HYDROGENATION OF DIENALS OR DIENONES WITH RHODIUM COMPLEXES UNDER CARBON MONOXIDE FREE ATMOSPHERE

20240208891 ยท 2024-06-27

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    The present invention relates to the field of catalytic hydrogenation and, more particularly, to the use of a base-free catalytic system comprising a specific rhodium complex for the reduction of a conjugated dienal or dienone into the corresponding deconjugated enal or deconjugated enone.

    Claims

    1. A process for the reduction by hydrogenation, using molecular H.sub.2, of a C.sub.6-C.sub.20 conjugated dienal or conjugated dienone of formula ##STR00042## wherein, when taken separately, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 represents, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl, C.sub.1-8 alkyl, C.sub.2-8 alkenyl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or C.sub.3-8 cycloalkenyl group, each optionally substituted, provided that at least one of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is not a hydrogen atom; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, when taken together, represent a C.sub.3-4 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 or R.sup.2 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.2-3 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.4-5 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; or R.sup.6 and R.sup.1 or R.sup.6 and R.sup.2, when taken together, represent a C.sub.2-4 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; or R.sup.6 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.2-10 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; into a deconjugated enal (when R.sup.6 is a hydrogen atom) or deconjugated enone (when R.sup.6 is not a hydrogen atom) of formula ##STR00043## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 have the same meaning as defined in formula (I); said process being carried out in the presence of a catalytic system comprising at least one Rh(I) complex obtainable by reacting a suitable Rh precursor having at least one CO ligand with a C.sub.34-C.sub.60 bidentate diphosphine ligand (L2) having a natural bite-angle comprised between 85? and 130?.

    2. The process according to claim 1, wherein said compound of formula (I) and (II) is a C.sub.6-C.sub.15 compound wherein, when taken separately, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 represents, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-6 cycloalkenyl group, each optionally substituted, provided that at least one of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is not a hydrogen atom; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, when taken together, represent a C.sub.3-4 alkanediyl group optionally substituted; R.sup.4 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.4-5 alkanediyl group optionally substituted.

    3. The process according to claim 1, wherein said compound of formula (I) and (II) is a compound wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl or ethyl group or a phenyl group optionally substituted; R.sup.4, R.sup.5 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, a methyl, ethyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl or phenyl group, wherein the cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl or phenyl group are each optionally substituted, provided that at least one of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is not an hydrogen atom; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, when taken together, represent a C.sub.4 alkanediyl group optionally substituted.

    4. The process according to claim 1, wherein the process of the invention is performed in absence of base.

    5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the Rh precursor is selected from the group consisting of RhH(CO)(PPh.sub.3).sub.3, Rh(CO).sub.2(acac), Rh.sub.4(CO).sub.12 and Rh.sub.6(CO).sub.16.

    6. The process according to claim 1, wherein said Rh(I) complex is a compound of formula
    [Rh(L2)(CO)(Z)](2) wherein L2 is a C.sub.34-C.sub.60 bidentate diphosphine ligand having a natural bite-angle comprised between 85? and 130? and Z is a coordinated anion.

    7. The process according to claim 1, wherein L2 is a compound of formula
    (R.sup.b).sub.2P-Q-P(R.sup.b).sub.2(A) wherein each R.sup.b, taken separately, represents a C.sub.6-10 aromatic group optionally substituted or a cyclohexyl group optionally substituted, or the two R.sup.b bonded to the same P atom, taken together, represent a 2,2-oxydiphenyl optionally substituted; and Q represents a C.sub.10-C.sub.16 metallocenediyl optionally substituted or a group of formula a) ##STR00044## wherein each R.sup.d represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-8 alkyl group, and X represents an oxygen or sulfur atom or a C(R.sup.10).sub.2, Si(R.sup.11).sub.2 or NR.sup.10 group, in which R.sup.10 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sup.11 group, R.sup.11 representing a C.sub.1-4 linear or branched alkyl group; or b) ##STR00045## in the form of any one of its enantiomers, and wherein m is 0 or 1, M represents Fe or Ru, and R.sup.a represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group; and the wavy lines indicate the position of the bond between said Q group and the rest of the compound (A); and the substituents of R.sup.b are one, two, three or four groups selected amongst the halogen atoms, or C.sub.1-10 alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, or perhalo-hydrocarbon groups; the possible substituents of the metallocenediyl are one or two C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups or a CR.sup.dPhN(R.sup.d).sub.2 group, wherein R.sup.d or R.sup.d are a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and Ph is a phenyl group optionally substituted as indicated above for R.sup.b.

    8. The process according to claim 7, wherein said R.sup.b represent each a C.sub.6-10 aromatic group optionally substituted or a cyclohexyl group optionally substituted.

    9. The process according to claim 7, wherein said Q represents a 1,1-ferrocenediyl optionally substituted or a group of formula a) ##STR00046## wherein each R.sup.d represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, and X represents a C(R.sup.10).sub.2, Si(R.sup.11).sub.2 or NR.sup.10 group, in which R.sup.10 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sup.11 group, R.sup.11 representing a C.sub.1-4 linear or branched alkyl group, preferably a methyl group; or b) ##STR00047## in the form of any one of its enantiomers; the wavy lines indicate the position of the bond between said Q group and the rest of the compound (A).

    10. The process according to claim 7, wherein said L2 has a natural bite-angle comprised between 93? and 125?.

    11. The process according to claim 7, wherein L2 is selected from the group consisting of (9,9-dimethyl-9H-xanthene-4,5-diyl)bis(diphenylphosphane) and 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphaneyl)-10H-phenoxazine.

    12. The process according to claim 3, wherein the process of the invention is performed in absence of base.

    13. The process according to claim 3, wherein the Rh precursor is selected from the group consisting of RhH(CO)(PPh.sub.3).sub.3, Rh(CO).sub.2(acac), Rh+(CO).sub.12 and Rh.sub.6(CO).sub.16.

    14. The process according to claim 3, wherein said Rh(I) complex is a compound of formula
    [Rh(L2)(CO)(Z)](2) wherein L2 is a C.sub.34-C.sub.60 bidentate diphosphine ligand having a natural bite-angle comprised between 85? and 130? and Z is a coordinated anion.

    15. The process according to claim 14, wherein L2 is a compound of formula
    (R.sup.b).sub.2P-Q-P(R.sup.b).sub.2(A) wherein each R.sup.b, taken separately, represents a C.sub.6-10 aromatic group optionally substituted or a cyclohexyl group optionally substituted, or the two R.sup.b bonded to the same P atom, taken together, represent a 2,2-oxydiphenyl optionally substituted; and Q represents a C.sub.10-C.sub.16 metallocenediyl optionally substituted or a group of formula a) ##STR00048## wherein each R.sup.d represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-8 alkyl group, and X represents an oxygen or sulfur atom or a C(R.sup.10).sub.2, Si(R.sup.11).sub.2 or NR.sup.10 group, in which R.sup.10 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sup.11 group, R.sup.11 representing a C.sub.1-4 linear or branched alkyl group; or b) ##STR00049## in the form of any one of its enantiomers, and wherein m is 0 or 1, M represents Fe or Ru, and R.sup.a represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group; and the wavy lines indicate the position of the bond between said Q group and the rest of the compound (A); and the substituents of R.sup.b are one, two, three or four groups selected amongst the halogen atoms, or C.sub.1-10 alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, or perhalo-hydrocarbon groups; the possible substituents of the metallocenediyl are one or two C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups or a CR.sup.dPhN(R.sup.d).sub.2 group, wherein R.sup.d or R.sup.d are a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and Ph is a phenyl group optionally substituted as indicated above for R.sup.b.

