Title of Invention	1,4-HYDROGENATION OF DIENES WITH RU COMPLEXES
Abstract	The present invention relates to the use of Ru complexes, having a cyclopentadienyl derivatives and a diene as ligands, together with some acidic additives for improving the selectivity in the 1,4-hydrogenation of conjugated dienes into the corresponding "cis "-alkene as major product, i.e. wherein the two substituents in position 2,3 of said diene are in a cis configuration in the corresponding alkene.

Title of Invention

1,4-HYDROGENATION OF DIENES WITH RU COMPLEXES

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of Ru complexes, having a cyclopentadienyl derivatives and a diene as ligands, together with some acidic additives for improving the selectivity in the 1,4-hydrogenation of conjugated dienes into the corresponding "cis "-alkene as major product, i.e. wherein the two substituents in position 2,3 of said diene are in a cis configuration in the corresponding alkene.

Full Text	1,4-HYDROGENATION OF DIENES WITH RU COMPLEXES Technical field The present invention relates to the field of catalytic hydrogenation and, more particularly to the use of specific Ru complexes with cyclopentadienyl derivatives, as one of the ligands, in 1,4-hydrogenation processes for the reduction of dienes into the corresponding "cis "-alkene as major product, i.e. wherein the two substituents in position 2,3 of the diene are in a cis configuration in the corresponding alkene. Prior Art Selective 1,4-hydrogenation of conjugated dienes into their corresponding "cis"- alkene is a very interesting reaction in organic chemistry, since it renders accessible a number of compounds which are obtained in general with a poor selectivity. One of the mandatory and characterizing elements of such processes is the catalyst or the catalytic system. The development of useful catalysts or catalytic systems for the 1,4-hydrogenation of diene into the corresponding "cis "-alkene is still an important, difficult and unpredictable task in chemistry, in particular because the chemical industry is always eager for higher selectivity, as well as to maintain a high conversion or yield. From the prior art, it is known that sorbic acid can be hydrogenated into the corresponding "cis "-alkene in the presence of [(Cp)RuCO(phosphine)](anion) or [(Cp)RuCO(sorbic acid)](anion) complexes, (see Driessen et al, in Chem.Commun., 2000, 217 or in J.Organomet.Chem, 1998, 141), however the yields (conversions x selectivity) are quite low. Furthermore, in EP 1394170, it is reported the cisoid hydrogenation of dienes using as catalytic systems the complex [(Dienyl)Ru(acyclic diene)](anion) (in particular [(Cp)Ru(sorbic acid)](anion) or [(Cp)Ru(sorbol)](anion). In this document it is expressively shown that the use of cyclic diene, instead of acyclic diene, is highly detrimental to the overall yield. The only conditions displayed as providing good yields require nitromethane as solvent, the latter being relatively toxic and hazardous for industrial applications. Finally, Table 4 of said document shows that the addition of Lewis acids is highly detrimental to the yields. Therefore, there is a need for processes using alternative catalytic systems possibly providing high selectivity and/or conversions. Description of the invention In order to overcome the problems aforementioned, the present invention relates to processes for the catalytic reduction by 1,4-hydrogenation, using molecular H2, of a conjugated diene (I) into the corresponding "cis "-alkene (II), characterized in that said process is carried out in the presence of at least an acidic additive of the type specified further below, the catalyst or pre-catalyst being a ruthenium complex comprising as ligand a cyclopentadienyl derivative. The invention's process is shown in Scheme 1: Scheme 1 wherein the R1 to R6 are the substituents of the diene and of the alkene and wherein in compound (II) the R1 and R2 groups are in a cis configuration. A particular embodiment of the invention is a process for the catalytic reduction by 1,4-hydrogenation, using molecular H2, of a C5-C22 conjugated diene of formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C12 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted; one of R2 or R6 may also represent a C1-C12 alkoxy or acyloxy group optionally substituted; and R1 and R3, or R3 and R4, or R2 and R6, or R6 and R5, or R4 and R5, taken together, may form a C2-16 alkanediyl or de-conjugated alkenediyl group, optionally substituted; into the corresponding alkene, of formula ) wherein R1 to R6 have the same meaning as for the compound of formula (I), and wherein the isomer having the R1 and R2 groups in a cis configuration is predominant (i.e. the "cis "-alkene); said process being characterized in that it is carried out in the presence of - at least one ruthenium catalyst or pre-catalyst of formula wherein L represents a C5-C25 derivative of cyclopentadienyl ligand (Cp), Diene represents a C4-C22 diene and X represents a non coordinated anion, n represent 2, 1 or 0 and L' represents a solvent; and - at least an acidic additive of the type described further below, preferably in a total amount of about 0.1, or even 0.2, to 100 molar equivalents, relative to the compound (III). Possible substituents of R1 to R6, when taken alone or together, are one or two groups which do no stop the reduction of the substrate by the catalyst. Non-limiting typical examples of such substituents are OR7, COR7, OCOR7 or COOR8, R7 representing a hydrogen atom or a C1-C12 alkyl or alkenyl group, if one of the R1 to R6 is substituted with two geminal OR7 groups, said two R7 can be bound together to form a C2-C4 alkanediyl group, R8 representing a C1-C12 alkyl or alkenyl group. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, possible substituents of R1 to R6, when taken alone or together, are OR7, OCOR7 or COOR8, R7 representing a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl or alkenyl group, if one of the R1 to R6 is substituted with two geminal OR7 groups, said two R7 can be bound together to form a C2-C4 alkanediyl group, R8 representing a C1-C6 alkyl or alkenyl group. Said R7 or R8 can even be C1-C6 alkyl group. When any of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 or R6 represent an alkenyl group, then said group can be a de-conjugated or conjugated alkenyl group. It is understood that by "de-conjugated alkenyl" it is meant that the carbon carbon double bond of said group is not conjugated with the diene moiety, i.e. does not form a conjugated triene system. It is understood that by "alkyl or de-conjugated alkenyl group" it is meant that said R to R can be in the form of, e.g., a linear, branched or (poly)cyclic group or can also be in the form of a mixture of said type of groups, e.g. a specific group may comprise a linear alkyl and a (poly)cyclic alkyl moiety, unless a specific limitation to only one type is mentioned. Concerning compound (II), since it is an olefin, it can be obtained in the form of a mixture of two isomers, i.e. the one wherein the groups R1 and R2 are in a cis configuration ("cis "-alkene (II)) or wherein the groups R1 and R2 are in a trans configuration ("trans "-alkene (II')) It is understood that according to the invention the alkene obtained is in the form of a mixture "cis "-alkene and "trans "-alkene, wherein the ratio "cis "-alkene / "trans "- alkene (cis/trans) is above 1. According to a particular embodiment, said ratio is above 4 or even above 10. In another particular embodiment, said cis/trans ratio can be above 19 or even above 30, and in some cases ratio of above 45 or more can be obtained. In any case the presence of the acidic additive in the prescribed concentration range allows to improve said ratio. The substrate (I), due to the fact that it is a diene, can be in the form of a mixture of its three configuration isomers, i.e. the (Z,Z), (E,Z) and (E,E) isomers. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the substrate is a diene comprising at least one ester or an alcohol functional group. Said diene can advantageously provide an unsaturated ester or alcohol useful in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical or perfumery industry as final product or as an intermediate. Particularly preferred substrate is a diene comprising at least one ester or an alcohol functional group, and said diene will provide an unsaturated ester or alcohol useful in the perfumery industry as final product or as an intermediate. According to another embodiment of the invention, the substrate is a compound of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl or de-conjugated alkenyl group, optionally substituted; and R1 and R3, or R3 and R4, or R2 and R6, or R6 and R5, or R4 and R5, taken together, may form a C3-10 alkanediyl or de-conjugated alkenediyl group, optionally substituted. According to another embodiment of the invention, the substrate is a compound of formula (I) wherein R1, R4 and R5 represent each a hydrogen atom; and R2, R3 and R6 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl or de-conjugated alkenyl group, optionally substituted. Possible substituents of R1 to R6, when taken alone or together, are as described above. Particular examples of substrate (I) are those of formula wherein Ra represents a linear, branched or cyclic C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably a linear or branched alkyl one; and Rb represents a (CH2)mX group, m representing 0, 1, 2 or 3, X representing a CHO, OH, OCORc, ORc or COORc group, Rc being a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl group. More specific examples are the compounds of formula (I') wherein Ra represents a methyl, ethyl or propyl group, and Rb a (CH2)mX group, m representing 0, 1, or 2, X being as defiend above. According to a particular embodiment the substrate can be sorbol, a C1-8 alkyl sorbate, or a sorbol esters of C1-8 carboxylates. Furthermore, said substrate (I') can be essentially in the form of its (Z,Z) isomer (e.g. comprising at least 99% w/w of the isomer (Z,Z)). Other particular examples of substrate (I) are those of formula wherein Rd and Re represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyle group, optionally substituted by a OH, OCORf, ORf or COORf group, Rf being a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl group, provided that Rd and Re do not represent each a hydrogen atom. More specific examples of the compounds of formula (I") can be the ocimene, myrcene, myrcenol or its C1-8 carboxylates. The process of the invention is characterized by the use, as catalyst or pre-catalyst (hereinafter referred to as complexes unless specified otherwise), of a ruthenium complex as described above. According to a particular embodiment of the invention L' can be acyclic or cyclic non aromatic ketone or esters, such as acetone or methyl acetate. The ketone can be coordinated in its enolic form. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, L can be a C6-C25 compound of formula wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group optionally substituted, or a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted; and one or two of said groups R9 can be a CF3 group, a OSiR113, OCOR10, COR10 or COOR10 group, R11 representing a C1-C11, or preferably a C1-C6, alkyl group, R10 representing a R11 or CF3 group or a phenyl group optionally substituted; and at least one R9 is an alkyl group; two adjacent R9 can be bound together to form a C2-C10 alkanediyl group. Possible substituents of R9, when representing a alkyl or alkenyl group, include one or two methyl, ethyl, methoxy or ethoxy groups. Possible substituents of R9 , when representing a phenyl group, or of R10, include one or two methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy or nitro groups or CF3, F, Cl, Br groups. According to an embodiment of the invention, L can be a C6-C20 compound of formula (IV) wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom, a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group; and one or two of said groups R9 can be a OSiR113, OCOR10, COR10 or COOR10 group, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group, R10 representing a R11 or CF3 group or a phenyl group optionally substituted, as described above; and at least one R9 is an alkyl group. According to an embodiment of the invention, L can be a C6-C20 compound of formula (IV) wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom, a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group; and one or two of said groups R9 can be a OSiR113, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group; and at least one R9 is an alkyl group. According to an embodiment of the invention, four R9 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as methyl or ethyl) and one R9 represents OSiR113, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as methyl or ethyl), and at least one R9 is an alkyl group. According to an embodiment of the invention, two R9 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as methyl or ethyl) and the three other R9 represent, simultaneously or independently, a C1-C4 alkyl groups (such as methyl or ethyl). According to another particular embodiment of the invention one R9 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group and the other R9 represent a methyl or ethyl group. In particular compound (IV) can be 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethyl-cyclopentadienyl (i.e. Cp* or C5Me5), l-ethyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethyl-cyclopentadienyl (i.e. C5EtMe4), 1,2-diethyl- 3,4,5-trimethyl-cyclopentadienyl (i.e. C5(1,2-Et2)Me3) or 1,2,3,4,5-pentaethyl- cyclopentadienyl (C5Et5). The cyclopentadiene precursor CpH of the cyclopentadienyl ligand Cp (L) mentioned above can be obtained by applying standard general methods which are well known in the state of the art and by the person skilled in the art (see for example WO 2006/051503). Some of said ligands are even commercially available. The Diene can be a C4-C22 non-aromatic hydrocarbon group comprising two carbon-carbon double bonds, said carbon-carbon double bonds can be conjugated or non- conjugated. Said Diene can be in particular a linear, branched or cyclic C5-C12 hydrocarbon diene optionally substituted by the same substituents as described for R1 to R herein above. Furthermore, it is also understood that said Diene can be the substrate itself or a different compound. According to a particular embodiment the Diene is preferably a conjugated or non conjugated cyclic C6-C12 alkadiene, and in particular one of the cyclooctadienes (COD). As typical, and non-limiting, examples of Diene, one may cite the following: cycloocta-l,5-diene, cycloocta-l,4-diene, cycloocta-l,3-diene, NBD (norbornadiene), hepta-l,4-diene, pentadiene, 2,4-dimethylpentadiene, 2,3-dimethylpentadiene, 2,3,4- trimethylpentadiene, 2,4-di(tert-butyl)- pentadiene or yet 2,4-dimethyl-l-oxapentadiene, butadiene, hexa-l,5-diene, or a compound of formula (F) or (I") as mentioned above. Particular examples of the non-coordinated anion X are ClO4-, R12SO3, wherein R12 is a chlorine of fluoride atom or an C1-C8 fluoroalkyl or fluoroaryl group, BF4-, PF6-, SbCl6-, SbF6-, or BR134-, wherein R13 is a phenyl group optionally substituted by one to five groups such as halide atoms or methyl or CF3 groups. