
heated under reflux for 1 hour and then cooled to 25°C. Thereto was gradually
added 155 g of sodium hydrogencarbonate followed by stirring for 10 minutes at
25°C. Methanol was distilled off in vacuo and then 3 L of water and 1.8 L of
toluene were added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at room
temperature and then allowed to stand to separate the organic phase. Toluene in the
organic phase was distilled off, yielding methyl 4-oxodecanoate (a compound in
which R represents an n-pentyl group, and R18 represents a methyl group in the
above formula (12)). Gas chromatographic analysis showed that the yield of methyl
4-oxodecanoate relative to isobutyl 4-oxodecanoate was 95%.
[0297]
The air in a reactor (a volume of 5 L) was replaced with nitrogen gas at
ordinary pressure, and 22.7 g (0.42 mol) of sodium methoxide and 3 L of dimethyl
sulfoxide were charged to the reactor. The resulting solution was heated to about
90°C, and the inside of the reactor was decompressed to about 25 mmHg with
stirring. While allowing dimethyl sulfoxide to be distilled off from the reactor at a

rate of 12 mL/min in this state, 42.0 g (0.21 mol) of methyl 4-oxodecanoate
preliminarily dissolved in 1.5 L of dimethyl sulfoxide was added dropwise at a rate
of 12 ml/min.
[0298]
After completion of the dropwise addition, the degree of decompression was
increased to about 15 mmHg; dimethyl sulfoxide was distilled off at 81°C; and then
the resulting reaction mixture was cooled to about 40°C. Thereto were added 1 L of
water, 46 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 0.8 L of isobutanol; and the
resulting mixture was stirred and then allowed to stand to separate the organic phase.
Isobutanol in the organic phase was distilled off in vacuo, yielding 2-n-pentyl-l,3-
, cyclopentanedione (a compound in which R19 represents an n-pentyl group in the
above formula (13)). Liquid chromatographic analysis showed that the yield of 2-n-
pentyl-l,3-cyclopentanedione relative to methyl 4-oxodecanoate was 93%.
[0299]
To 32.5 g (0.19 mol) of 2-n-pentyl-l,3-cyclopentanedione was added 650 ml
of methanol containing 1 wt% of hydrogen chloride (prepared by preliminarily
blowing hydrogen chloride therein), followed by heating under reflux for 5 hours and
cooling to 25°C. Then, thereto was gradually added 15.4 g of sodium
hydrogencarbonate followed by stirring for 30 minutes at 25°C. Methanol was
distilled off in vacuo and then 200 mL of water and 200 mL of isobutanol were
added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at 25°C and then allowed to
stand to separate the organic phase, Isobutanol in the organic phase was distilled off,
yielding 2-pentyl-3-methoxy-2-cyclopentenone (a compound in which R20 represents
an n-pentyl group, and R21 represents a methyl group in the above formula (14)).
Gas chromatographic analysis showed that the yield of 2-pentyl-3-methoxy-2-
cyclopentenone relative to 2-n-pentyl-l,3-cyclopentanedione was 80%.
[0300]

The air in a reactor (a volume of 0.3 L) was preliminarily replaced with
nitrogen at ordinary pressure. The reactor was charged with 13.5 g (70 mmol) of a
28% methanol solution of sodium methoxide and 140 ml of absolute methanol.
Thereto was added 6.6 g (50 mmol) of dimethyl malonate, and the mixture was
stirred for 30 minutes at 25°C. Thereto was added 6.6 g (36 mmol) of 2-pentyl-3-
methoxy-2-cyclopentenone, and the mixture was heated under reflux for 24 hours in
a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting mixture was ice-cooled and neutralized by
gradually adding 6.1 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and methanol was
distilled off. Thereto were added 50 ml of water and 100 ml of toluene, and then the
mixture was stirred sufficiently and allowed to stand to separate the organic phase.
The toluene in the organic phase was distilled off in vacuo followed by vacuum
distillation, yielding methyl(2-pentyl-3-keto-l-cyclopentenyl-)acetate (a compound
in which R22 represents an n-pentyl group, and R23 represents a methyl group in the
above formula (15)). Gas chromatographic analysis showed that the yield of
methyl(2-pentyl-3-keto-l-cyclopentenyl-)acetate relative to 2-pentyl-3-methoxy-2-
cyclopentenone was 90%.
Comparative Example 11
To a solution of 32g (0.24 mol) of anhydrous AlC13 in anhydrous
nitromethane (30 ml) in a container having a volume of 0.1 L was added 12 g (0.1
mol) of 25°C succinic acid in small quantities, and the mixture was stirred at 25°C.
Highly corrosive HC1 gas was generated violently, and the gas was removed with
difficulty. In addition, since AlCl3 is fuming (HC1 gas), measures were taken
against corrosion of equipment in the peripheral environment at the time of weighing,
but it was with difficulty. Moreover, since nitromethane, which is a solvent, is
explosive, it was handled while paying careful attention within explosion prevention
equipment.