    16. The process according to claim 15, wherein said R.sup.b represent each a C.sub.6-10 aromatic group optionally substituted or a cyclohexyl group optionally substituted.

    17. The process according to claim 15, wherein said Q represents a 1,1-ferrocenediyl optionally substituted or a group of formula a) ##STR00050## wherein each R.sup.d represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, and X represents a C(R.sup.10).sub.2, Si(R.sup.11).sub.2 or NR.sup.10 group, in which R.sup.10 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sup.11 group, R.sup.11 representing a C.sub.1-4 linear or branched alkyl group; or b) ##STR00051## in the form of any one of its enantiomers; the wavy lines indicate the position of the bond between said Q group and the rest of the compound (A).

    18. The process according to claim 17, wherein R.sup.11 represents a methyl group.

    19. The process according to claim 15, wherein said L2 has a natural bite-angle comprised between 93? and 125?.

    20. The process according to claim 19, wherein said L2 has a natural bite-angle comprised between 97? and 120?.

    Description

    DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

    [0005] In order to overcome the problems aforementioned, the present invention relates to processes for the reduction by hydrogenation, i.e. using molecular H.sub.2, of a C.sub.6-C.sub.20 conjugated dienal or conjugated dienone into the corresponding deconjugated enal or deconjugated enone, characterized in that said process is carried out in the presence of a catalytic system comprising at least one complex in the form of a rhodium complex comprising a C.sub.34-C.sub.60 bidentate diphosphine ligand (L2) coordinating the rhodium and at least one CO ligand.

    [0006] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the conjugated dienal or conjugated dienone is of formula

    ##STR00001## [0007] wherein, when taken separately, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 represents, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl, C.sub.1-8 alkyl, C.sub.2-8 alkenyl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or C.sub.3-8 cycloalkenyl group, each optionally substituted, provided that at least one of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is not a hydrogen atom; or R.sup.1 and R2 or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, when taken together, represent a C.sub.3-4 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 or R.sup.2 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.2-3 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.4-5 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; or R.sup.6 and R.sup.1 or R.sup.6 and R.sup.2, when taken together, represent a C.sub.2-4 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted; or R.sup.6 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.2-10 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group optionally substituted;
    into a deconjugated enal (when R.sup.6 is a hydrogen atom) or deconjugated enone (when R.sup.6 is not a hydrogen atom) of formula

    ##STR00002##

    [0008] wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 have the same meaning as defined in formula (I);

    said process being carried out in the presence of a catalytic system comprising at least one Rh(I) complex obtainable by reacting a suitable Rh precursor having at least one CO ligand with a C.sub.34-C.sub.60 bidentate diphosphine ligand (L2) having a natural bite-angle comprised between 85? and 130?.

    [0009] By the expression natural bite-angle it is understood the usual meaning in the art, e.g. as defined in P. W. N. M. van Leeuwen, P. C. J. Kamer, J. N. H. Reek, P. Dierkes, Chem. Rev. 2000, 2741.

    [0010] Possible substituents of R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 are one phenyl group, one cyclohexyl, cyclopently, cyclohexenyl or cyclopentenyl group each optionally substituted by one, two or three C.sub.1-3 alkyl group, or one, two or three COOR.sup.7, OCOR.sup.7, N(R.sup.7).sub.2, CN OR.sup.8 or R.sup.7 groups, wherein R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sup.7 group, wherein R.sup.7 represents a C.sub.1-4 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group. Particularly, possible substituents of R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 are one phenyl group, or one, two or three COOR.sup.7, OR.sup.8 or R.sup.7 groups wherein R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 have the same meaning as defined above. According to any one of the embodiments of the invention, only one or two of said R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 may be optionally substituted, particularly, one or two of said R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 may be optionally substituted.

    [0011] The wavy line indicates that the double bond may be in the form of its E or Z isomer or of a mixture thereof; e.g. the C.sub.6-C.sub.20 conjugated dienal or conjugated dienone of formula (I) may be in a form of a composition of matter consisting of one or more compounds of formula (I), having the same chemical structure but differing by the configuration of the double bond. In particular, compound (I) comprises two double bond which can be each Z, E or a mixture thereof and compound of formula (II) comprises one double bond which can be Z, E or a mixture thereof. Compound of formula (I) and compound of formula (II) can be in the form of a mixture consisting of isomers E and Z and wherein said isomers E represent at least 50% of the total mixture, or even at least 75% (i.e a mixture E/Z comprised between 75/25 and 100/0).

    [0012] For the sake of clarity, by the expression R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 when taken together, represent a C.sub.3-4 alkanediyl or alkenediyl group or similar, it is meant the normal meaning understood by a person skilled in the art, i.e. a divalent group formed from alkane or alkene by removal of two hydrogen atoms. In other words, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, when taken together, form a C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group.

    [0013] It is understood that said compounds (II) can be in a racemic or optically active form, depending on the nature of the substrate and on the complex used.

    [0014] It is understood that by alkenyl, cycloalkenyl or alkenediyl group it is meant here the usual meaning in the art, which is an unsaturated group wherein the unsaturation cannot be conjugated to the carbon-carbon double bonds of the conjugated dienal or conjugated dienone.

    [0015] The terms alkyl and alkenyl are understood as comprising branched and linear alkyl and alkenyl groups.

    [0016] It is understood that by conjugated dienal, it is meant a compound possessing at least two carbon-carbon double bonds and an aldehyde functional group, the three of them being conjugated, as indicated in formula (I). The term conjugated dienal is therefore understood as optionally comprising also compounds having additional non-aromatic carbon-carbon double bonds provided that said additional carbon-carbon double bonds are not conjugated to the ones of the dienal system. It is understood that by conjugated dienone or it is meant a compound possessing at least two carbon-carbon double bonds and a ketone functional group, the three of them being conjugated, as indicated in formula (I). The term conjugated dienone is therefore understood as optionally comprising also compounds having additional non-aromatic carbon-carbon double bonds provided that said additional carbon-carbon double bonds are not conjugated to the ones of the dienal system.

    [0017] It is understood that by deconjugated enal it is meant a compound possessing at least one ?-? carbon-carbon double bond and an aldehyde functional group, as indicated in formula (II). The term deconjugated enal is therefore understood as optionally comprising also compounds having additional carbon-carbon double bonds provided that said additional non-aromatic carbon-carbon double bonds are not conjugated to the one of the enal system. It is understood that by deconjugated enone it is meant a compound possessing at least one ?-? carbon-carbon double bond and a ketone functional group, as indicated in formula (II). The term deconjugated enone is therefore understood as optionally comprising also compounds having additional carbon-carbon double bonds provided that said additional non-aromatic carbon-carbon double bonds are not conjugated to the one of the enone system.

