GB1568999A - Process for producing 4-(4'-methyl-3'pentenyl) cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde and products produced thereby - Google Patents

Description

(54) PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING 4-(4'-METHYL 3'-PENTENYL)-A3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE AND PRODUCTS PRODUCED THEREBY (71) We, INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC., a Corporation of the State of New York in the United States of America, of 521 West 57th Street, New York, N.Y. 10019, United States of America, and BRUCE JAMES JACK a British Subject of 52, Bounds Green Road, London, Nil (to whom the invention was communicated by the said INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.), do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention provides processes for producing 4 - (4' - methyl - 3' pentenyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde and products produced thereby.

According to the present invention there is provided a process for producing myrac aldehyde comprising the step of intimately admixing acrolein with myrcene wherein the reaction is carried out: (i) In the presence of a catalytic quantity of one or more Lewis acid catalysts of the formulae ZnX2, SnX4, AIX3 and RAlmXn where X is chlorine or bromine, R is lower alkyl and m+n=3 and each of m and n are 1 or 2; (ii) At a temperature in the range of from about -20"C up to about 100"C; and (iii) At a pressure of from about 1 atmosphere up to about 100 atmospheres; the mole ratio of acrolein reactant:myrcene reactant being in the range of from about 10:1 up to about 1:10; the weight percent of Lewis acid catalyst based upon the total weight of acrolein reactant and myrcene reactant being from about 0.2 /,, up to about 10%.

Herein, by the term "lower alkyl" is mean C1-C6, preferably C1-C4, alkyl.

Parent Application No. 41391/76 (Serial No. 1,568,996) and Divisional Applications Nos. 20420/79 (Serial No. 1,568,997) and 20421/79 (Serial No.

1,568,998) relate to processes for preparing lyral. The product of the present invention can be used for producing lyral.

The processes of this invention, the parent and the two divisionals are set out in the following schematic process diagram:

0 + + C\ Routes 'ICH0 Lewis acid q mgrcene(2b) acrolein catalyst tnyracaldehyde(lb 0 HO OH Lewis Route IqCMO myrcenol(2 p tnrceno1 (2a) , < IlJral(la) myrac e CIFL [ON-]\RouteEbii Route R.CO 0 X)b p CHO Routelllbt qP ER.CO.M+ myrac aldehyde tyral (Id) hydrohalide (Ic) carboalkoxylate wherein X is chloro or bromo, R is lower alkyl, and the formyl group is located at position p or q.

Surprisingly, it has been found that myrcenol (having the structure 2a) can be reacted with acrolein, CH2:CH . CHO, under mild conditions in the presence of at least one of the Lewis acid catalysts, of the formulae ZnX2, SnX2, SnX4, AIX3, and RAlmXn (where X is chlorine or bromine, R is lower alkyl and m+n=3 and each of m and n are 1 or 2) to obtain the Diels-Alder reaction product, 4 - (4' - methyl 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde (lyral -- la), in good yields and in relatively short times. This is shown as Route I in the reaction diagram.

Similarly it has been found that myrcene (having the structures 2b) can be reacted with acrolein under mild conditions in the presence of at least one of the same genus of catalysts to obtain the Diels-Alder reaction product, 4 - (4' methyl - 3' - pentenyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde (myrac aldehyde-lb) in good yields and in relatively short times. This is shown as Route IV in the reaction diagram.

Thus, Application No. 41391/76 contemplates, interalia, a process to provide mixtures containing a major proportion of 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde which process comprises the steps of intimately admixing acrolein with myrcenol: i) In the presence of a catalytic quantity of one or more Lewis acid catalysts of the formula ZnX2, SnX4, AIX3, RAlmXn where X is chloride or bromide, R is lower alkyl and m+n=3 and each of m and n are 1 or 2 ii) At a temperature in the range of from about -20 C up to about 100"C; and iii) At a pressure of from about 1 atmosphere to about 100 atmospheres.