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anion is BF4, PF6-, C6F5SO3,- BPh4-, CF3SO3- or yet B[3,5-(CF3)2C6H4]4-, even more preferably BF4. As examples of the complex (III) one may cite the following: [Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5Et5)( 1,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5Me4H)(l,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5(1,2-iPr2)Me3Xl,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5(l,2,4-tBu3)H2)(l,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5Me4tBu)(l,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5Me4(OSiMe3))(1,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5(1,2-Et2)Me3)(l,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]PF6, [Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]SbF6, [Ru(C5Me5)(1,3-COD)]ClO4, [Ru(C5Me5)(1,3-COD)]CF3SO3, [Ru(C5Me5)(NBD)(C3H6O)]BF4, [Ru(C5Me5)(1,5-hexadiene)(C3H6O)]BF4,or [Ru(C5Me5)(dimethylbutadiene)(C3H6O)]BF4. In a general way, the complexes of formula (III) can be prepared and isolated prior to their use in the process according to some methods described in the literature for example by P.J. Fagan et al. (Organometallics, 1990, 9, pg 1843-1852), F. Bouachir et al. (Organometallics, 1991, 10, pg 455-462) or P. Alvarez et al. (Organometallics, 1991, 20, pg 3762-3771), the one choosen depending on the nature of cyclopentadienyl and diene ligands and also of the non-coordinating anion. It is also understood that the complex of formula (III) can also be obtained in situ from complexes which have a similar formula and are cationic or anionic according to the standard knowledge of a person skilled in the art. For example, reaction can be run using [Ru(Cp)(COD)Y] (Y being F, Cl, Br or I and method for preparation having been described by P.J. Fagan et al. in Organometallics, 1990, 9, pg 1843-1852) as precursors in the presence of the substrate and silver or tallium salts). From the present invention, it is preferably excluded the case wherein the substrate is sorbol and the catalysts is [(Cp)Ru(COD)]X. Many of the above-mentioned complexes of formula (III) are new and therefore represent also another aspect of the present invention. In particular said new complexes (III) can be the ones wherein L is a C6-C25 compound of formula wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group optionally substituted, or a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted; and one or two of said groups R9 is a OSiR113 or OCOR10 group, R11 representing a C1-C6 alkyl group, R10 representing a R11 or CF3 group or a phenyl group optionally substituted; and at least one R9 is an alkyl group; two adjacent R9 can be bound together to form a C2-C10 alkanediyl group. Possible substituents of R9, when representing a alkyl or alkenyl group, include one or two methyl, ethyl, methoxy or ethoxy groups. Possible substituents of R9 , when representing a phenyl group, or of R10, include one or two methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy or nitro groups or CF3, F, Cl, Br groups. According to an embodiment of the invention, four R9 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as methyl or ethyl) and one R9 represents OSiR113, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as methyl or ethyl), and at least one R9 is an alkyl group. To carry out the processes of the invention, it is required also to use at least an acidic additive. By "acidic additive" it is meant a compound capable of providing at least one proton to the catalytic cycle. Said acidic additive is preferably an organic or inorganic compound having a pKa comprised between 0.8 and 7, but in the case of phenols or boron derivatives said pKa can range up to 10. Furthermore, said acidic additive can be selected from the group consisting of: - compound of formula R14(3-x)MO(OH)x, wherein R14 is a R14 or R14 O group wherein R14 is a C1-C10 group, M is P or As and x is 1 or 2; - a boron derivative of formula R14B(OH)2, wherein R14 is as defined above; and - phenol or a phenol substituted by up to three C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic groups, nitro groups or halogen atoms; - a C1-C12 mono-carboxylic non-amino acid; - a HOOCCH=CHCOOH di-acide, or the tetronic acid. By "mono-carboxylic non-amino acid" it is meant here a mono-carboxylic acid which is not substituted by a primary, secondary or tertiary amino group or heteroaromatic nitrogen derivatives. According to a particular embodiment, said Rl4(3_X)MO(OH)x acids can be a derivative wherein R14 is a C1-C8 alkyl or alkoxyl group or a C6-C8 phenyl or phenoxyl group optionally substituted, M is P or As and x is 1 or 2. Similarly said Rl4B(OH)2 acids can be those wherein R14 is a C1-C8 alkyl or alkoxyl group or a C1-C8 phenyl or phenoxyl group optionally substituted. According to another embodiment of the invention, said acid can be the phenol or a phenol substituted by one C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic group, a nitro group or a halogen atom. Furthermore, according to an other particular embodiment of the invention, said acidic additive can be a mono-carboxylic acid of formula R15COOH, wherein R15 represents a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group or a C1-C12 halogenated or per-halogenated hydrocarbon group, optionally substituted by one alcohol group or one or two ether or ester groups. According to a further embodiment, said carboxylic acid is advantageously selected from the group consisting of: - a carboxylic acid of formula R15COOH, wherein R15 represents a halogenated or per-halogenated C1-C8 hydrocarbon group; a R16CH(OR16) group, R16 being a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 hydrocarbon group; a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group, optionally substituted by one or two ether or ester groups. the optional substituent being by one, two or three C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic groups, or nitro groups or halogen atoms. One can cite, as non-limiting examples, of said acidic additive the following: (BuO)2PO(OH), (tBuO)2PO(OH), (PhO)2PO(OH), (PhCH2O)2PO(OH), tBuPO(OH)2, Ph2PO(OH), PhPO(OH)2, PhAsO(OH)2, (Me)2AsO(OH), CF3COOH, HCF2COOH, maleic or fumaric acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, sorbic, acetic or oleic acid, tetronic acid, C6H13B(OH)2, PhB(OH)2, p-OMe-benzoic, benzoic or p-(COOMe)-benzoic acid, phenol, 3,5-dimethoxy-phenol or 2-methoxy-phenol. Of course, other suitable acidic additives responding to the above description can be used. According to another embodiment of the invention, said acidic additives can be selected from the group consisting of: - a compound of formula R142MO(OH) or R14MO(OH)2, wherein R14 is a C1-C6 alkyl or alkoxyl group or a C6-C8 phenyl or phenoxyl and M is P or As; and - maleic or glycolic acid and an halogenated or per-halogenated C1-C7 mono-carboxylic acid. As previously mentioned, the processes of the invention consist in the hydrogenation of a substrate using a ruthenium complex and an acidic additive. A typical process implies the mixture of the substrate with the ruthenium complex, at least one acidic additive and optionally a solvent, and then treating such a mixture with molecular hydrogen at a chosen pressure and temperature. The complexes of the invention, an essential parameter of the process, can be added to the reaction medium in a large range of concentrations. As non-limiting examples, one can cite as complex concentration values those ranging from 0.01 mol% to 5 mol%, the molar percentage being relative to the amount of substrate. Preferably, the complex concentration will be comprised between 0.03 mol% to 2 mol%. It goes without saying that the optimum concentration of complex will depend, as the person skilled in the art knows, on the nature of the latter, on the nature of the substrate, on the nature of the solvent and on the pressure of H2 used during the process, as well as the desired time of reaction. Useful quantities of acidic additive, added to the reaction mixture, may be comprised in a relatively large range. Apart from the one above cited, one can cite, as non-limiting examples, total amounts ranging between 0.5 to 50 molar equivalents, relative to the complex, preferably 0.8 to 20, and even more preferably between about 2 and about 10 molar equivalents. The hydrogenation reaction can be carried out in the presence or absence of a solvent. When a solvent is required or used for practical reasons, then any solvent current in hydrogenation reactions can be used for the purposes of the invention. Non-limiting examples include non-aromatic solvents such as C1-C12 non aromatic ketones, esters, alkanes ethers, chlorinated alkanes and alcohols or mixtures thereof. According to an embodiment of the invention, the solvent is advantageously selected amongst the C1-C12 alkyl ketones, esters, ethers or chlorinated alkanes. In particular and as non-limiting examples one may cite the following: acetone ethyl acetate, MTBE, THF, iso-propyl acetate, Et2O, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloethane, EtoH, MeOH, pentane, hexane. The choice of the solvent can be done as a function of the nature of the complex and the person skilled in the art is well able to select the solvent most convenient in each case to optimize the hydrogenation reaction. In the hydrogenation process of the invention, the reaction can be carried out at a H2 pressure comprised between 105 Pa and 80x105 Pa (1 to 80 bars) or even more if desired. Again, a person skilled in the art is well able to adjust the pressure as a function of the catalyst load and of the dilution of the substrate in the solvent. As examples, one can cite typical pressures of 1 to 30xl05 Pa (1 to 30 bar). The temperature at which the hydrogenation can be carried out is comprised between 0°C and 120°C, more preferably in the range of between 40°C and 100°C. Of course, a person skilled in the art is also able to select the preferred temperature as a function of the melting and boiling point of the starting and final products as well as the desired time of reaction or conversion. Examples The invention will now be described in further detail by way of the following examples, wherein the temperatures are indicated in degrees centigrade and the abbreviations have the usual meaning in the art. All the procedures described hereafter have been carried out under an inert atmosphere unless stated otherwise. Hydrogenations were carried out in open glass tubes placed inside a stainless steel autoclave. H2 gas (99.99990%) was used as received. All substrates and solvents were distilled from appropriate drying agents under Ar. NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker AM-400 (400 MHz) spectrometer and normally measured at 300 K, in CD2Cl2 unless indicated otherwise. Chemical shifts are listed in ppm and coupling constant J are in Hz. Example 1 A) Synthesis of cyclopentadienes Cyclopentadienes were synthesized starting from substituted cyclopentenones prepared according to procedure previously described in patent WO 2006051503. Cyclopentadienes were generally obtained in high molar yields (>80%) and purity (> 95%). Rn is an alkyl or alkenyl group A solution of cyclopentenone (1 equivalents) in THF (1.6 M) was added at 0°C under inert atmosphere to a solution of RnMgCl (1.2 equivalents). Reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 3 hours. Acetic acid 10% was then added to the reaction mixture and the organic phase was extracted with Et20. HCl (20% in water) was added to the organic phase and allowed to stir for 30 minutes. The organic phase was then neutralized with NaHCO3 (5% in water). Washing with water, drying and evaporation of solvent gave a crude product, which was purified by distillation. R"=H Cyclopentenenones were reduced by NaBH4 (0.5 equivalents) in EtOH under inert atmosphere. After work-up, the crude products were purified by fractionated distillation. Rn= alkoxy or siloxy A solution of Li(NiPr)2 (1.2 equivalents) in THF (2M) was added to a solution of cyclopentanone (1 equivalent) in THF (0.1 M) at -78°C. After 1 hour stirring the alkyl halide Rn-halide or the siloxy halide (R11)3Si-halide (1.5 equivalents) was added to the reaction mixture. Reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 5hours. Reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness and n-hexane was added. The solid salts were eliminated by filtration and the solution was then evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by distillation. Ligand C5(1,2,4-tBu3)H2 was synthesized according to the literature (E. V. Dehmlow, C. Bollmann, Z.Naturforsch., 1993, 48b, 457-460). B) Catalyst synthesis Ruthenium catalysts were synthesized according to three different ways depending on the nature of cyclopentadienyle and diene ligands but also of the counter-ion. All the solvent used were dried and stored under inert atmosphere. Method 1: [Ru(L)(l,3-COD]BF4 complexes with L being a cyclopentadienyl ligand bearing no aromatic groups were obtained in two steps starting from [Ru(COD)(COT)], via [(CODyl)2RuH][BF4], both obtained according to a procedure previously described by F.Bouachir, B. Chaudret, F. Dahan, F. Agbossou, I. Tkatchenko, Organometallics, 1991, 10,455-462. To [Ru(CODyl)2H]BF4 in solution in CH2Cl2 (0.05 M) under inert atmosphere was added a stoechiometric amount of the desired substituted cyclopentadiene derivative L (1 equivalent / Ru) and reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. It was then concentrated to dryness. [(L)Ru(l,3-COD][BF4] complexes were crystallized from a CH2Cl2/Et2O mixture. It was obtained in more than 80% molar yield after filtration and drying under vacuum. [Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]BF4: 1H NMR (233°K): 6.44 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.89 (m, 2H); 3.38 (m, 2H); 1.89 (m, 2H); 1.85 (s, 15H); 1.50 (m,2H); 1.41 (m, 1H); 0.35 (q, J=13.6, 1H);-10.41 (s broad, 1H). 13C NMR (233°K): 106.36, 98.30, 83.88, 40.94, 21.92, 18.89, 10.27. [Ru(C5Et5)( 1,3-COD)]BF4: 1H NMR(233K): 6.41 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.87 (m, 2H); 3.36 (m, 2H); 2.20 (q, J= 7.5, 10H); 1.91 (m, 2H); 1.47 (m, 2H); 1.40 (m, 1H); 1.22(t, J=7.52, 15H); 0.37 (m, 1H);-10.48 (s broad, 1H). 