    [0018] According to any embodiments of the invention, the compounds of formula (I) and (II) is a C.sub.6-C.sub.15 compound.

    [0019] According to any embodiments of the invention, when taken separately, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 represents, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-6 cycloalkenyl group, each optionally substituted, provided that at least one of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is not a hydrogen atom; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, when taken together, represent a C.sub.3-4 alkanediyl group optionally substituted; R.sup.4 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.4-5 alkanediyl group optionally substituted. Particularly, when taken separately, each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 represents, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, a phenyl, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl or C.sub.5-6 cycloalkenyl group, each optionally substituted, provided that at least one of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is not a hydrogen atom; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, when taken together, represent a C.sub.3-4 alkanediyl group optionally substituted; R.sup.4 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a C.sub.4-5 alkanediyl group optionally substituted.

    [0020] According to any embodiments of the invention, the compounds of formula (I) and (II) are respectively a conjugated dienone and a deconjugated enone; i.e. R.sup.6 may be a phenyl, C.sub.1-8 alkyl, C.sub.2-8 alkenyl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or C.sub.3-8 cycloalkenyl group, each optionally.

    [0021] According to any one of the above embodiments, when taken separately, said R.sup.1 may represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group. Particularly, R.sup.1 may represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-3 alkyl group. Particularly, said R.sup.1 may represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl or a ethyl group. Even more particularly, said R.sup.1 may represent a hydrogen atom.

    [0022] According to any one of the above embodiments, when taken separately, said R.sup.6 may represent a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1-4 alkyl or phenyl group. Particularly, R.sup.6 may represent a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1-3 alkyl group or a phenyl group. Particularly, said R.sup.6 may represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl, ethyl or phenyl group. Even more particularly, R.sup.6 may be a methyl or ethyl group.

    [0023] According to any one of the above embodiments, when taken separately, said R.sup.2 may represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group. Particularly, R.sup.2 may represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-3 alkyl group. Particularly, said R.sup.2 may represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl or a ethyl group. Even more particularly, said R.sup.2 may represent a hydrogen atom.

    [0024] According to any one of the above embodiments, when taken separately, said R.sup.3 may represent a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group or a phenyl group optionally substituted. Particularly, R.sup.3 may represent a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1-3 alkyl group or a phenyl group. Particularly, said R.sup.3 may represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl or ethyl group or a phenyl group optionally substituted.

    [0025] According to any one of the above embodiments, when taken separately, said R.sup.4 may represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl, ethyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl or phenyl group, wherein the cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl or phenyl group may be each optionally substituted.

    [0026] According to any one of the above embodiments, when taken separately, said R.sup.5 may represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl, ethyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl or phenyl group, wherein the cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl or phenyl group may be each optionally substituted.

    [0027] According to any one of the above embodiments, when taken together, said R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, when taken together, represent a C.sub.4 alkanediyl group optionally substituted.

    [0028] According to any one of the above embodiments, when taken together, said R.sup.4 and R.sup.5, when taken together, represent a Cs alkanediyl group optionally substituted. According to any one of the above embodiments, the substrate of formula (I) may be one wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 represent each a hydrogen atom, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 may represent each a hydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl, cyclohexyl or phenyl group, wherein the cyclohexyl or phenyl group may be each optionally substituted, provided that at least one of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is not a hydrogen atom; or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, when taken together, represent a C.sub.4 alkanediyl group optionally substituted.

    [0029] According to any one of the above embodiments, the substrate of formula (I) may be one wherein at least one or two of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 may be a hydrogen atom. According to any one of the above embodiments, the substrate of formula (I) may be one wherein two or three of said R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 may be a hydrogen atom.

    [0030] According to any one of the above embodiments, the substituents of said R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 may be one phenyl group or one, two or three OR.sup.8 or R.sup.7 groups, in which R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sup.7 group, R.sup.7 representing a C.sub.1-4 linear or branched alkyl group. Preferably said substituents may be a OR.sup.7 or R.sup.7 group. According to any one of the embodiments of the invention, only one or two of said R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 may be optionally substituted. Particularly, R.sup.7 may represent a C.sub.1-3 alkyl group. Particularly, said R.sup.7 may represent a methyl or a ethyl group.

    [0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the substrate may be a conjugated dienal or a conjugated dienone that will provide a deconjugated enal or deconjugated enone that may be useful in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical or perfumery industry as final product or as an intermediate. Particularly preferred substrate may be a conjugated dienal or a conjugated dienone that will provide a deconjugated enal or deconjugated enone which may be useful in the perfumery industry as final product or as an intermediate.

    [0032] Non-limiting examples of substrates are the following: (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hexa-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E,5Z)-5-phenylhepta-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E)-5-methylocta-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E)-5-ethylnona-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E)-5-propyldeca-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E,5E)-6-cyclopentyl-5-methylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E,5E)-6-cyclohexyl-5-methylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E,5E)-5-(cyclohexylmethylene)hept-3-en-2-one, (E)-4-(5,5-dimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one, (E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one, (3E,5E)-6-(cyclohex-3-en-1-yl)-5-methylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E,5E)-5-methyl-7-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)hepta-3,5-dien-2-one, (3E,5E)-5-ethyl-7-((S)-2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)hepta-3,5-dien-2-one, 6-cyclohexylhepta-3,5-dien-2-one, 6,10-dimethylundeca-3,5,9-trien-2-one, (3E,5E)-6-phenylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one, (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)penta-2,4-dienal, (2E,4E)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dienal, (2E,4E)-5-phenylhexa-2,4-dienal, (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dienal, (2E,4E)-2-methyl-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dienal, (2E,4Z)-4-phenylhexa-2,4-dienal, (E)-3-(4-(tert-butyl)cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)acrylaldehyde, (2E,4E)-5-cyclohexyl-4-methylpenta-2,4-dienal, (2E,4E)-5,9-dimethyldeca-2,4,8-trienal, 5,9-dimethyldeca-2,4-dienal, (2E,4E)-5-cyclopentyl-4-methylpenta-2,4-dienal, 5-methyl-7-phenylhepta-2,4-dienal, (E)-3-(5,5-dimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)acrylaldehyde or (2E)-4-methyldodeca-2,4-dienal.

    [0033] According to a particular aspect of any one of the invention's embodiments, the invention's process is also characterized by providing compound (II) with a selectivity above 40%, particularly above 60%, particularly above 80%, particularly above 90%, more particularly above 95%.

    [0034] According to a particular aspect of any one of the invention's embodiments, the invention's process is also characterized by providing compound (II) with a conversion of the staring compound of above 60%, particularly above 70%, particularly above 80%, particularly above 90%, more particularly above 95%.

    [0035] Wherein by deconjugated enal it is meant the compound (II), by aldehyde it is meant the compound (I) wherein both carbon-carbon double bonds have been reduced and by alcohol it is meant the aldehyde wherein the carbonyl has also been reduced. Wherein by deconjugated enone it is meant the compound (II), by ketone it is meant the compound (I) wherein both carbon-carbon double bonds have been reduced.