[0301]
After charging succinic acid, the mixture was allowed stand to complete
generation of HC1 gas. Then, thereto was added 60g (0.4 mol) of heptanoyl chloride,
and the resulting mixture was heated at 80□ for 8 hours. Since heptanoyl chloride
is also fuming (HC1 gas), measures were taken against corrosion of equipment in the
peripheral environment at the time of weighing, but it was with difficulty. The
mixture was cooled, poured onto 60 g of ice, and maintained at -10°C for 10 hours,
depositing a product as a solid. The product was subjected to suction filtration,
washed with 10% NaCl water and toluene (20 ml x 3 times), and dried, yielding 8.4g
(0.05 mol) of 2-pentyl-l,3-cyclopentanedione (a compound in which R1 represents
an n-pentyl group in the above formula (3)). Yields were 20.8%, 50.0%, and 12.5%
relative to AlCl3, succinic acid, and heptanoyl chloride, respectively.
Simultaneously, wastewater containing a large amount of an aluminum-based and a
chlorine-based compound was byproduced.
[0302]
Example 14
In a reactor having a volume of 1.0 L, 10.0 g (0.10 mol) of 1,3-
cyclopentanedione, 17.6 g (0.20 mol) of l-pentene-3-ol and 1.0 g of p-
toluenesulfonic acid were mixed with 500 ml of toluene, and the mixture was heated
under reflux for 4 hours. During the reflux, byproduced water was azeotropically
removed out of the system. Then, the mixture was mixed with a saturated water
solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate and allowed to stand to separate the resulting
organic phase. Toluene in the organic phase was distilled off in vacuo, yielding a
compound in which R32 represents an ethyl group in the above formula (21) (yield:
80%).
[0303]

In 500 ml of xylene was dissolved 10.0 g of the compound, and the mixture
was heated under reflux for 4 hours. Xylene was distilled off in vacuo, yielding a
compound in which R33 represents an ethyl group in the above formula (22) (yield:
85%).
In 100 ml of a non-aqueous methanol containing 1% of hydrogen chloride
was dissolved 5.0 g of the compound, and the mixture was heated under reflux for 4
hours. Sodium hydrogencarbonate was added to the mixture to neutralize hydrogen
chloride, and then methanol was distilled off in vacuo. Subsequently, thereto was
added 50 ml of water and 250 ml of isobutanol, and then the mixture was allowed to
stand to separate the organic phase. Isobutanol in the organic phase was distilled off
in vacuo, yielding a compound in which R34 represents an ethyl group, and R35
represents a methyl group in the above formula (23) (yield: 86%).
[0304]
In 5 ml of non-aqueous methanol was dissolved 1.0 g of the compound (non-
aqueous methanol solution of the formula (23)). Next, 1.29 g of dimethyl malonate,
0.59 g of sodium methoxide, and 5 ml of non-aqueous methanol were mixed for 15
minutes at 25°C. The non-aqueous methanol solution of the formula (23) was added
to the above solution, and the mixture was heated under reflux for 22 hours.
Thereto was added 1 N hydrochloric acid and diethyl ether, followed by mixing and
phase separation, and the organic phase was separated. The solvent in the organic
phase was distilled off in vacuo, yielding a compound in which R36 represents an
ethyl group, and R37 represents a methyl group in the above formula (24) (yield:
91%).
[0305]
In 100 ml of dichloromethane was dissolved 1.0 g of the compound, and 1.08
g of m-chloroperbenzoic acid was added thereto under ice-cooling and then stirred at
25°C for 4 hours. The mixture was mixed with 8 ml of 1 N sodium thiosulfate and 2