13CNMR(233K): 102.61,91.20,77.49,48.92,29.35,21.98, 10.01. [Ru(C5Me4H)( 1,3-COD)]BF4: 1H NMR(233K): 6.46 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 5.37 (s, 2H); 4.97 (m, 2H); 3.43 (m, 2H); 1.87 (dt, J=4.12, 15.68, 2H); 1.77 (s, 6H); 1.74 (s, 6H); 1.50 (m, 2H); 1.37 (dt, J=3.4, 15.0, 1H) 13CNMR(233K): 106.59, 100.01,99.30,83.79,82.64,40.76,21.93, 18.88, 11.56,9.76. [Ru(C5Me4tBu)( 1,3-COD)]BF4: 1H NMR (233K): 6.51 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.93 (m, 2H); 3.41 (m, 2H); 1.96 (m, 2H); 1.91 (s, 6H); 1.66 (s, 6H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.51 (s, 9H); 1.44 (m, 1H); 0.48 (m,lH); -10.35 (s broad, 1H). I3C NMR (233K): 108.79, 106.83, 99.73, 99.21, 84.21, 41.77, 33.84, 32.47, 22.31, 18.91, 13.18,9.97. [Ru(C5(l,2-iPr2)Me3)(1,3-COD)]BF4: 1H NMR(233K):. 6.54(t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.97(m, 2H); 3.51 (m, 2H); 2.88 (m, 2H)1.96 (dt, J=3.4, 15.7, 2H); 1.83 (s, 6H); 1.54 (m, 2H); 1.51 (s, 3H); 1.45 (m, 1H); 1.36(d, J=6.8, 6H); 1.32(d, J=7.5, 6H); 0.44 (qt, J=3.4, 14.3, 1H); -10.36 (s broad, 1H). 13C NMR (233K): 102.61, 91.20, 95.71, 77.49, 48.92, 29.35, 21.98, 10.01. [Ru(C5Me4(Me3 S iO))( 1,3-COD)]BF4: 1H NMR (233K): 6.23 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.74 (m, 2H); 3.34 (m, 2H); 2.03 (s, 6H); 1.47 (s, 6H); 1.51 (m, 2H); 1.35 (m, 1H); 0.38 (m,lH); 0.03 (s, 9H); 9.19 (s broad, 1H). 13C NMR (233K): 138.96, 106.79, 92.85, 90.86, 86.49, 83.59, 39.76, 22.25, 19.35, 9.26, 9.18, 0.00. [Ru(C5(l,2,4-tBu3)H2)(1,3-COD)]BF4: 1H NMR (233K): 7.02 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 5.51 (m, 2H); 5.22 (s, 2H); 3.97 (m, 2H); 2.01 (m, 2H); 1.54 (m, 2H); 1.49 (m, 1H); 1.35 (s, 18H); 1.19 (s, 9H); 0.48 (m,lH); 10.89 (s broad, 1H). 13C NMR (233K): 114.06, 112.76, 106.98, 83.66, 81.94, 36.93, 33.31, 31.35, 31.21, 30.78,21.58, 18.60. Method 2: [Ru(LXdiene)]X complexes with cyclopentadienyl ligand bearing no aromatic groups could also be obtained according to a multi-steps procedure previously described by ] P. J. Fagan, M. D. Ward, J. C. Calabrese, J. Am. Chem, Soc, 1989, 111, 1698-1719 or by P. J. Fagan, W. S. Mahoney, j. C. Calabrese, I. D. Williams, Organometallics, 1990, 9, 1843-1852. [Ru(L)Cl2]n was first obtained reacting RuCl3xH20 in EtOH (0.25 M) with an excess of the desired substituted cyclopentadiene derivative L (2.5 equivalents/Ru). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux under inert atmosphere for 3 hours and then cooled down to room temperature. Desired product was recovered by filtration. It was obtained in more than 70% molar yield after washings with EtOH and drying under vacuum. [Ru(L)Cl]4 was then obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of a [Ru(L)Cl2]n suspension in THF (0.6 M) with 1 equivalent/Ru of a 1 M lithium triethylborohydride solution in THF. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, reaction mixture was filtered under inert atmosphere. Recovered product was obtained in more than 75 % molar yield after washing with THF and drying under vacuum. [Ru(L)(diene)Cl] was obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of [Ru(L)Cl]4 in solution in THF (0.05 M) with a slight excess of the desired diene (1.5 equivalents / Ru). After stirring for 1 hour, reaction mixture was filtered under inert atmosphere and the retrieved solution was concentrated to dryness. The obtained residue was precipitated by trituration in pentane and solid product was retrieved by filtration under inert atmosphere. It was obtained in more than 75% molar yield after washing with pentane and drying under vacuum. [Ru(L)(diene)]X was obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of [Ru(L)(diene)Cl] in solution in acetone (0.25 M) with stoechiometric amount (1 equivalents / Ru) of AgX. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, reaction mixture was filtered under inert atmosphere and the retrieved solution was concentrated to dryness. [Ru(L)(diene)]X was crystallized from a CH2Cl2/Et20 mixture. It was obtained in more than 75% molar yield after filtration drying under vacuum. It is worth noticing that product was sometimes obtained as the acetone adduct depending mainly on the nature of the diene, acetone being then coordinated to the ruthenium centre as the ketone or enol form (observed by IR spectroscopy). [Ru(C5Me5)(NBD)]BF4: 1H NMR(298K); 4.61 (m, 2H); 4.52 (m, 2H); 4.26 (m, 2H); 3.86 (m, 2H); 1.55 (s, 15H). 13C NMR (298K): 94.95, 78.43, 65.53, 64.54, 51.99, 9.48. [Ru(C5Me5)(dimethylbutadiene)]BF4: 1H NMR (298K); 4.01 (s, 4H); 1.96 (s, 6H); 1.55 (s, 15H). 13C NMR (298K): 108.63, 97.33, 59.22, 32.25, 19.14, 9.26. [Ru(C5Me5)(2,4-hexadienylacetate)]BF4: 1H NMR(298K): 6.32 (dq, J= 6.84,15.17, 1H) ; 5.85 (m, 1H); 5.36 (m, 1H); 4.43 (d, J = 6.08, 1H); 4.29 (t, J= 10.6, 1H); 3.08 (d, J= 10.6, 1H), 1.94 (s, 3H), 1.63 (dd, J = 1.52, 6.84, 3H), 1.56 (s, 15H). 13C NMR (298K): 193.99, 139.07, 129.67, 106.23, 102.23, 91.88, 66.31, 25.52, 19.84, 9.38. [Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]CF3SO3: 1H NMR(233K): 6.45 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.91 (m, 2H); 3.39 (m, 2H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.85 (s, 15H);1.51 (m, 2H); 1.40 (m, 1H); 0.37 (qt, J=3.4, 13.64, 1H); 10.40 (s broad, 1H). 13C NMR (233K): 106.59, 98.42, 84.29, 41.29, 22.01, 18.92, 10.08. [Ru(C5Me5)(1,3-COD)]PF6: 1HNMR(233K): 6.39 (t, J=6.8Hz, 1H); 4.86 (m, 2H); 3.37 (m, 2H); 1.91(m, 2H); 1.84 (s, 15H);1.51 (m, 2H); 1.41 (m, 1H); 0.37 (qt, J=3.4, 14.4, 1H);-10.41 (s broad, 1H). 13C NMR (233K): 106.49, 98.46, 84.20, 41.32, 21.99, 18.90, 10.04. [Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]ClO4: 1H NMR (233K): 6.45 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.91 (m, 2H); 3.39 (m, 2H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.86 (s, 15H);1.53 (m, 2H); 1.41 (m, 1H); 0.38 (qt, J=3.4, 14.4, 1H);-10.38 (s broad, 1H). 13C NMR (233K): 106.58, 98.43, 84.28, 41.31, 22.01, 18.94, 10.11 [Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]SbF6: 1H NMR(233K): 6.38 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.85 (m, 2H); 3.37 (m, 2H); 1.91(m, 2H); 1.84 (s, 15H);1.51 (m, 2H); 1.42 (m, 1H); 0.38 (qt, J=3.4, 14.4, 1H);-10.39 (s broad, 1H). 13C NMR (233K): 106.49, 98.49, 84.22, 41.37, 22.01, 18.91, 10.04. Method 3: [Ru(L)(COD)]BF4 complexes with cyclopentadienyl ligands L bearing aromatic groups were obtained according to a multi-step procedure previously described by P. Alvarez, J. Gimeno, E. Lastra, S. Garcia-Granda, J. F. Van der Maelen, M. Bassetti, Organometallics, 2001, 20, 3762-3771. [Ru(L)(diene)Cl] was obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of [Ru(diene)C12] in suspension in THF (0.05) with a stoechiometric amount (1 equivalents/Ru) of a freshly prepared solution of L sodium salt in THF. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature, a slight excess (1.2 equivalents / Ru) of HCl in solution in Et2O (2 M) was added to reaction mixture that was stirred at this temperature for an additional hour. It was then filtered under inert atmosphere and the retrieved solution was concentrated to dryness. The obtained residue was precipitated by trituration in pentane and solid product was retrieved by filtration under inert atmosphere. It was obtained in more than 70% molar yield after washing with pentane and drying under vacuum. [Ru(L)(diene)]] was obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of [Ru(L)(diene)Cl] in solution in acetone (0.25 M) with stoechiometric amount (1 equivalent/Ru) of AgX. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, reaction mixture was filtered under inert atmosphere and the retrieved solution was concentrated to dryness. [Ru(L)(diene)]X was crystallized from a CH2Cl2/Ft2O mixture. It was obtained in more than 75% molar yield after filtration drying under vacuum. It is worth noticing that product was sometimes obtained as the acetone adduct depending mainly on the nature of the diene, acetone being then coordinated to the ruthenium centre as the ketone or enol form. Example 2 Hydrogenation processes according to the invention Typical hydrogenation reaction procedure Substrate, solvent, [Ru(L)(Diene)]X and the acidic additive according to the invention were loaded altogether under inert atmosphere an autoclave and the mixture was purged at room temperature with nitrogen (2 bars, 3 times) and then hydrogen (2 bars, 3 times) under stirring. The autoclave was then pressurized to the desired hydrogen pressure and heated at the desired temperature. The reaction was followed by hydrogen absorption monitoring and/or GC analysis sampling. The ruthenium catalyst was easily removed by distillation on residues and product isomers mixture was usually recovered in more than 90% molar yield. The results obtained are summarized in the following tables. Table 1 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity • reaction type: Table 6 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity influence of the Diene • reaction type: L' being acetone in its ketone or enol form (n: 0 or 1) Table 7 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity influence of the ligand L • reaction type: Table 8 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity influence of the anion X • reaction type: Table 9 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity influence of the ligand L • reaction type: Table 10 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity influence of the Diene • reaction type: Claims 1. A process for the catalytic reduction by 1,4-hydrogenation, using molecular H2, of a C5-C22 conjugated diene of formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C12 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted; one of R2 or R6 may also represent a C1-C12 alkoxy or acyloxy group optionally substituted; and R1 and R3, or R3 and R4, or R2 and R6, or R6 and R5, or R4 and R5, taken together, may form a C2-16 alkanediyl or de-conjugated alkenediyl group, optionally substituted; into the corresponding alkene, of formula wherein R1 to R6 have the same meaning as for the compound of formula (I), and wherein the isomer having the R1 and R2 groups in a cis configuration is predominant; said process being characterized in that it is carried out in the presence of - at least one ruthenium catalyst or pre-catalyst of formula wherein L represents a C5-C25 substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand, Diene represents a C4-C22 diene and X represents a non coordinated anion, n represent 2, 1 or 0 and L represents a solvent; and - at least an acidic additive selected from the group consisting of: a compound of formula R14(3-x)MO(OH)X, wherein R14 is a R14 or R14 O group wherein R14 is a C1-C10 group, M is P or As and x is 1 or 2; and a boron derivative of formula R14B(OH)2, wherein R14 is as defined above; and phenol or a phenol substituted by up to three C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic groups, nitro groups or halogen atoms; and a C1-C12 mono-carboxylic non-amino acid; and a HOOCCH=CHCOOH di-acide, and the tetronic acid; provided that the processes wherein compound (I) is sorbol and compound (III) is of formula [Ru(Cp*)(COD)]X are excluded. 2. A process according to claim 1, characterised in that L is a C6-C25 compound of formula wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group optionally substituted, or a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted; and one or two of said groups R9 can be a CF3 group, a OSiR113, OCOR10, COR10 or COOR10 group, R11 representing a C1-C11 alkyl group, R10 representing a R11 or CF3 group or a phenyl group optionally substituted; and at least one R9 is an alkyl group; two adjacent R9 can be bound together to form a C2-C10 alkanediyl group. 3. A process according to claim 2, characterised in that two R9 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group and the three other R9 represent, simultaneously or independently, a C1-C4 alkyl groups. 4. A process according to claim 2, characterised in that four R9 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group and one R9 represents OSiR113, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group, and at least one R9 is an alkyl group. 5. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that Diene is a conjugated or non conjugated cyclic C6-C12 alkadiene. 6. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that X is ClO4-, R12SO3_, wherein R12 is a chlorine of fluoride atom or an C1-C8 fluoroalkyl or fluoroaryl group, BF4-, PF6-, SbCl6-, SbF6-, or BR134-, wherein R13 is a phenyl group optionally substituted by one to five halide atoms or methyl or CF3 groups 7. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, said mono-carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid of formula R15COOH, wherein R15 represents: a halogenated or per-halogenated C1-C8 hydrocarbon group; a Rl6CH(OR16) group, R16 being a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 hydrocarbon group; a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group, optionally substituted by one or two ether or ester groups; the optional substituent being by one, two or three C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic groups, or nitro groups or halogen atoms. 8. A process according to claim 7, characterised in that said acidic additive is selected from the group consisting of - a compound of formula R142MO(OH) or R14MO(OH)2, wherein R14 is a C1-C6 alkyl or alkoxyl group or a C6-C8 phenyl or phenoxyl and M is P or As; and - maleic or glycolic acid and an halogenated or per-halogenated C1-C7 mono-carboxylic acid. 9. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the conjugated diene of formula (I) is a compound of formula (I') wherein Ra represents a linear, branched or cyclic C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyle group; and Rb represents a (CH2)nX group, n representing 0, 1, 2 or 3, X representing a CHO, OH, OCORc, ORc or COORc group, Rc being a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl group; or of formula (I"): wherein Rd and Re represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyle group, optionally substituted by a OH, OCORf, ORf or COORf group, Rf being a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl group, provided that Rd and Re do not represent each a hydrogen atom. 10. A ruthenium complex of formula [Ru(L)(Diene)(L')a]X (III) wherein Diene represents a C4-C22 diene and X represents a non coordinated anion, n represents 2, 1 or 0 and L' represents a solvent; and L represents a C6-C25 compound of formula wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group optionally substituted, or a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted; and one or two of said groups R9 is a OSiR113 or OCOR10 group, R11 representing a C1-C6 alkyl group, R10 representing a Rn or CF3 group or a phenyl group optionally substituted; and at least one R9 is an alkyl group; two adjacent R9 can be bound together to form a C2- C10 alkanediyl group. The present invention relates to the use of Ru complexes, having a cyclopentadienyl derivatives and a diene as ligands, together with some acidic additives for improving the selectivity in the 1,4-hydrogenation of conjugated dienes into the corresponding "cis "-alkene as major product, i.e. wherein the two substituents in position 2,3 of said diene are in a cis configuration in the corresponding alkene.