    [0036] The hydrogenation reaction can be carried out in the presence or absence of a solvent. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the process is carried out in the presence of a solvent (in general for practical reasons), and any solvent current in hydrogenation reactions can be used for the purposes of the invention. Non-limiting examples include C.sub.6-10 aromatic solvents such as toluene or xylene, C.sub.1-2 halogenated hydrocarbon such as CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, C.sub.5-8 hydrocarbon solvents such as hexane or cyclohexane, C.sub.4-9 ethers such as tetrahydrofuran or MTBE, C.sub.3-9 esters such as ethyl or methyl acetate, C.sub.3-6 ketones such as acetone, polar solvents such as C.sub.1-5 primary or secondary alcohols such as isopropanol or ethanol, or mixtures thereof. The choice of the solvent is a function of the nature of the substrate and of the complex and the person skilled in the art is well able to select the most convenient solvent in each case to optimize the hydrogenation reaction.

    [0037] In the hydrogenation process of the invention, the reaction can be carried out under an atmosphere of pure H.sub.2 or under a mixture of hydrogen and of at least an inert gas, such as N.sub.2 or Ar. Preferably, the atmosphere of the reaction medium is CO-free, e.g. the amount of CO present is below 1 ppm. It is understood that in any case the reaction medium is preferably supplied with at least a steochiometric amount of H.sub.2 relative to the substrate; if less than a steochiometric amount of H.sub.2 then it is achieved only a partial conversion of the substrate. In any case, as non-limiting example, one may cite typical H2 pressure comprised between 10.sup.5 Pa and 80?105 Pa (1 to 80 bar) or even more if desired. Again, a person skilled in the art is well able to adjust the pressure as a function of the complex load and of the dilution of the substrate in the solvent. As examples, one can cite typical pressures of 3 to 50?10.sup.5 Pa (3 to 50 bar), or even of 5 to 20?10.sup.5 Pa (5 to 20 bar).

    [0038] The temperature at which the hydrogenation can be carried out is comprised between 20? C. and 100? C., preferably in the range of between 25? C. and 80? 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.

    [0039] According to any embodiment of the invention, the process of the invention is performed in absence of base.

    [0040] As mentioned above, the present invention requires the use of a particular catalytic system comprising at least one Rh(I) complex obtainable by reacting a suitable Rh(I) precursor having at least one CO ligand with a C.sub.34-C.sub.60 bidentate diphosphine ligand (L2) having a natural bite-angle comprised between 85? and 130?

    [0041] According to any one of the above embodiments, the Rh(I) complex is a compound obtainable by reacting together: [0042] a C.sub.34-C.sub.60 bidentate diphosphine ligand (L2) having a natural bite-angle comprised between 85? and 130?; and [0043] a suitable Rh precursor of formula


    Rh.sub.p(CO).sub.q(Z).sub.r(1) or


    RhH(CO)(P).sub.3(1) [0044] wherein p is an integer between 1 and 4; q is an integer between 2 and 20; r is an integer between 0 and 1; Z is a coordinated anion and P is a C.sub.3-C.sub.30 mono-phosphine.

    [0045] According to any one of the above embodiments, Z may be a coordinated anion provided that Z is not an halide. Particularly, Z may be selected from the group consisting of acetylacetonate, 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionate, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dionate, a carboxylate such benzoate, acetate, formiate, pivalate or propionate, an alkoxide such as methoxide, ethoxide, propoxide or butoxide, an allyl as prop-2-en-1-ide, 3-phenyl-prop-2-en-1-ide, a cyclopentadienyl, a such pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and a pentafluorocyclopentadienyl. Particularly, Z may be acetylacetonate.

    [0046] According to any embodiment of the present invention, P may represent a mono-phosphine of formula PR.sup.9.sub.3, wherein R.sup.9 is a C.sub.1-C.sub.12 group, such as linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkoxy or aryloxy group optionally substituted, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, diphenyl or naphthyl or di-naphthyl group. More particularly R.sup.9 may represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, diphenyl or naphthyl or di-naphthyl group. Possible substituents are those cited below for the group R.sup.b. Preferably, P is a triphenylphosphine.

    [0047] According to any embodiment of the present invention, the Rh(0) precursor of formula (1) or (1) may selected from the group consisting of Rh(CO).sub.2(acac), RhH(CO)(PPh.sub.3).sub.3, Rh.sub.4(CO).sub.12 and Rh.sub.6(CO).sub.16.

    [0048] The preparation of the Rh(I) complex is preferably carried out in the presence of a solvent. In a particular embodiment of the invention, said solvent is the same optionally used in the hydrogenation process. However other solvents can be used, and as non-limiting examples one may cite C.sub.6-10 aromatic solvents such as toluene or xylene, C.sub.5-8 hydrocarbon solvents such as hexane or cyclohexane, C.sub.4-9 ethers such as tetrahydrofuran or MTBE, polar solvents such as C.sub.1-5 primary or secondary alcohols such as isopropanol or ethanol, dichloromethane, water or mixtures thereof. The choice of the solvent is a function of the nature of the substrate and of the complex and the person skilled in the art is well able to select the most convenient solvent in each case to optimize the hydrogenation reaction.

    [0049] The preparation of the Rh(I) complex can be carried out under an inert, or an essentially carbon monoxide and oxygen free atmosphere, e.g. the amount of CO and O.sub.2 present is below 1 ppm. A person skilled in the art knows what is meant by an inert atmosphere. Non-limiting examples of such atmosphere are a nitrogen or argon atmosphere.

    [0050] In the preparation of the Rh(I) complex, the temperature of the process can be comprised between 0? C. and 100? C., preferably in the range of between 10? C. and 60? 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.

    [0051] According to a particular embodiment, it is believed that the Rh(I) complex can be described as having the formula


    [Rh(L2)(CO)(Z)](2)

    [0052] wherein L2 and Z has the same meaning as defined above.

    [0053] According to any one of the above embodiments, L2 can be a compound of formula


    (R.sup.b).sub.2P-Q-P(R.sup.b).sub.2(A) [0054] wherein each R.sup.b, taken separately, represents a C.sub.6-10 aromatic group optionally substituted or a cyclohexyl group optionally substituted, or the two R.sup.b bonded to the same P atom, taken together, represent a 2,2-oxydiphenyl optionally substituted; and
    Q represents a C.sub.10-C.sub.16 metallocenediyl optionally substituted or a group of formula [0055] a)

    ##STR00003## [0056] wherein each R.sup.d represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-8 alkyl group, and X represents an oxygen or sulfur atom or a C(R.sup.10).sub.2, Si(R.sup.11).sub.2 or NR.sup.10 group, in which R.sup.10 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sup.11 group, R.sup.11 representing a C.sub.1-4 linear or branched alkyl group, preferably a methyl group; or [0057] b)

    ##STR00004## [0058] in the form of any one of its enantiomers, and wherein m is 0 or 1, M represents Fe or Ru, and Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group;
    and the wavy lines indicate the position of the bond between said Q group and the rest of the compound (A).

