Carbon Dioxide → 6-Hydroxy-2,6-dimethylheptanal

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Reaction Steps

An aqueous emulsion of 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal is prepared by stirring a solution of 3 grams of sodium oleate, and 400 mls of water, with 490 grams 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal. The emulsion is added at 250° C. to a solution comprising 1072 grams of sodium sulfite, 326 grams of boric acid and 5 liters of water. The resulting mixture is stirred for two hours resulting in the formation of a white flocculant solid. To this reaction mass is added 3000 mls of 30% hydrochloric acid. The addition is accompanied by release of sulfur dioxide fumes and a temperature rise to 30° C. Stirring is continued for 30 minutes whereupon a clear liquid is formed. Over a 30 minute period, 1783 grams of sodium carbonate is added accompanied by release of carbon dioxide. The reaction mixture is extracted twice with 500 ml portions of toluene. The toluene extracts are washed with water and distilled to afford 2,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxy heptanal (249 grams). The GC profile for this material is set forth in FIG. 3. Fractional distillation through a 1.5"×12" Goodloe column affords the pure product (b.p. 112° C., 4 mm).

Provenance & Evidence