Full Text

1,4-HYDROGENATION OF DIENES WITH RU COMPLEXES
Technical field
The present invention relates to the field of catalytic hydrogenation and, more
particularly to the use of specific Ru complexes with cyclopentadienyl derivatives, as one
of the ligands, in 1,4-hydrogenation processes for the reduction of dienes into the
corresponding "cis "-alkene as major product, i.e. wherein the two substituents in position
2,3 of the diene are in a cis configuration in the corresponding alkene.
Prior Art
Selective 1,4-hydrogenation of conjugated dienes into their corresponding "cis"-
alkene is a very interesting reaction in organic chemistry, since it renders accessible a
number of compounds which are obtained in general with a poor selectivity.
One of the mandatory and characterizing elements of such processes is the catalyst
or the catalytic system. The development of useful catalysts or catalytic systems for the
1,4-hydrogenation of diene into the corresponding "cis "-alkene is still an important,
difficult and unpredictable task in chemistry, in particular because the chemical industry
is always eager for higher selectivity, as well as to maintain a high conversion or yield.
From the prior art, it is known that sorbic acid can be hydrogenated into the
corresponding "cis "-alkene in the presence of [(Cp*)RuCO(phosphine)](anion) or
[(Cp*)RuCO(sorbic acid)](anion) complexes, (see Driessen et al, in Chem.Commun.,
2000, 217 or in J.Organomet.Chem, 1998, 141), however the yields (conversions x
selectivity) are quite low.
Furthermore, in EP 1394170, it is reported the cisoid hydrogenation of dienes
using as catalytic systems the complex [(Dienyl)Ru(acyclic diene)](anion) (in particular
[(Cp*)Ru(sorbic acid)](anion) or [(Cp*)Ru(sorbol)](anion). In this document it is
expressively shown that the use of cyclic diene, instead of acyclic diene, is highly
detrimental to the overall yield. The only conditions displayed as providing good yields
require nitromethane as solvent, the latter being relatively toxic and hazardous for
industrial applications. Finally, Table 4 of said document shows that the addition of Lewis
acids is highly detrimental to the yields.
Therefore, there is a need for processes using alternative catalytic systems
possibly providing high selectivity and/or conversions.