    [0059] According to any one of the above embodiments, Q represents a 1,1-ferrocenediyl optionally substituted or a group of formula [0060] a)

    ##STR00005## [0061] wherein each R.sup.d represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, and X represents a C(R.sup.10).sub.2, Si(R.sup.11).sub.2 or NR.sup.10 group, in which R.sup.10 is a hydrogen atom or a R.sup.11 group, R.sup.11 representing a C.sub.1-4 linear or branched alkyl group, preferably a methyl group; or [0062] b)

    ##STR00006## [0063] in the form of any one of its enantiomers;
    the wavy lines indicate the position of the bond between said Q group and the rest of the compound (A).

    [0064] According to any one of the above embodiments, in the definition of Q the metallocenediyl is a ferrocenediyl and in particular a 1,1-diyl group. In formula (ii), in particular, M is Fe.

    [0065] According to any one of the above embodiments, each RD represents a C.sub.6-10 aromatic group optionally substituted or a cyclohexyl group optionally substituted.

    [0066] According to any one of the above embodiments, by aromatic group or ring it is meant a phenyl or naphthyl group, and in particular a phenyl group.

    [0067] According to any one of the above embodiments, each R.sup.b represents a phenyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a 3,5-dimethyl-phenyl, a 3,5-di(CF3)-phenyl, a 3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-phenyl group.

    [0068] According to any one of the above embodiments, the R.sup.d represents a hydrogen atom.

    [0069] According to any one of the above embodiments, X represents a CMe.sub.2, SiMe.sub.2, NH or NMe group.

    [0070] According to any one of the above embodiments, L2 has a natural bite-angle comprised between 93? and 125?, particularly, comprised between 97? and 125?, particularly comprised between 102? and 125?, particularly comprised between 108? and 125?, even more particularly, comprised between 110? and 125?.

    [0071] According to any one of the above embodiments, non-limiting examples of possible substituents of R.sup.b are one, two, three or four groups selected amongst the halogen atoms, or C.sub.1-10 alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, or perhalo-hydrocarbon groups. The expression perhalo-hydrocarbon has here the usual meaning in the art, e.g. a group such as CF.sub.3 for instance. In particular said substituents are one or two halogen atoms, such as F or Cl, or C.sub.1-4 alkoxy or alkyl groups, or CF.sub.3 groups.

    [0072] According to any one of the above embodiments, non-limiting examples of possible substituents of the metallocenediyl or 1,1-ferrocenediyl group are one or two C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups or a CR.sup.dPhN(R.sup.d).sub.2 group, wherein R.sup.d or R.sup.d are a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and Ph is a phenyl group optionally substituted as indicated above for R.sup.b. In particular, said substituents are one methyl or one CH(C.sub.6H.sub.5N(Me).sub.2 group.

    [0073] According to any one of the above embodiments, said R.sup.b, metallocenediyl or 1,1-ferrocenediyl groups, one by one or all together, are non-substituted.

    [0074] According to any one of the above embodiments, the ligand of formula (A) can be in a racemic or optically active form.

    [0075] As non-limiting examples of L2 ligands, one can cite the following ones:

    ##STR00007## [0076] wherein Cy represents a cyclohexyl substituted by one or two C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups, Ph represents a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or two C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups, one or two trifluoromethyl groups or by one methoxy group;
    said compounds being in an optically active form or in a racemic form, if applicable.

    [0077] The ligands (A) are all known in the prior art and 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, e.g. see R. P. J. Bronger, P. C. J. Kamer, P. W. N. M. van Leeuwen, Organometallics 2003, 22, 5358 or R. P. J. Bronger, J. P. Bermon, J. Herwig, P. C. J. Kamer, P. W. N. M. van Leeuwen, Adv. Synth. Catal. 2004, 346, 789 or M. Kranenburg, Y. E. M. van der Burgt, P. C. J. Kamer, P. W. N. M. van Leeuwen, K. Goubitz, J. Fraanje Organometallics 1985, 14, 3081 or P. Dierkes, P. W. N. M. van Leeuwen J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 1999, 1519. Some of said ligands are even commercially available.

    [0078] According to any one of the above embodiments, L2 ligand is selected from the group consisting of (9,9-dimethyl-9H-xanthene-4,5-diyl)bis(diphenylphosphane) and 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphaneyl)-10H-phenoxazine.

    [0079] In general, the complexes of formula (2) can be prepared and isolated prior to their use in the process according to the general methods described in the literature. A method is described in the Example.

    [0080] Moreover, the complexes can be prepared in situ, by several methods, in the hydrogenation medium, without isolation or purification, just before their use.

    [0081] The Rh complex of the invention can be added into the reaction medium of the invention's process in a large range of concentrations. As non-limiting examples, one can cite as complex concentration amounts of complex being greater than 10 ppm, preferably greater than 100 ppm, more preferably greater than 1000 ppm, but less than 50000 ppm, preferably less than 10000 ppm, relative to the amount of substrate. 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, of the solvent and on the pressure of H.sub.2 used during the process, as well as the desired time of reaction.

    EXAMPLES

    [0082] The invention will now be described in further detail by way of the following examples, wherein the abbreviations have the usual meaning in the art, the temperatures are indicated in degrees centigrade (? C.). NMR spectra were acquired using either a Bruker Avance II Ultrashield 400 plus operating at 400 MHZ, (.sup.1H) and 100 MHz (.sup.13C) or a Bruker Avance III 500 operating at 500 MHZ (.sup.1H) and 125 MHz (.sup.13C) or a Bruker Avance III 600 cryoprobe operating at 600 MHZ (.sup.1H) and 150 MHz (.sup.13C). Spectra were internally referenced relative to tetramethyl silane 0.0 ppm. .sup.1H NMR signal shifts are expressed in ? ppm, coupling constants (J) are expressed in Hz with the following multiplicities: s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quartet; m, multiplet; b, broad (indicating unresolved couplings) and were interpreted using Bruker Topspin software. .sup.13C NMR data are expressed in chemical shift ? ppm and hybridization from DEPT 90 and DEPT 135 experiments, C, quaternary (s); CH, methine (d); CH.sub.2, methylene (t); CH.sub.3, methyl (q).

    Example 1

    Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dienone

    A Typical Experimental Procedure is as Follows:

    [0083] In a glove box under argon, a solution of Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) and Nixantphos (L2, structure shown in Table) in dichloromethane was stirred for 30 minutes. A dienone solution in ethanol was charged in a 75 mL autoclave, followed by the solution of [Rh(nixantphos)(CO)(acac)] (0.1 or 0.2 mol %) in dichloromethane. The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas (10?20 bar) and pressurized with hydrogen gas at 20 bar or 50 bar depending on the reaction conditions. The autoclave was placed in an oil bath set at 60? C. and the reaction was magnetically stirred for the appropriate time. At the end of reaction, the autoclave was cooled down in an ice bath and depressurized. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Then the crude product was purified by bulb to bulb distillation to yield the desired ketone, otherwise indicated.

    Hydrogenation of (E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhex-5-en-2-one

    [0084] The autoclave was charged successively with (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (4.081 g, 19.97 mmol) in ethanol (18 mL) and a solution of [Rh(nixantphos)(CO)(acac)] in dichloromethane (2 mL) prepared from Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) (5.0 mg, 0.02 mmol) and Nixantphos (11.6 mg, 0.02 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated for 2 h 30 min under H.sub.2 pressure (20 bar). Purification by bulb to bulb distillation (bp=157? C. under 1.2 mbar) yielded (E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhex-5-en-2-one (3.858 g, 18.69 mmol, 94% yield) as a light yellow oil (GC purity=98%).