ml of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate and allowed to
stand to separate the resulting organic phase. The solvent in the organic phase was
distilled off in vacuo, yielding a compound in which R18 represents an ethyl group,
and R39 represents a methyl group in the above formula (25) (yield: 88%).
[0306]
In the mixed solvent of 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 10 ml of water was
dissolved 0.7 g of the compound, and then 1.1 g of 70% aqueous perchloric acid
solution was added thereto and stirred at 25°C for 1 hour. The mixture was
neutralized with sodium hydrogencarbonate, and then tetrahydrofuran was distilled
off in vacuo. Ethyl acetate was added thereto and then mixed, followed by allowing
the mixture to stand, and the resulting organic phase was separated. Ethyl acetate in
the organic phase was distilled off in vacuo, yielding a compound in which R40
represents an ethyl group, and R41 represents a methyl group in the above formula
(26) (yield: 82%).
[0307]
To a reactor were charged 0.5 g of the compound and 0.1 g of palladium-
activated carbon (palladium content: 10%>). Thereto was added 5 ml of ethyl acetate,
and pressure reduction and hydrogen introduction were repeated with stirring to
replace the air inside the reactor with hydrogen at ordinary pressure. In this state,
the mixture was stirred for 6 hours. After removing the catalyst from the reaction
mixture by filtration, ethyl acetate was distilled off in vacuo, yielding a compound in
which R42 represents ethyl and R43 represents methyl in the above formula (27)
(yield: 90%).
[0308]
To 0.3 g of the compound were added 10 ml of methyl orthoformate and a
catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid, and the mixture was heated under reflux
for 1 hour. The mixture was neutralized with sodium hydrogencarbonate, and then

methyl orthoformate was distilled off in vacuo. Subsequently, water and diethyl
ether were added thereto and then mixed, followed by allowing the mixture to stand,
and the resulting organic phase was separated. The solvent in the organic phase was
distilled off in vacuo, yielding a compound in which R44 represents ethyl, and R45
represents methyl in the above formula (28) (yield: 95%).
[0309]
In 5 ml of acetic anhydride was dissolved 0.2 g of the compound, and the
mixture was added dropwise over 1 hour to 5 ml of acetic anhydride which was
preliminarily heated under reflux. The mixture was heated under reflux for 20
minutes, and then acetic anhydride was distilled off in vacuo. To the mixture were
added a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate and diethyl ether,
followed by stirring the mixture and allowing it to stand, and the resulting organic
phase was separated. The solvent of the organic phase was distilled off, yielding a
2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanone in which R46 represents ethyl and R47 represents
methyl in the above formula (29) (yield: 88%). The ratio of the configuration of the
substituents at 2- and 3-positions of the compound was as follows:
cis-isomer : trans-isomer = 55 : 45.
Example 15
In a reactor with a volume of 0.1 L, 4.0 g of 1,3-cyclopentanedione, 6.0 g of
potassium carbonate, and 6.6 g of l-bromo-2-pentyne were added to 40 ml of water,
and the mixture was heated at 60°C for 6 hours. After adding 2 g of 5N sodium
hydroxide and 30 ml of toluene followed by stirring at 25°C, the mixture was phase-
separated and the aqueous phase was separated. Hydrochloric acid was added to the
aqueous phase, and it was adjusted to pH=l. The aqueous phase was extracted
twice with 50°C toluene and the toluene was distilled off in vacuo, yielding a
compound in which R49 represents an ethyl group and a bond is present in the dotted