Description of the invention
In order to overcome the problems aforementioned, the present invention relates to
processes for the catalytic reduction by 1,4-hydrogenation, using molecular H2, of a
conjugated diene (I) into the corresponding "cis "-alkene (II), characterized in that said
process is carried out in the presence of at least an acidic additive of the type specified
further below, the catalyst or pre-catalyst being a ruthenium complex comprising as
ligand a cyclopentadienyl derivative.
The invention's process is shown in Scheme 1:
Scheme 1

wherein the R1 to R6 are the substituents of the diene and of the alkene and wherein in
compound (II) the R1 and R2 groups are in a cis configuration.
A particular embodiment of the invention is a process for the catalytic reduction
by 1,4-hydrogenation, using molecular H2, of a C5-C22 conjugated diene of formula

wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 represent, simultaneously or independently from
each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C12 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted;
one of R2 or R6 may also represent a C1-C12 alkoxy or acyloxy group optionally
substituted; and
R1 and R3, or R3 and R4, or R2 and R6, or R6 and R5, or R4 and R5, taken together,
may form a C2-16 alkanediyl or de-conjugated alkenediyl group, optionally
substituted;
into the corresponding alkene, of formula

)
wherein R1 to R6 have the same meaning as for the compound of formula (I), and
wherein the isomer having the R1 and R2 groups in a cis configuration is predominant
(i.e. the "cis "-alkene);
said process being characterized in that it is carried out in the presence of
- at least one ruthenium catalyst or pre-catalyst of formula

wherein L represents a C5-C25 derivative of cyclopentadienyl ligand (Cp), Diene
represents a C4-C22 diene and X represents a non coordinated anion, n represent 2, 1
or 0 and L' represents a solvent; and
- at least an acidic additive of the type described further below, preferably in a total
amount of about 0.1, or even 0.2, to 100 molar equivalents, relative to the
compound (III).
Possible substituents of R1 to R6, when taken alone or together, are one or two
groups which do no stop the reduction of the substrate by the catalyst. Non-limiting
typical examples of such substituents are OR7, COR7, OCOR7 or COOR8, R7 representing
a hydrogen atom or a C1-C12 alkyl or alkenyl group, if one of the R1 to R6 is substituted
with two geminal OR7 groups, said two R7 can be bound together to form a C2-C4
alkanediyl group, R8 representing a C1-C12 alkyl or alkenyl group.
According to a particular embodiment of the invention, possible substituents of R1
to R6, when taken alone or together, are OR7, OCOR7 or COOR8, R7 representing a
hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl or alkenyl group, if one of the R1 to R6 is substituted with
two geminal OR7 groups, said two R7 can be bound together to form a C2-C4 alkanediyl
group, R8 representing a C1-C6 alkyl or alkenyl group. Said R7 or R8 can even be C1-C6
alkyl group.
When any of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 or R6 represent an alkenyl group, then said group
can be a de-conjugated or conjugated alkenyl group. It is understood that by

"de-conjugated alkenyl" it is meant that the carbon carbon double bond of said group is
not conjugated with the diene moiety, i.e. does not form a conjugated triene system.
It is understood that by "alkyl or de-conjugated alkenyl group" it is meant that said
R to R can be in the form of, e.g., a linear, branched or (poly)cyclic group or can also be
in the form of a mixture of said type of groups, e.g. a specific group may comprise a
linear alkyl and a (poly)cyclic alkyl moiety, unless a specific limitation to only one type is
mentioned.
Concerning compound (II), since it is an olefin, it can be obtained in the form of a
mixture of two isomers, i.e. the one wherein the groups R1 and R2 are in a cis
configuration ("cis "-alkene (II)) or wherein the groups R1 and R2 are in a trans
configuration ("trans "-alkene (II'))

It is understood that according to the invention the alkene obtained is in the form
of a mixture "cis "-alkene and "trans "-alkene, wherein the ratio "cis "-alkene / "trans "-
alkene (cis/trans) is above 1. According to a particular embodiment, said ratio is above 4
or even above 10. In another particular embodiment, said cis/trans ratio can be above 19
or even above 30, and in some cases ratio of above 45 or more can be obtained. In any
case the presence of the acidic additive in the prescribed concentration range allows to
improve said ratio.
The substrate (I), due to the fact that it is a diene, can be in the form of a mixture
of its three configuration isomers, i.e. the (Z,Z), (E,Z) and (E,E) isomers.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the substrate is a diene
comprising at least one ester or an alcohol functional group. Said diene can
advantageously provide an unsaturated ester or alcohol useful in the pharmaceutical,
agrochemical or perfumery industry as final product or as an intermediate. Particularly
preferred substrate is a diene comprising at least one ester or an alcohol functional group,
and said diene will provide an unsaturated ester or alcohol useful in the perfumery
industry as final product or as an intermediate.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the substrate is a compound of
formula (I) wherein
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a
hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl or de-conjugated alkenyl group, optionally substituted;
and
R1 and R3, or R3 and R4, or R2 and R6, or R6 and R5, or R4 and R5, taken together, may
form a C3-10 alkanediyl or de-conjugated alkenediyl group, optionally substituted.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the substrate is a compound of
formula (I) wherein
R1, R4 and R5 represent each a hydrogen atom; and
R2, R3 and R6 represent, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen
atom or a C1-C8 alkyl or de-conjugated alkenyl group, optionally substituted.
Possible substituents of R1 to R6, when taken alone or together, are as described
above.
Particular examples of substrate (I) are those of formula

wherein Ra represents a linear, branched or cyclic C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably
a linear or branched alkyl one; and
Rb represents a (CH2)mX group, m representing 0, 1, 2 or 3, X representing a CHO, OH,
OCORc, ORc or COORc group, Rc being a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl group.
More specific examples are the compounds of formula (I') wherein Ra represents a
methyl, ethyl or propyl group, and Rb a (CH2)mX group, m representing 0, 1, or 2, X
being as defiend above. According to a particular embodiment the substrate can be sorbol,
a C1-8 alkyl sorbate, or a sorbol esters of C1-8 carboxylates.
Furthermore, said substrate (I') can be essentially in the form of its (Z,Z) isomer
(e.g. comprising at least 99% w/w of the isomer (Z,Z)).
Other particular examples of substrate (I) are those of formula

wherein Rd and Re represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyle group,
optionally substituted by a OH, OCORf, ORf or COORf group, Rf being a C1-C8 alkyl or
alkenyl group, provided that Rd and Re do not represent each a hydrogen atom.
More specific examples of the compounds of formula (I") can be the ocimene,
myrcene, myrcenol or its C1-8 carboxylates.
The process of the invention is characterized by the use, as catalyst or pre-catalyst
(hereinafter referred to as complexes unless specified otherwise), of a ruthenium complex
as described above.
According to a particular embodiment of the invention L' can be acyclic or cyclic
non aromatic ketone or esters, such as acetone or methyl acetate. The ketone can be
coordinated in its enolic form.
According to a particular embodiment of the invention, L can be a C6-C25
compound of formula

wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen
atom, a phenyl group optionally substituted, or a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally
substituted; and
one or two of said groups R9 can be a CF3 group, a OSiR113, OCOR10, COR10 or COOR10
group, R11 representing a C1-C11, or preferably a C1-C6, alkyl group, R10 representing a
R11 or CF3 group or a phenyl group optionally substituted; and
at least one R9 is an alkyl group; two adjacent R9 can be bound together to form a C2-C10
alkanediyl group.
Possible substituents of R9, when representing a alkyl or alkenyl group, include
one or two methyl, ethyl, methoxy or ethoxy groups. Possible substituents of R9 , when
representing a phenyl group, or of R10, include one or two methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy
or nitro groups or CF3, F, Cl, Br groups.
According to an embodiment of the invention, L can be a C6-C20 compound of
formula (IV) wherein

each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom, a
C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group; and
one or two of said groups R9 can be a OSiR113, OCOR10, COR10 or COOR10 group, R11
representing a C1-C4 alkyl group, R10 representing a R11 or CF3 group or a phenyl group
optionally substituted, as described above; and
at least one R9 is an alkyl group.
According to an embodiment of the invention, L can be a C6-C20 compound of
formula (IV) wherein
each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom, a
C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group; and
one or two of said groups R9 can be a OSiR113, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group; and
at least one R9 is an alkyl group.
According to an embodiment of the invention, four R9 represent, simultaneously or
independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as methyl
or ethyl) and one R9 represents OSiR113, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as
methyl or ethyl), and at least one R9 is an alkyl group.
According to an embodiment of the invention, two R9 represent, simultaneously or
independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as methyl
or ethyl) and the three other R9 represent, simultaneously or independently, a C1-C4 alkyl
groups (such as methyl or ethyl).
According to another particular embodiment of the invention one R9 represents a
hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group and the other R9 represent a methyl or ethyl
group. In particular compound (IV) can be 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethyl-cyclopentadienyl (i.e.
Cp* or C5Me5), l-ethyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethyl-cyclopentadienyl (i.e. C5EtMe4), 1,2-diethyl-
3,4,5-trimethyl-cyclopentadienyl (i.e. C5(1,2-Et2)Me3) or 1,2,3,4,5-pentaethyl-
cyclopentadienyl (C5Et5).
The cyclopentadiene precursor CpH of the cyclopentadienyl ligand Cp (L)
mentioned above can be obtained by applying standard general methods which are well
known in the state of the art and by the person skilled in the art (see for example
WO 2006/051503). Some of said ligands are even commercially available.
The Diene can be a C4-C22 non-aromatic hydrocarbon group comprising two
carbon-carbon double bonds, said carbon-carbon double bonds can be conjugated or non-
conjugated. Said Diene can be in particular a linear, branched or cyclic C5-C12