    [0085] .sup.1H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3): ?=1.84 (d, J=1.3 Hz, 3H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.41-2.44 (m, 2H), 2.62-2.65 (m, 2H), 6.23 (s, 1H), 7.11 ppm (s, 4H).

    [0086] .sup.13C-NMR (100 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3): ?=208.4 (C), 136.6 (C), 135.7 (C), 135.2 (C), 128.8 (CH), 128.7 (CH), 125.3 (CH), 42.3 (CH.sub.2), 34.5 (CH.sub.2), 30.0 (CH.sub.3), 21.1 (CH.sub.3), 17.8 ppm (CH.sub.3).

    Example 2

    [0087] Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dienone of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (S1) with Various RhX(Ln) Complexes
    General Procedure for the Screening of Various Rhodium Complexes with Diphosphine Ln:

    [0088] In a glove box, glass vials equipped with a magnetic stirring bar were charged separately with diphosphine (Ln, structure shown in Table 1) (1 mol %) and a solution (1 mL) of the rhodium pre-catalyst (1 mol %) in toluene. After stirring at RT for 1 h, a solution (1 mL, 0.5 M, 0.5 mmol) of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (S1, structure shown in Table 7) (0.5 mmol/vial) in toluene was added. The vials were placed in a 75 mL autoclave. The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at 5 bar. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. Then, the autoclave was vented and a sample was taken from each vials and analyzed by GC. The results are shown in Table 2.

    TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 List of diphosphines used for the hydrogenation. Diphosphine Name Structure L1 (9,9-dimethyl-9H-xanthene-4,5-diyl) bis(diphenylphosphane) [00008]embedded image L2 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphaneyl)-10H- phenoxazine [00009]embedded image L3 (10,10-dimethyl-10H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4] oxasiline-4,6-diyl)bis(diphenylphosphane) [00010]embedded image L4 1,1-diphenylphosphino ferrocene [00011]embedded image L5 (1S)-1-[(1R)-1-[Bis[3,5-bis(trifluoro methyl)phenyl]phosphino]ethyl]-2-[2- (dicyclohexylphosphino)phenyl]ferrocene [00012]embedded image L6 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphaneyl)ethane [00013]embedded image L7 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphaneyl)propane [00014]embedded image L8 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphaneyl)butane [00015]embedded image L9 (1S)-1-[(1R)-1-[diphenylphosphino]ethyl]- 2-[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ferrocene [00016]embedded image L10 (R,R)-Bis(diphenylphosphino-methyl)-2,2- dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane [00017]embedded image L11 (S)-(+)-4,12-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-[2.2]- paracyclophane [00018]embedded image L12 (1S)-1-[(1R)-1-[Bis(dicyclohexyl phosphino)]ethyl]-2-[2-(diphenyl phosphino)phenyl]ferrocene [00019]embedded image L13 (1S)-1-[(1R)-1-[Bis[3,5-bis(trimethyl) phenyl]phosphino]ethyl]-2-[2-(diphenyl phosphino)phenyl]ferrocene [00020]embedded image L14 (1S)-1-[(1R)-1-[Bis[3,5-bis(trimethyl) phenyl]phosphino]ethyl]-2-[2-(3,5-bis (trimethyl)phenyl)phosphino]ferrocene [00021]embedded image L15 (1S)-1-[(1R)-1-[Bis[3,5-bis(trifluoro methyl)phenyl]phosphino]ethyl]-2-[2- (diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ferrocene [00022]embedded image L16 (1S)-1-[(1R)-1-[Bis[3,5-bis(trifluoro methyl)phenyl]phosphino]ethyl]-2[2- [Bis(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl) phosphino]phenyl]ferrocene [00023]embedded image

    TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Hydrogenation of S1 with various rhodium complexes and L1 under hydrogen (5 bar). Rhodium pre- Conv. Sel. No Substrate Com/Base catalyst % % 1* S1 10000/100000 [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 100 49 2** S1 10000/0 [Rh(COD).sub.2][BF.sub.4] 61 34 3 S1 10000/0 Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) 100 71 4*** S1 10000/0 Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) 100 88 Entry 1 and 2 are comparative examples

    [0089] Com/Base=molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate.

    [0090] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S1 into the desired product (E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one and to any other products, including fully saturated aromatic ketone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hexan-2-one and deconjugated enone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-4-en-2-one (mixture of E and Z isomers) after the indicated time.

    [0091] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)]/[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)+sum of other products].

    [0092] * Potassium acetate was added (10 mol %) to the reaction mixture.

    [0093] ** Dichloromethane was used here instead of toluene.

    [0094] ** Reaction stopped after 4 hours.

    Example 3

    [0095] Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dienone of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (S1) with Various Rh(COD)CI(Ln) ComplexesComparative Example (Conditions Reported in WO2012150053)
    General Procedure for the Screening of Various Diphosphines (Ln) with [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2:

    [0096] In a glove box, glass vials equipped with a magnetic stirring bar were charged separately with the appropriate diphosphines (Ln) as shown in Table 1 (1 mol %), [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 (0.5 mol %), potassium acetate (10 mol %) and toluene (1 mL). After stirring at RT for 1 h, a solution (1 mL, 0.5 M, 0.5 mmol) of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (S1, structure shown in Table 7) in toluene was added. The vials were placed in a 75 mL autoclave. The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at 5 bar. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. Then, the autoclave was vented and a sample was taken from each vials and analyzed by GC. The results are shown in Table 3.

    TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Hydrogenation of S1 with various diphosphine (Ln) and [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2/AcOK under hydrogen (5 bar). No Diphosphine Com/Base Conv. % Sel. % 1 L1 10000/100000 100 49 2 L4 10000/100000 100 0 3 L6 10000/100000 100 0 4 L7 10000/100000 100 0 5 L8 10000/100000 100 0

    [0097] Com/Base=molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate.

    [0098] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S1 into the desired product (E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one and to any other products, including fully saturated aromatic ketone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hexan-2-one and deconjugated enone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-4-en-2-one (mixture of E and Z isomers) after the indicated time.

    [0099] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)]/[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)+sum of other products].

    Example 4

    [0100] Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dienone of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (S1) with Various Rh(Ln)(CO)(acac) Complexes
    General Procedure for the Screening of Rhodium Complexes with Various Diphosphines L1-L4:

    [0101] In a glove box, glass vials equipped with a magnetic stirring bar were charged separately with the appropriate diphosphines (L1-L4) as shown in Table 1 (1 mol %) and a solution (1 mL) of Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) (1 mol %) in toluene. After stirring at RT for 1 h, a solution (1 mL) of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (S1 as shown in Table 7) (0.5 M, 0.5 mmol) in toluene was added. The vials were placed in a 75 mL autoclave. The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at 5 bar. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. Then, the autoclave was vented and a sample was taken from each vials and analyzed by GC.