line part in the above formula (31) (yield: 40%). In 20 ml of anhydrous methanol
containing 1% of hydrogen chloride was dissolved 2.0 g of the compound, and the
mixture was heated under reflux for 5 hours. After hydrogen chloride was
neutralized with sodium hydrogencarbonate, methanol was distilled off in vacuo.
After adding 20 ml of water and 20 ml of toluene, the mixture was phase-separated
and the organic phase was separated. The toluene in the organic phase was distilled
off in vacuo, yielding a compound in which R50 represents an ethyl group and R51
represents a methyl group in the above formula (32) (yield: 83%). A solution
obtained by dissolving 1.0 g of the compound in 5 ml of anhydrous methanol was
added to a solution obtained by stirring 1.33 g of dimethyl malonate, 0.61 g of
sodium methoxide, and 5 ml of anhydrous methanol for 15 minutes at 25°C
beforehand, and the mixture was heated under reflux for 20 hours. Thereto was
added lN hydrochloric acid and diethyl ether followed by mixing, and the mixture
was phase-separated and the organic phase was separated. The solvent in the
organic phase was distilled off in vacuo, yielding a compound in which R32
represents an ethyl group, R53 represents a methyl group, and a bond is present in the
dotted line part in the above formula (33) (yield: 89%).
Example 16
In a reactor with a volume of 10 ml, a mixture of 1 g (4.5 mmol) of methyl (2-
pentyl-3-keto-l-cyclopentenyl-) acetate (a compound in which R54 represents an n-
pentyl group and R55 represents a methyl group in the above formula (34)), 0.5 g (8.5
mmol) of sodium chloride, 0.2 g of water, and 3 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide was heated
at 160°C under nitrogen atmosphere for 3 hours. The mixture was cooled to 25°C,
and then 10 ml of water and 20 ml of ethyl acetate were added thereto followed by
stirring to thereby extract the product into the ethyl acetate phase. Gas

chromatographic analysis showed that the yield of 2-n-pentyl-3-methyl-2-
cyclopentenone was 82%.
Comparative Example 12
In a reactor with a volume of 0.1 L, 1 g of undecane-7,10-dione
[CH3COCH2CH2COCH2(CH2)4CH3], 7 ml of ethanol, and 25 ml of 0.5N sodium
hydroxide were mixed, and the mixture was heated under reflux under nitrogen
atmosphere for 5 hours. The mixture was cooled to 25°C, and then 20 ml of diethyl
ether was added thereto followed by stirring to thereby extract the product into the
diethyl ether phase. Gas chromatographic analysis showed that the yield of 2-n-
pentyl-3-methyl-2-cyclopentenone was 52%.
[0310]
Example 17
To the reactor (a volume of 2 L) in which the air was replaced with nitrogen
gas at ordinary pressure, was charged 1.1 L of isobutanol containing 0.7 wt% of
hydrogen chloride (prepared by preliminarily blowing hydrogen chloride therein).
The hydrogen chloride solution was heated to 80°C and stirred, and thereto was
added dropwise 264 g (1.57 mol) of n-pentyl-furylcarbinol (a compound in which
R57 represents an n-pentyl group in the above formula (36)) over 3 hours.
[0311]
After completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was stirred for further
10 minutes at the same temperature. Isobutanol was distilled off in vacuo, yielding
isobutyl 4-oxodecanoate (a compound in which R59 represents an n-pentyl group, and
R60 represents an isobutyl group in the above formula (38)). Gas chromatographic
analysis showed that the yield of isobutyl 4-oxodecanoate was 88%.
[0312]

In 200 ml of 99.5% ethanol, was dissolved 24.2 g (0.10 mol) of isobutyl 4-
oxodecanoate. Thereto was added 4.2 g (0.11 mol) of sodium borohydride in small
quantities, and then the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at 25°C. The solution
was poured into 1 L of water, and 1 L of ethyl acetate was further added thereto
followed by stirring to thereby extract the product into the ethyl acetate phase.
Ethyl acetate was distilled off followed by vacuum distillation, yielding γ-
decalactone (a compound in which R61 represents an n-pentyl group in the above
formula (39)). Gas chromatographic analysis showed that the yield of γ-decalactone
relative to isobutyl 4-oxodecanoate was 93%. In the resulting γ-decalactone, a
plastic-like flavor or acid taste was not observed at all, but it had a good peach-like
aroma.
Comparative Example 13
To an autoclave (a volume of 1 L) was charged 349 g (3.0 mol) of n-heptanol
and 0.06 g (0.27 mmol) of zinc bromide. The mixture was heated and stirred at
165°C. Into the mixture in this state was injected a mixed liquor of 57 g (0.66 mol)
of methyl acrylate and 9.9 g (0.068 mol) of di-t-butylperoxide over 6 hours. The
resulting mixture was stirred at the temperature for further 1 hour. Subsequently,
unreacted n-heptanol was distilled off followed by vacuum distillation, yielding γ-
decalactone. Gas chromatographic analysis showed that the yield of γ-decalactone
was 69%. The resulting γ-decalactone was plastic-like in odor and acidulous, which
indicated an inferior aroma.
Industrial Applicability
[0313]
The present invention makes it possible to provide a process for
stereoselectively producing a cis-2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanone useful as a