hydrocarbon diene optionally substituted by the same substituents as described for R1 to
R herein above. Furthermore, it is also understood that said Diene can be the substrate
itself or a different compound.
According to a particular embodiment the Diene is preferably a conjugated or non
conjugated cyclic C6-C12 alkadiene, and in particular one of the cyclooctadienes (COD).
As typical, and non-limiting, examples of Diene, one may cite the following:
cycloocta-l,5-diene, cycloocta-l,4-diene, cycloocta-l,3-diene, NBD (norbornadiene),
hepta-l,4-diene, pentadiene, 2,4-dimethylpentadiene, 2,3-dimethylpentadiene, 2,3,4-
trimethylpentadiene, 2,4-di(tert-butyl)- pentadiene or yet 2,4-dimethyl-l-oxapentadiene,
butadiene, hexa-l,5-diene, or a compound of formula (F) or (I") as mentioned above.
Particular examples of the non-coordinated anion X are ClO4-, R12SO3, wherein
R12 is a chlorine of fluoride atom or an C1-C8 fluoroalkyl or fluoroaryl group, BF4-, PF6-,
SbCl6-, SbF6-, or BR134-, wherein R13 is a phenyl group optionally substituted by one to
five groups such as halide atoms or methyl or CF3 groups.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anion is BF4, PF6-,
C6F5SO3,- BPh4-, CF3SO3- or yet B[3,5-(CF3)2C6H4]4-, even more preferably BF4.
As examples of the complex (III) one may cite the following:
[Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5Et5)( 1,3-COD)]BF4,
[Ru(C5Me4H)(l,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5(1,2-iPr2)Me3Xl,3-COD)]BF4,
[Ru(C5(l,2,4-tBu3)H2)(l,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5Me4tBu)(l,3-COD)]BF4,
[Ru(C5Me4(OSiMe3))(1,3-COD)]BF4, [Ru(C5(1,2-Et2)Me3)(l,3-COD)]BF4,
[Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]PF6, [Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]SbF6,
[Ru(C5Me5)(1,3-COD)]ClO4, [Ru(C5Me5)(1,3-COD)]CF3SO3,
[Ru(C5Me5)(NBD)(C3H6O)]BF4, [Ru(C5Me5)(1,5-hexadiene)(C3H6O)]BF4,or
[Ru(C5Me5)(dimethylbutadiene)(C3H6O)]BF4.
In a general way, the complexes of formula (III) can be prepared and isolated prior
to their use in the process according to some methods described in the literature for
example by P.J. Fagan et al. (Organometallics, 1990, 9, pg 1843-1852), F. Bouachir et al.
(Organometallics, 1991, 10, pg 455-462) or P. Alvarez et al. (Organometallics, 1991, 20,
pg 3762-3771), the one choosen depending on the nature of cyclopentadienyl and diene
ligands and also of the non-coordinating anion.
It is also understood that the complex of formula (III) can also be obtained in situ

from complexes which have a similar formula and are cationic or anionic according to the
standard knowledge of a person skilled in the art. For example, reaction can be run using
[Ru(Cp*)(COD)Y] (Y being F, Cl, Br or I and method for preparation having been
described by P.J. Fagan et al. in Organometallics, 1990, 9, pg 1843-1852) as precursors in
the presence of the substrate and silver or tallium salts).
From the present invention, it is preferably excluded the case wherein the substrate
is sorbol and the catalysts is [(Cp*)Ru(COD)]X.
Many of the above-mentioned complexes of formula (III) are new and therefore
represent also another aspect of the present invention.
In particular said new complexes (III) can be the ones wherein L is a C6-C25
compound of formula

wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen
atom, a phenyl group optionally substituted, or a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally
substituted; and
one or two of said groups R9 is a OSiR113 or OCOR10 group, R11 representing a C1-C6
alkyl group, R10 representing a R11 or CF3 group or a phenyl group optionally substituted;
and
at least one R9 is an alkyl group; two adjacent R9 can be bound together to form a C2-C10
alkanediyl group.
Possible substituents of R9, when representing a alkyl or alkenyl group, include
one or two methyl, ethyl, methoxy or ethoxy groups. Possible substituents of R9 , when
representing a phenyl group, or of R10, include one or two methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy
or nitro groups or CF3, F, Cl, Br groups.
According to an embodiment of the invention, four R9 represent, simultaneously or
independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as methyl
or ethyl) and one R9 represents OSiR113, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group (such as
methyl or ethyl), and at least one R9 is an alkyl group.

To carry out the processes of the invention, it is required also to use at least an
acidic additive. By "acidic additive" it is meant a compound capable of providing at least
one proton to the catalytic cycle. Said acidic additive is preferably an organic or inorganic
compound having a pKa comprised between 0.8 and 7, but in the case of phenols or boron
derivatives said pKa can range up to 10.
Furthermore, said acidic additive can be selected from the group consisting of:
- compound of formula R14(3-x)MO(OH)x, wherein R14 is a R14 or R14 O group wherein
R14 is a C1-C10 group, M is P or As and x is 1 or 2;
- a boron derivative of formula R14B(OH)2, wherein R14 is as defined above; and
- phenol or a phenol substituted by up to three C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic groups,
nitro groups or halogen atoms;
- a C1-C12 mono-carboxylic non-amino acid;
- a HOOCCH=CHCOOH di-acide, or the tetronic acid.
By "mono-carboxylic non-amino acid" it is meant here a mono-carboxylic acid
which is not substituted by a primary, secondary or tertiary amino group or
heteroaromatic nitrogen derivatives.
According to a particular embodiment, said Rl4(3_X)MO(OH)x acids can be a
derivative wherein R14 is a C1-C8 alkyl or alkoxyl group or a C6-C8 phenyl or phenoxyl
group optionally substituted, M is P or As and x is 1 or 2.
Similarly said Rl4B(OH)2 acids can be those wherein R14 is a C1-C8 alkyl or
alkoxyl group or a C1-C8 phenyl or phenoxyl group optionally substituted.
According to another embodiment of the invention, said acid can be the phenol or
a phenol substituted by one C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic group, a nitro group or a
halogen atom.
Furthermore, according to an other particular embodiment of the invention, said
acidic additive can be a mono-carboxylic acid of formula R15COOH, wherein R15
represents a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group or a C1-C12 halogenated or per-halogenated
hydrocarbon group, optionally substituted by one alcohol group or one or two ether or
ester groups. According to a further embodiment, said carboxylic acid is advantageously
selected from the group consisting of:
- a carboxylic acid of formula R15COOH, wherein R15 represents
a halogenated or per-halogenated C1-C8 hydrocarbon group;
a R16CH(OR16) group, R16 being a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 hydrocarbon group;

a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group, optionally substituted by one or two ether or ester groups.
the optional substituent being by one, two or three C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic
groups, or nitro groups or halogen atoms.
One can cite, as non-limiting examples, of said acidic additive the following:
(BuO)2PO(OH), (tBuO)2PO(OH), (PhO)2PO(OH), (PhCH2O)2PO(OH), tBuPO(OH)2,
Ph2PO(OH), PhPO(OH)2, PhAsO(OH)2, (Me)2AsO(OH), CF3COOH, HCF2COOH,
maleic or fumaric acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, sorbic, acetic or oleic acid, tetronic
acid, C6H13B(OH)2, PhB(OH)2, p-OMe-benzoic, benzoic or p-(COOMe)-benzoic acid,
phenol, 3,5-dimethoxy-phenol or 2-methoxy-phenol. Of course, other suitable acidic
additives responding to the above description can be used.
According to another embodiment of the invention, said acidic additives can be
selected from the group consisting of:
- a compound of formula R142MO(OH) or R14MO(OH)2, wherein R14 is a C1-C6 alkyl or
alkoxyl group or a C6-C8 phenyl or phenoxyl and M is P or As; and
- maleic or glycolic acid and an halogenated or per-halogenated C1-C7 mono-carboxylic
acid.
As previously mentioned, the processes of the invention consist in the
hydrogenation of a substrate using a ruthenium complex and an acidic additive. A typical
process implies the mixture of the substrate with the ruthenium complex, at least one
acidic additive and optionally a solvent, and then treating such a mixture with molecular
hydrogen at a chosen pressure and temperature.
The complexes of the invention, an essential parameter of the process, can be
added to the reaction medium in a large range of concentrations. As non-limiting
examples, one can cite as complex concentration values those ranging from 0.01 mol% to
5 mol%, the molar percentage being relative to the amount of substrate. Preferably, the
complex concentration will be comprised between 0.03 mol% to 2 mol%. It goes without
saying that the optimum concentration of complex will depend, as the person skilled in
the art knows, on the nature of the latter, on the nature of the substrate, on the nature of
the solvent and on the pressure of H2 used during the process, as well as the desired time
of reaction.
Useful quantities of acidic additive, added to the reaction mixture, may be
comprised in a relatively large range. Apart from the one above cited, one can cite, as
non-limiting examples, total amounts ranging between 0.5 to 50 molar equivalents,

relative to the complex, preferably 0.8 to 20, and even more preferably between about 2
and about 10 molar equivalents.
The hydrogenation reaction can be carried out in the presence or absence of a
solvent. When a solvent is required or used for practical reasons, then any solvent current
in hydrogenation reactions can be used for the purposes of the invention. Non-limiting
examples include non-aromatic solvents such as C1-C12 non aromatic ketones, esters,
alkanes ethers, chlorinated alkanes and alcohols or mixtures thereof. According to an
embodiment of the invention, the solvent is advantageously selected amongst the C1-C12
alkyl ketones, esters, ethers or chlorinated alkanes. In particular and as non-limiting
examples one may cite the following: acetone ethyl acetate, MTBE, THF, iso-propyl
acetate, Et2O, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloethane, EtoH, MeOH, pentane, hexane. The
choice of the solvent can be done as a function of the nature of the complex and the
person skilled in the art is well able to select the solvent most convenient in each case to
optimize the hydrogenation reaction.
In the hydrogenation process of the invention, the reaction can be carried out at a
H2 pressure comprised between 105 Pa and 80x105 Pa (1 to 80 bars) or even more if
desired. Again, a person skilled in the art is well able to adjust the pressure as a function
of the catalyst load and of the dilution of the substrate in the solvent. As examples, one
can cite typical pressures of 1 to 30xl05 Pa (1 to 30 bar).
The temperature at which the hydrogenation can be carried out is comprised
between 0°C and 120°C, more preferably in the range of between 40°C and 100°C. Of
course, a person skilled in the art is also able to select the preferred temperature as a
function of the melting and boiling point of the starting and final products as well as the
desired time of reaction or conversion.
Examples
The invention will now be described in further detail by way of the following
examples, wherein the temperatures are indicated in degrees centigrade and the
abbreviations have the usual meaning in the art.
All the procedures described hereafter have been carried out under an inert
atmosphere unless stated otherwise. Hydrogenations were carried out in open glass tubes
placed inside a stainless steel autoclave. H2 gas (99.99990%) was used as received. All
substrates and solvents were distilled from appropriate drying agents under Ar. NMR

spectra were recorded on a Bruker AM-400 (400 MHz) spectrometer and normally
measured at 300 K, in CD2Cl2 unless indicated otherwise. Chemical shifts are listed in
ppm and coupling constant J are in Hz.
Example 1
A) Synthesis of cyclopentadienes
Cyclopentadienes were synthesized starting from substituted cyclopentenones prepared
according to procedure previously described in patent WO 2006051503.