    [0102] The results are shown in Table 4.

    TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Hydrogenation of S1 with Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) and various diphosphines (L1-L4) under hydrogen (5 bar). No Diphosphine Com/Base Conv. % Sel. % 1 L1 10000/0 100 71 2 L2 10000/0 58 81 3 L3 10000/0 66 39 4 L4 10000/0 32 47

    [0103] Com/Base=molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate.

    [0104] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S1 into the desired product (E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one and to any other products, including fully saturated aromatic ketone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hexan-2-one and deconjugated enone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-4-en-2-one (mixture of E and Z isomers) after the indicated time.

    [0105] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)]/[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)+sum of other products].

    Example 5

    [0106] Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dienone of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one
    (S1) with Various Rh(L1-L2)(CO)(acac) Complexes in Various Solvent

    General Procedure for the Screening of Rh(L1-L2)(CO)(acac) in Various Solvent:

    [0107] In a glove box, a glass vial equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with the appropriate preformed Rh(L1-L2)(CO)(acac) complex (0.5 mol %), followed by (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (1mmol, S1 as shown in Table 7) and the appropriate solvent (2 ml). The vial was placed in a 75 mL autoclave. The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at 5 bar. The reaction was then stirred at 60? C. for 4 hours. Then, the autoclave was cooled in an ice/water bath and vented. A sample was taken from the vial and analyzed by GC. The results are shown in Table 5.

    TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Hydrogenation of S1 with Rh(L1-L2)(CO)(acac) in various solvent. Conv. Sel. No Rh(L1-L2)(CO)(acac) solvent Com/Base % % 1 L1 Toluene 5000/0 100 89 2 L2 Toluene 5000/0 100 93 3 L1 Acetone 5000/0 100 93 4 L2 Acetone 5000/0 100 92 5 L1 THF 5000/0 100 83 6 L2 THF 5000/0 100 91 7 L1 AcOEt 5000/0 100 87 8 L2 AcOEt 5000/0 100 83 9 L1 EtOH 5000/0 100 93 10 L2 EtOH 5000/0 100 98
    Com/Base=molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate.

    [0108] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S1 into the desired product (E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one and to any other products, including fully saturated aromatic ketone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hexan-2-one and deconjugated enone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-4-en-2-one (mixture of E and Z isomers) after the indicated time.

    [0109] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)]/[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)+sum of other products].

    Example 6

    [0110] Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dienone of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one
    (S1) with Rh(L2)(CO)(acac) Complex at Various Pressure and Temperature

    General Procedure for the Screening of Rh(L2)(CO)(acac) at Various Pressure and Temperature:

    [0111] In a glove box, a stainless steel autoclave equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with the preformed Rh(L2)(CO)(acac) complex (0.1 mol %), followed by (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (5 mmol, S1 as shown in Table 7) and EtOH (10 ml). The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at the indicated pressure and the reaction was stirred at the desired temperature for the indicated period of time. Then, the autoclave was cooled in an ice/water bath and vented. A sample was taken from the vial and analyzed by GC. The results are shown in Table 6.

    TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Hydrogenation of S1 with Rh(L2)(CO)(acac) in EtOH at various H.sub.2 pressure and temperature. H.sub.2 Temperature Time Conv. Sel. No Com/Base (bar) (? C.) (h) % % 1 1000/0 5 60 4 42 95 2 1000/0 20 60 2.5 100 98 3 1000/0 50 25 1 38 97

    [0112] Com/Base=molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate.

    [0113] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S1 into the desired product (E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one and to any other products, including fully saturated aromatic ketone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hexan-2-one and deconjugated enone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-4-en-2-one (mixture of E and Z isomers) after the indicated time.

    [0114] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[(E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)]/[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one e)+sum of other products].

    Example 7

    [0115] Catalytic Hydrogenation of Various Dienones (S1-S15) with Rh(L2)(CO)(acac) Complex:
    General Procedure for the Hydrogenation of Dienones with Rh(L2)(CO)(acac):

    [0116] In a glove box, a stainless steel autoclave equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with the preformed Rh(L2)(CO)(acac) complex (0.1 mol %) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (2 ml), followed by the appropriate dienone as shown in Table 7 (20 mmoles) and EtOH (18 ml). The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at 20 bar and the reaction was stirred at 60? C. for the indicated period of time. Then, the autoclave was cooled in an ice/water bath and vented. The product was isolated by evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure and purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The results are shown in Table 8.

    TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 List of dienones hydrogenated. Dienones Name Structure S1 (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hexa-3,5-dien-2- one [00024]embedded image S2 (3E,5Z)-5-phenylhepta-3,5-dien-2-one [00025]embedded image S3 (3E)-5-methylocta-3,5-dien-2-one [00026]embedded image 5E, 5Z = 97/3 S4 (3E)-5-ethylnona-3,5-dien-2-one [00027]embedded image 5E, 5Z = 97/3 S5 (3E)-5-propyldeca-3,5-dien-2-one [00028]embedded image 5E, 5Z = 90/10 S6 (3E,5E)-6-cyclopentyl-5-methylhexa-3,5-dien- 2-one [00029]embedded image S7 (3E,5E)-6-cyclohexyl-5-methylhexa-3,5-dien-2- one [00030]embedded image S8 (3E,5E)-5-(cyclohexylmethylene)hept-3-en-2- one [00031]embedded image 5E, 5Z = 97/3 S9 (E)-4-(5,5-dimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)but-3- en-2-one [00032]embedded image S10 (E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)but-3- en-2-one [00033]embedded image S11 (3E,5E)-6-(cyclohex-3-en-1-yl)-5-methylhexa- 3,5-dien-2-one [00034]embedded image S12 (3E,5E)-5-methyl-7-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1- en-1-yl)hepta-3,5-dien-2-one [00035]embedded image S13 (3E,5E)-5-ethyl-7-((S)-2,2,3- trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)hepta-3,5-dien-2- one [00036]embedded image 5E, 5Z = 92/8 S14 6-cyclohexylhepta-3,5-dien-2-one [00037]embedded image 5E, 5Z = 47/53 S15 6,10-dimethylundeca-3,5,9-trien-2-one [00038]embedded image 5E, 5Z = 63/37 S16 (3E,5E)-6-phenylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one [00039]embedded image S17 (1E,4E)-2-methyl-1,5-diphenylpenta-1,4-dien- 3-one [00040]embedded image S18 (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)penta-2,4-dienal [00041]embedded image

    TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Hydrogenation of dienones with Rh(L2)(CO)(acac) in EtOH at 60? C. under H.sub.2 pressure (20 bar). Time Conv. Sel. No Com/Base Dienones (h) % % Yield 1 1000/0 S1 2.5 100 99 94 2* 2000/0 S2 2.5 100 >99 74 3 1000/0 S3 4 100 >99 84 4 1000/0 S4 1.75 100 >99 94 5 1000/0 S5 1 100 >99 96 6* 2000/0 S6 1.5 100 >99 97 7 1000/0 S7 4 100 >99 94 8* 2000/0 S8 1 100 >99 98 9* 2000/0 S9 2 100 >99 97 10* 1000/0 S10 2 99 >99 98 11 1000/0 S11 3 100 ** 66 12* 2000/0 S12 2.5 100 >99 95 13 1000/0 S13 1 100 >99 93 14 1000/0 S14 1 100 >99 97 15 1000/0 S15 1 100 >99 96 16 1000/0 S16 4 95 86 ND 17 1000/0 S17 3 99 95 98 Com/Base = molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate. Conv. = conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S1-17 into the desired gamma-delta-unsaturated ketone and into any other products, including the fully saturated aromatic ketones after the indicated time. Sel. = selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100 ? [desired gamma-delta-unsaturated ketone]/[desired gamma-delta-unsaturated ketone + sum of other products]. Yield = Isolated yield after purification. ND = Not determined. *Reaction performed under 50 bar of hydrogen pressure. ** Hydrogenation of both C?C bonds at the 3,4- and 9,10-positions was observed (15%) along with the desired product (71%) and some unidentified isomers of the fully hydrogenated products (7%).