jasmine fragrance, an intermediate thereof or the like, and to provide a useful
intermediate for producing the substituted cyclopentanone and a process for
producing the intermediate.
Brief Description of the Drawing
[0314]
Figure 1 is a diagram of the progress of enolization of a 2,3-disubstituted
cyclopentanone under an acidic condition expected by a person skilled in the art.

WE CLAIM:
1. A process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone represented by the formula
(2):
[Formula 2]
(wherein R3 and R4 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, may be the same
as R1 and R2, respectively, and may be the same as each other) characterized by
hydrogenating the double bond in the five-membered ring of a compound represented by
the formula (1):
[Formula 1]

(wherein R1 and R2 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the
same as each other) in the presence of a transition metal catalyst by using a carboxylic
acid as a solvent wherein the concentration of the carboxylic acid in the reaction solution
at the start of hydrogenation is from 0.05 part by weight to 1,000 parts by weight based
on one part by weight of the compound of formula (1).
2. The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the carboxylic acid is lactic acid.
3. The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
wherein a third component soluble in the solvent and affecting catalyst activity is not
added.
4. The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
wherein the transition metal is palladium.
5. The process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
wherein the transition metal catalyst is palladium-carbon.


ABSTRACT

Title: Process for production of substituted cyclopentanone
A process for producing a substituted cyclopentanone represented by the formula (2):
[Formula 2]
(wherein R3 and R4 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, may be the same
as R1 and R2 , respectively, and may be the same as each other) characterized by
hydrogenating the double bond in the five-membered ring of a compound represented by
the formula (1):
[Formula 1]

(wherein R1 and R2 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and may be the
same as each other) in the presence of a transition metal catalyst by using a carboxylic
acid as a solvent wherein the concentration of the carboxylic acid in the reaction solution
at the start of hydrogenation is from 0.05 part by weight to 1,000 parts by weight based
on one part by weight of the compound of formula (1).

Documents:

05028-kolnp-2007-abstract.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-claims.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-correspondence others.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-description complete.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-drawings.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-form 1.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-form 2.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-form 3.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-form 5.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-gpa.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-international publication.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-international search report.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-others.pdf

05028-kolnp-2007-pct priority document notification.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-ABSTRACT.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-DRAWINGS.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-FORM 1.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-FORM 2.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-FORM 3.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-(03-11-2011)-OTHERS.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-4567-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-4567-KOLNP-2007-PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.2.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-FORM 18.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-FORM 3.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-FORM 5.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-GPA.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

5028-KOLNP-2007-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

abstract-05028-kolnp-2007.jpg


Patent Number 253299
Indian Patent Application Number 5028/KOLNP/2007
PG Journal Number 28/2012
Publication Date 13-Jul-2012
Grant Date 11-Jul-2012
Date of Filing 26-Dec-2007
Name of Patentee ASAHI KASEI CHEMICALS CORPORATION
Applicant Address 1-2, YURAKU-CHO 1-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8440
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SHIMIZU, KATSUYO 1-2, YURAKU-CHO 1-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8440
2 MATSUSHITA, FUMIO 1-2, YURAKU-CHO 1-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8440
PCT International Classification Number C07C 67/303
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP2006/312605
PCT International Filing date 2006-06-23
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2005-247039 2005-08-29 Japan
2 2005-191368 2005-06-30 Japan
3 2005-232933 2005-08-11 Japan
4 2005-321789 2005-11-07 Japan