Cyclopentadienes were generally obtained in high molar yields (>80%) and purity
(> 95%).
Rn is an alkyl or alkenyl group
A solution of cyclopentenone (1 equivalents) in THF (1.6 M) was added at 0°C under
inert atmosphere to a solution of RnMgCl (1.2 equivalents). Reaction mixture was then
allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 3 hours. Acetic acid 10% was then
added to the reaction mixture and the organic phase was extracted with Et20. HCl (20% in
water) was added to the organic phase and allowed to stir for 30 minutes. The organic
phase was then neutralized with NaHCO3 (5% in water). Washing with water, drying and
evaporation of solvent gave a crude product, which was purified by distillation.
R"=H
Cyclopentenenones were reduced by NaBH4 (0.5 equivalents) in EtOH under inert
atmosphere. After work-up, the crude products were purified by fractionated distillation.
Rn= alkoxy or siloxy
A solution of Li(NiPr)2 (1.2 equivalents) in THF (2M) was added to a solution of
cyclopentanone (1 equivalent) in THF (0.1 M) at -78°C. After 1 hour stirring the alkyl

halide Rn-halide or the siloxy halide (R11)3Si-halide (1.5 equivalents) was added to the
reaction mixture.
Reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 5hours.
Reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness and n-hexane was added. The solid salts
were eliminated by filtration and the solution was then evaporated to dryness. The crude
product was purified by distillation.
Ligand C5(1,2,4-tBu3)H2 was synthesized according to the literature (E. V. Dehmlow,
C. Bollmann, Z.Naturforsch., 1993, 48b, 457-460).
B) Catalyst synthesis
Ruthenium catalysts were synthesized according to three different ways depending on the
nature of cyclopentadienyle and diene ligands but also of the counter-ion. All the solvent
used were dried and stored under inert atmosphere.
Method 1:
[Ru(L)(l,3-COD]BF4 complexes with L being a cyclopentadienyl ligand bearing no
aromatic groups were obtained in two steps starting from [Ru(COD)(COT)], via
[(CODyl)2RuH][BF4], both obtained according to a procedure previously described by
F.Bouachir, B. Chaudret, F. Dahan, F. Agbossou, I. Tkatchenko, Organometallics, 1991,
10,455-462.
To [Ru(CODyl)2H]BF4 in solution in CH2Cl2 (0.05 M) under inert atmosphere was added
a stoechiometric amount of the desired substituted cyclopentadiene derivative L
(1 equivalent / Ru) and reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. It
was then concentrated to dryness. [(L)Ru(l,3-COD][BF4] complexes were crystallized
from a CH2Cl2/Et2O mixture. It was obtained in more than 80% molar yield after filtration
and drying under vacuum.
[Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]BF4:
1H NMR (233°K): 6.44 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.89 (m, 2H); 3.38 (m, 2H); 1.89 (m, 2H); 1.85 (s,
15H); 1.50 (m,2H); 1.41 (m, 1H); 0.35 (q, J=13.6, 1H);-10.41 (s broad, 1H).
13C NMR (233°K): 106.36, 98.30, 83.88, 40.94, 21.92, 18.89, 10.27.

[Ru(C5Et5)( 1,3-COD)]BF4:
1H NMR(233K): 6.41 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.87 (m, 2H); 3.36 (m, 2H); 2.20 (q, J= 7.5, 10H);
1.91 (m, 2H); 1.47 (m, 2H); 1.40 (m, 1H); 1.22(t, J=7.52, 15H); 0.37 (m, 1H);-10.48
(s broad, 1H).
13CNMR(233K): 102.61,91.20,77.49,48.92,29.35,21.98, 10.01.
[Ru(C5Me4H)( 1,3-COD)]BF4:
1H NMR(233K): 6.46 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 5.37 (s, 2H); 4.97 (m, 2H); 3.43 (m, 2H); 1.87 (dt,
J=4.12, 15.68, 2H); 1.77 (s, 6H); 1.74 (s, 6H); 1.50 (m, 2H); 1.37 (dt, J=3.4, 15.0,
1H)
13CNMR(233K): 106.59, 100.01,99.30,83.79,82.64,40.76,21.93, 18.88, 11.56,9.76.
[Ru(C5Me4tBu)( 1,3-COD)]BF4:
1H NMR (233K): 6.51 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.93 (m, 2H); 3.41 (m, 2H); 1.96 (m, 2H); 1.91 (s,
6H); 1.66 (s, 6H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.51 (s, 9H); 1.44 (m, 1H); 0.48 (m,lH); -10.35 (s
broad, 1H).
I3C NMR (233K): 108.79, 106.83, 99.73, 99.21, 84.21, 41.77, 33.84, 32.47, 22.31, 18.91,
13.18,9.97.
[Ru(C5(l,2-iPr2)Me3)(1,3-COD)]BF4:
1H NMR(233K):. 6.54(t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.97(m, 2H); 3.51 (m, 2H); 2.88 (m, 2H)1.96 (dt,
J=3.4, 15.7, 2H); 1.83 (s, 6H); 1.54 (m, 2H); 1.51 (s, 3H); 1.45 (m, 1H); 1.36(d,
J=6.8, 6H); 1.32(d, J=7.5, 6H); 0.44 (qt, J=3.4, 14.3, 1H); -10.36 (s broad, 1H).
13C NMR (233K): 102.61, 91.20, 95.71, 77.49, 48.92, 29.35, 21.98, 10.01.
[Ru(C5Me4(Me3 S iO))( 1,3-COD)]BF4:
1H NMR (233K): 6.23 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.74 (m, 2H); 3.34 (m, 2H); 2.03 (s, 6H); 1.47 (s,
6H); 1.51 (m, 2H); 1.35 (m, 1H); 0.38 (m,lH); 0.03 (s, 9H); 9.19 (s broad, 1H).
13C NMR (233K): 138.96, 106.79, 92.85, 90.86, 86.49, 83.59, 39.76, 22.25, 19.35, 9.26,
9.18, 0.00.
[Ru(C5(l,2,4-tBu3)H2)(1,3-COD)]BF4:
1H NMR (233K): 7.02 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 5.51 (m, 2H); 5.22 (s, 2H); 3.97 (m, 2H); 2.01 (m,
2H); 1.54 (m, 2H); 1.49 (m, 1H); 1.35 (s, 18H); 1.19 (s, 9H); 0.48 (m,lH); 10.89 (s
broad, 1H).

13C NMR (233K): 114.06, 112.76, 106.98, 83.66, 81.94, 36.93, 33.31, 31.35, 31.21,
30.78,21.58, 18.60.
Method 2:
[Ru(LXdiene)]X complexes with cyclopentadienyl ligand bearing no aromatic groups
could also be obtained according to a multi-steps procedure previously described by ] P.
J. Fagan, M. D. Ward, J. C. Calabrese, J. Am. Chem, Soc, 1989, 111, 1698-1719 or by P.
J. Fagan, W. S. Mahoney, j. C. Calabrese, I. D. Williams, Organometallics, 1990, 9,
1843-1852.
[Ru(L)Cl2]n was first obtained reacting RuCl3xH20 in EtOH (0.25 M) with an excess of
the desired substituted cyclopentadiene derivative L (2.5 equivalents/Ru). The reaction
mixture was heated to reflux under inert atmosphere for 3 hours and then cooled down to
room temperature. Desired product was recovered by filtration. It was obtained in more
than 70% molar yield after washings with EtOH and drying under vacuum.
[Ru(L)Cl]4 was then obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of
a [Ru(L)Cl2]n suspension in THF (0.6 M) with 1 equivalent/Ru of a 1 M lithium
triethylborohydride solution in THF. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour,
reaction mixture was filtered under inert atmosphere. Recovered product was obtained in
more than 75 % molar yield after washing with THF and drying under vacuum.
[Ru(L)(diene)Cl] was obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of
[Ru(L)Cl]4 in solution in THF (0.05 M) with a slight excess of the desired diene
(1.5 equivalents / Ru). After stirring for 1 hour, reaction mixture was filtered under inert
atmosphere and the retrieved solution was concentrated to dryness. The obtained residue
was precipitated by trituration in pentane and solid product was retrieved by filtration
under inert atmosphere. It was obtained in more than 75% molar yield after washing with
pentane and drying under vacuum.
[Ru(L)(diene)]X was obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of
[Ru(L)(diene)Cl] in solution in acetone (0.25 M) with stoechiometric amount
(1 equivalents / Ru) of AgX. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, reaction
mixture was filtered under inert atmosphere and the retrieved solution was concentrated

to dryness. [Ru(L)(diene)]X was crystallized from a CH2Cl2/Et20 mixture. It was
obtained in more than 75% molar yield after filtration drying under vacuum. It is worth
noticing that product was sometimes obtained as the acetone adduct depending mainly on
the nature of the diene, acetone being then coordinated to the ruthenium centre as the
ketone or enol form (observed by IR spectroscopy).
[Ru(C5Me5)(NBD)]BF4:
1H NMR(298K); 4.61 (m, 2H); 4.52 (m, 2H); 4.26 (m, 2H); 3.86 (m, 2H); 1.55 (s, 15H).
13C NMR (298K): 94.95, 78.43, 65.53, 64.54, 51.99, 9.48.
[Ru(C5Me5)(dimethylbutadiene)]BF4:
1H NMR (298K); 4.01 (s, 4H); 1.96 (s, 6H); 1.55 (s, 15H).
13C NMR (298K): 108.63, 97.33, 59.22, 32.25, 19.14, 9.26.
[Ru(C5Me5)(2,4-hexadienylacetate)]BF4:
1H NMR(298K): 6.32 (dq, J= 6.84,15.17, 1H) ; 5.85 (m, 1H); 5.36 (m, 1H); 4.43 (d, J =
6.08, 1H); 4.29 (t, J= 10.6, 1H); 3.08 (d, J= 10.6, 1H), 1.94 (s, 3H), 1.63 (dd, J =
1.52, 6.84, 3H), 1.56 (s, 15H).
13C NMR (298K): 193.99, 139.07, 129.67, 106.23, 102.23, 91.88, 66.31, 25.52, 19.84,
9.38.
[Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]CF3SO3:
1H NMR(233K): 6.45 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.91 (m, 2H); 3.39 (m, 2H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.85 (s,
15H);1.51 (m, 2H); 1.40 (m, 1H); 0.37 (qt, J=3.4, 13.64, 1H); 10.40 (s broad, 1H).
13C NMR (233K): 106.59, 98.42, 84.29, 41.29, 22.01, 18.92, 10.08.
[Ru(C5Me5)(1,3-COD)]PF6:
1HNMR(233K): 6.39 (t, J=6.8Hz, 1H); 4.86 (m, 2H); 3.37 (m, 2H); 1.91(m, 2H); 1.84 (s,
15H);1.51 (m, 2H); 1.41 (m, 1H); 0.37 (qt, J=3.4, 14.4, 1H);-10.41 (s broad, 1H).
13C NMR (233K): 106.49, 98.46, 84.20, 41.32, 21.99, 18.90, 10.04.
[Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]ClO4:
1H NMR (233K): 6.45 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.91 (m, 2H); 3.39 (m, 2H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.86 (s,
15H);1.53 (m, 2H); 1.41 (m, 1H); 0.38 (qt, J=3.4, 14.4, 1H);-10.38 (s broad, 1H).
13C NMR (233K): 106.58, 98.43, 84.28, 41.31, 22.01, 18.94, 10.11