    Example 8

    [0117] Catalytic hydrogenation of (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)penta-2,4-dienal (S18) with various RhX(L1) Complexes:
    General Procedure for the Screening of Various Rhodium Complexes with Diphosphine L1:

    [0118] In a glove box, glass vials equipped with a magnetic stirring bar were charged separately with Xantphos (L1, structure shown in Table 1) (1 mol %), the rhodium pre-catalyst (1 mol %) and CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1 ml). After stirring at RT for 1 h, a solution (1 mL, 1 M, 1 mmol) of (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)penta-2,4-dienal (S18) (structure shown in Table 7) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 was added. The vials were placed in a 75 mL autoclave. The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at 50 bar. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, the autoclave was vented and a sample was taken from each vials and analyzed by GC. The results are shown in Table 9.

    TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Hydrogenation of S18 with various rhodium complexes and L1 under hydrogen pressure (50 bar). Conv. Sel. No Substrate Com/Base Rhodium pre-catalyst % % 1 S18 10000/0 [Rh(COD)Cl].sub.2 31 88 2 S18 10000/0 [Rh(COD).sub.2][BF.sub.4] 13 96 3 S18 10000/0 [Rh(COD).sub.2][TfO] 21 76 4 S18 10000/0 Rh(COD)(acac) 100 69 5 S18 10000/0 Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) 100 87 Entry 1 to 4 are comparative examples

    [0119] Com/Base=molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate.

    [0120] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S18 into the desired aldehyde (E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-enal and any other products, including the saturated alcohol (E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-en-1-ol after 1 hour in this example.

    [0121] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-enal]/[(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-enal+(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-en-1-ol].

    Example 9

    [0122] Catalytic Hydrogenation of (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)penta-2,4-dienal (S18) with Various Rh(CO)(acac)(Ln) Complexes:

    General Procedure for the Screening of Various Diphosphines Ln:

    [0123] In a glove box, glass vials equipped with a magnetic stirring bar were charged separately with the appropriate diphosphines (Ln) (1 mol %, as shown in Table 1), Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) (1 mol %), and CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1 mL). After stirring at RT for 1 h, a solution (1 mL, 0.5 M, 0.5 mmol) of (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)penta-2,4-dienal (S18) (structure shown in Table 7) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 was added. The vials were placed in a 75 mL autoclave. The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at 50 bar. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, the autoclave was vented and a sample was taken from each vials and analyzed by GC. The results are shown in Table 10.

    TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Hydrogenation of S18 with various diphosphine (Ln) and Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) under hydrogen (50 bar). Conv. Sel. No Substrate Com/Base Diphosphines % % 1 S18 5000/0 L1 100 95 2 S18 5000/0 L2 100 87 3 S18 5000/0 L3 100 83 4 S18 10000/0 L4 100 98 5 S18 10000/0 L8 99 97 6 S18 10000/0 L9 100 86 7 S18 10000/0 L10 100 97 8 S18 10000/0 L11 96 99 9 S18 5000/0 L12 100 61 10 S18 5000/0 L13 100 98 11 S18 5000/0 L14 100 97 12 S18 5000/0 L15 99 91 13 S18 5000/0 L16 98 97

    [0124] Com/Base=molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate.

    [0125] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S18 into the desired aldehyde (E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-enal and any other products, including the saturated alcohol (E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-en-1-ol after 1 hour in this example.

    [0126] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-enal]/[(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-toly)pent-4-enal+(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-toly)pent-4-en-1-ol].

    Example 10

    [0127] Catalytic Hydrogenation of (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)penta-2,4-dienal (S18) with Rh(CO)(acac)(L1) Complexes in Various Solvents:

    General Procedure for the Screening of Rh(L1)(CO)(acac) in Various Solvent:

    [0128] In a glove box, a glass vial equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with the preformed Rh(L1)(CO)(acac) complex (0.1 mol %), followed by (2E,4E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)penta-2,4-dienal (S18) (5 mmol, as shown in Table 7) and the appropriate solvent (5 ml). The vial was placed in a 75 mL autoclave. The autoclave was closed, purged with hydrogen gas at 20 bar, and finally pressurized with hydrogen gas at 50 bar. The reaction was then stirred at RT for 1 hour. Then, the autoclave was vented. A sample was taken from the vial and analyzed by GC. The results are shown in Table 11.

    TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Hydrogenation of S18 with Rh(L1)(CO)(acac) in various solvent. No Solvent Com/Base Conv. % Sel. % 1 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 1000/0 99 99 2 iPrOH 1000/0 99 98 3 AcOEt 1000/0 99 99 4 THF 1000/0 93 99 5 MTBE 1000/0 96 99 6 acetone 1000/0 97 99 7 toluene 1000/0 100 97

    [0129] Com/Base=molar ratio in ppm relative to the substrate.

    [0130] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S18 into the desired aldehyde (E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-enal and any other products, including the saturated alcohol (E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-en-1-ol after 1 hour in this example.

    [0131] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-enal]/[(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-enal+(E)-4-methyl-5-(p-tolyl)pent-4-en-1-ol].

    Example 11

    [0132] Catalytic Hydrogenation of (3E,5E)-5-methyl-6-p-tolylhexa-3,5-dien-2-one (S1) with Rh(COD)(acac) or Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) ComplexesComparative Example:

    [0133] Following the general procedure reported in example 1 and using L2. The results are shown in Table 12.

    TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Hydrogenation of S1 with Rh(COD)(acac) or Rh(CO).sub.2(acac). Entry Rh cat. time (h) Conv. % Sel. % 1 Rh(CO).sub.2(acac) 2 h 30 min >99 94 2 Rh(COD)(acac) 2 h 30 min 19 26 3 Rh(COD)(acac) 22 h 99 24 Entry 2 and 3 are comparative examples

    [0134] Conv.=conversion (in (%), analyzed by GC) of S1 into the desired product (E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one and to any other products, including fully saturated aromatic ketone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hexan-2-one and deconjugated enone 5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-4-en-2-one (mixture of E and Z isomers) after the indicated time.

    [0135] Sel.=selectivity (in (%), analyzed by GC) and calculated as 100?[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)]/[((E)-5-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)hex-5-en-2-one)+sum of other products].