Eva Vrbková

A synthetic route to 4-alkyl-α-methylhydrocinnamylaldehydes

The 4-Alkyl-α-methylhydrocinnamylaldehydes (alkyl-isopropyl, isobutyl, methyl) are frequently used fragrances with desired floral (lilac, cyclamen, lily-of-the-valley) scent. These substances are valued for their good stability in basic solution and, therefore, are frequently used in soaps, detergents, or shampoos. These substances are synthesized by a two-step synthesis involving base catalyzed aldol condensation of 4-alkylbenzaldehyde with propanal followed by selective hydrogenation of the C=C bond. In aldol condensation, selectivity is decreased by formation of undesired products of propanal autocondensation 2-methylpent-2-enal. In this work the reaction conditions for homogenous catalyzed aldol condensation of 4-isobutylbenzadehyde with propanal were tested (catalyst type and amount, molar ratio of reactants, solvent type). Reaction conditions giving the best results (92% conversion, 79% selectivity) were adapted to other 4-alkyl-α-methylcinnamylaldehydes preparation with similar results. In the second step—hydrogenation of aldol product different types of catalyst (nickel, cobalt, palladium or Adkins catalyst), and also different solvents, were tested. Hydrogenation conditions leading to the highest yield (72% selectivity at 95% conversion) were adapted to other 4-alkylhydrocinnamyladehydes with similar results.