[Ru(C5Me5)( 1,3-COD)]SbF6:
1H NMR(233K): 6.38 (t, J=6.8, 1H); 4.85 (m, 2H); 3.37 (m, 2H); 1.91(m, 2H); 1.84 (s,
15H);1.51 (m, 2H); 1.42 (m, 1H); 0.38 (qt, J=3.4, 14.4, 1H);-10.39 (s broad, 1H).
13C NMR (233K): 106.49, 98.49, 84.22, 41.37, 22.01, 18.91, 10.04.
Method 3:
[Ru(L)(COD)]BF4 complexes with cyclopentadienyl ligands L bearing aromatic groups
were obtained according to a multi-step procedure previously described by P. Alvarez,
J. Gimeno, E. Lastra, S. Garcia-Granda, J. F. Van der Maelen, M. Bassetti,
Organometallics, 2001, 20, 3762-3771.
[Ru(L)(diene)Cl] was obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of
[Ru(diene)C12] in suspension in THF (0.05) with a stoechiometric amount
(1 equivalents/Ru) of a freshly prepared solution of L sodium salt in THF. After stirring
for 1 hour at room temperature, a slight excess (1.2 equivalents / Ru) of HCl in solution in
Et2O (2 M) was added to reaction mixture that was stirred at this temperature for an
additional hour. It was then filtered under inert atmosphere and the retrieved solution was
concentrated to dryness. The obtained residue was precipitated by trituration in pentane
and solid product was retrieved by filtration under inert atmosphere. It was obtained in
more than 70% molar yield after washing with pentane and drying under vacuum.
[Ru(L)(diene)]] was obtained by reaction at room temperature under inert atmosphere of
[Ru(L)(diene)Cl] in solution in acetone (0.25 M) with stoechiometric amount
(1 equivalent/Ru) of AgX. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, reaction mixture
was filtered under inert atmosphere and the retrieved solution was concentrated to
dryness. [Ru(L)(diene)]X was crystallized from a CH2Cl2/Ft2O mixture. It was obtained
in more than 75% molar yield after filtration drying under vacuum. It is worth noticing
that product was sometimes obtained as the acetone adduct depending mainly on the
nature of the diene, acetone being then coordinated to the ruthenium centre as the ketone
or enol form.
Example 2
Hydrogenation processes according to the invention

Typical hydrogenation reaction procedure
Substrate, solvent, [Ru(L)(Diene)]X and the acidic additive according to the invention
were loaded altogether under inert atmosphere an autoclave and the mixture was purged
at room temperature with nitrogen (2 bars, 3 times) and then hydrogen (2 bars, 3 times)
under stirring. The autoclave was then pressurized to the desired hydrogen pressure and
heated at the desired temperature. The reaction was followed by hydrogen absorption
monitoring and/or GC analysis sampling. The ruthenium catalyst was easily removed by
distillation on residues and product isomers mixture was usually recovered in more than
90% molar yield.
The results obtained are summarized in the following tables.
Table 1 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity
• reaction type:

Table 6 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity
influence of the Diene
• reaction type:

L' being acetone in its ketone or enol form (n: 0 or 1)

Table 7 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity
influence of the ligand L
• reaction type:

Table 8 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity
influence of the anion X
• reaction type:

Table 9 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity
influence of the ligand L
• reaction type:

Table 10 : influence of the acidic additive and of its presence on hydrogenation selectivity
influence of the Diene
• reaction type:

Claims
1. A process for the catalytic reduction by 1,4-hydrogenation, using molecular H2, of a
C5-C22 conjugated diene of formula

wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 represent, simultaneously or independently from
each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C12 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted;
one of R2 or R6 may also represent a C1-C12 alkoxy or acyloxy group optionally
substituted; and
R1 and R3, or R3 and R4, or R2 and R6, or R6 and R5, or R4 and R5, taken together,
may form a C2-16 alkanediyl or de-conjugated alkenediyl group, optionally
substituted;
into the corresponding alkene, of formula

wherein R1 to R6 have the same meaning as for the compound of formula (I), and
wherein the isomer having the R1 and R2 groups in a cis configuration is
predominant;
said process being characterized in that it is carried out in the presence of
- at least one ruthenium catalyst or pre-catalyst of formula

wherein L represents a C5-C25 substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand, Diene represents a
C4-C22 diene and X represents a non coordinated anion, n represent 2, 1 or 0 and L

represents a solvent; and
- at least an acidic additive selected from the group consisting of:
a compound of formula R14(3-x)MO(OH)X, wherein R14 is a R14 or R14 O group wherein
R14 is a C1-C10 group, M is P or As and x is 1 or 2; and
a boron derivative of formula R14B(OH)2, wherein R14 is as defined above; and
phenol or a phenol substituted by up to three C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic groups,
nitro groups or halogen atoms; and
a C1-C12 mono-carboxylic non-amino acid; and
a HOOCCH=CHCOOH di-acide, and the tetronic acid;
provided that the processes wherein compound (I) is sorbol and compound (III) is of
formula [Ru(Cp*)(COD)]X are excluded.
2. A process according to claim 1, characterised in that L is a C6-C25 compound of
formula

wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen
atom, a phenyl group optionally substituted, or a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally
substituted; and
one or two of said groups R9 can be a CF3 group, a OSiR113, OCOR10, COR10 or COOR10
group, R11 representing a C1-C11 alkyl group, R10 representing a R11 or CF3 group or a
phenyl group optionally substituted; and
at least one R9 is an alkyl group; two adjacent R9 can be bound together to form a C2-C10
alkanediyl group.
3. A process according to claim 2, characterised in that two R9 represent,
simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group
and the three other R9 represent, simultaneously or independently, a C1-C4 alkyl groups.

4. A process according to claim 2, characterised in that four R9 represent,
simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group
and one R9 represents OSiR113, R11 representing a C1-C4 alkyl group, and at least one R9
is an alkyl group.
5. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that Diene is a
conjugated or non conjugated cyclic C6-C12 alkadiene.
6. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that X is ClO4-,
R12SO3_, wherein R12 is a chlorine of fluoride atom or an C1-C8 fluoroalkyl or fluoroaryl
group, BF4-, PF6-, SbCl6-, SbF6-, or BR134-, wherein R13 is a phenyl group optionally
substituted by one to five halide atoms or methyl or CF3 groups
7. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, said mono-carboxylic acid is
selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid of formula R15COOH, wherein
R15 represents:
a halogenated or per-halogenated C1-C8 hydrocarbon group;
a Rl6CH(OR16) group, R16 being a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 hydrocarbon group;
a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group, optionally substituted by one or two ether or ester groups;
the optional substituent being by one, two or three C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or carboxylic
groups, or nitro groups or halogen atoms.
8. A process according to claim 7, characterised in that said acidic additive is selected
from the group consisting of
- a compound of formula R142MO(OH) or R14MO(OH)2, wherein R14 is a C1-C6 alkyl or
alkoxyl group or a C6-C8 phenyl or phenoxyl and M is P or As; and
- maleic or glycolic acid and an halogenated or per-halogenated C1-C7 mono-carboxylic
acid.
9. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the conjugated
diene of formula (I) is a compound of formula (I')

wherein Ra represents a linear, branched or cyclic C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyle group; and
Rb represents a (CH2)nX group, n representing 0, 1, 2 or 3, X representing a CHO, OH,
OCORc, ORc or COORc group, Rc being a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl group;
or of formula (I"):

wherein Rd and Re represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyle group,
optionally substituted by a OH, OCORf, ORf or COORf group, Rf being a C1-C8 alkyl or
alkenyl group, provided that Rd and Re do not represent each a hydrogen atom.
10. A ruthenium complex of formula
[Ru(L)(Diene)(L')a]X (III)
wherein Diene represents a C4-C22 diene and X represents a non coordinated anion, n
represents 2, 1 or 0 and L' represents a solvent; and
L represents a C6-C25 compound of formula

wherein each R9 represents, simultaneously or independently from each other, a hydrogen
atom, a phenyl group optionally substituted, or a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group optionally
substituted; and
one or two of said groups R9 is a OSiR113 or OCOR10 group, R11 representing a C1-C6
alkyl group, R10 representing a Rn or CF3 group or a phenyl group optionally substituted;
and at least one R9 is an alkyl group; two adjacent R9 can be bound together to form a C2-
C10 alkanediyl group.

The present invention relates to the use of Ru complexes, having a cyclopentadienyl derivatives and a diene as
ligands, together with some acidic additives for improving the selectivity in the 1,4-hydrogenation of conjugated dienes into the
corresponding "cis "-alkene as major product, i.e. wherein the two substituents in position 2,3 of said diene are in a cis configuration
in the corresponding alkene.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=KWUjXJsVu5Txx51bPbwjNQ==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

271051

Indian Patent Application Number

3209/KOLNP/2009

PG Journal Number

06/2016

Publication Date

05-Feb-2016

Grant Date

29-Jan-2016

Date of Filing

09-Sep-2009

Name of Patentee

FIRMENICH SA

Applicant Address

1, ROUTE DES JEUNES, P.O. BOX 239, CH-1211 GENEVA 8 SWITZERLAND

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	DUPAU, PHILIPPE	940, ROUTE DE VOUVRAY, 01200 BELLEGARDE FRANCE
2	BONOMO, LUCIA	940, ROUTE DE VOUVRAY, 01200 BELLEGARDE FRANCE

PCT International Classification Number

C07C 5/05,B01J 31/22

PCT International Application Number

PCT/IB2008/051227

PCT International Filing date

2008-04-02

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	07105554.5	2007-04-03	EUROPEAN UNION