Depending on the specific catalyst used, the resulting product which is a mixture of compounds having the structures:

CHO 1 a (i) 5 CHO at p position) OH and I la(ii) (i) XCX (-CHO at q position) is produced in various isomer ratios. From an aroma and perfumery standpoint it is highly desirable to produce a mixture containing as much as possible of the 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl)- A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde having the structure la(i). The following table set forth the isomer ratios of the compound having the structure la(i) to the compound having the structure la(ii) produced by both the "thermal" method of the prior art (U.S. Patent 2,947,780) and the catalytic method: TABLE I Ratio of Compound Having the Structure 1 a(i) To Compound Having the Nature of Reaction Structure 1 a(ii) Thermal reaction of U.S.

Patent No. 2,947,780 (Example V, infra) 2.5:1 Zinc chloride catalyzed reaction of Examples I-Ill, infra 9:1 Stannic chloride catalyzed reaction of Example IV, infra 38:1 The mole ratio of acrolein reactant:myrcenol reactant is required to be in the range of from about 10:1 to about 1:10 with the most preferable mole ratio being about 1:1.

The temperature of reaction varies from -200C up to 1000C but the preferable temperature range is a function of the particular catalyst used. Thus, when using a zinc chloride or a zinc bromide catalyst, the temperature of reaction can vary between 20 and 80"C, with a temperature range of 4O-500C being the most desired range. When using stannic chloride, aluminum chloride, and ethyl aluminum dichloride, the temperature range usable is -200C up to 500C with the most preferred temperature range being 0-100 C.

It has been found that certain Lewis acid catalysts are unuseable in this process, namely, titanium tetrachloride or boron trifluoride etherate.

Myrac aldehyde (lb) also may be produced by a similar process shown as Route IV in the reaction diagram, which process comprises intimately admixing acrolein with myrcene (2b): i) In the presence of a catalytic quantity of one or more Lewis acid catalysts of the genus ZnX3, SnX4, AIX3, RAlrnXn where X is chloride or bromide, R is lower alkyl and m+n=3 and each of m and n are 1 or 2; ii) At a temperature in the range of from about -20"C up to about 100"C; and iii) At a pressure of from about 1 atmosphere to about 100 atmospheres, in the production of myrac aldehyde the mole ratio of acrolein reactant:myrcene reactant is required to be in the range of from about 10:1 to about 1:10 with the most preferable mole ratio being about 1:1.

The temperature of reaction varies from -20"C up to 1000C but the preferable temperature range is a function of the particular catalyst used. Thus, when using a zinc chloride or a zinc bromide catalyst, the temperature of reaction can vary between 20 and 800 C, with a temperature range of 4(w500C being the most desired range. When using stannic chloride, aluminium chloride, and ethyl aluminium chloride, the temperature range usable is 00--20"C with the most preferred temperature range being 0--100C.

One of the outstanding advantages of the Route I-IV processes is the fact that only modest temperatures are required to achieve good yields and satisfactory reaction times. Even at the above-mentioned modest temperatures, reaction times of the order of from about 1 up to 10 hours are achieved, and it is generally preferred to carry out the reaction for about from 7 to 9 hours.

The quantity of catalyst can vary from about 0.2% up to about 10% (of the reaction mass) and is related to the temperature and time of reaction. The most preferred amount of catalyst (percent based on total weight of reactant used) is from 1 up to 2%.

The reaction can be carried out over a range of pressures, but since the process does not require special high-pressure techniques like those of the prior art, it is especially preferred to conduct the reaction at atmospheric pressure.

Another of the advantages is the freedom in admixing reagents. It is possible to use any combination of sequention or simultaneous addition of the myrcenol or myrcene, acrolein and catalyst. It has been found desirable in obtaining the highest possible yields to first admix the catalyst with the myrcenol or myrcene. Then, with good agitation the acrolein is added, for example using a metering pump, over a period of time of from 3 to about 6 hours, while maintaining the reaction temperature in the desired temperature range.

The resulting product from the process can be washed with salt solutions, such as sodium chloride solutions, to facilitate separation of reaction products from catalyst and to provide an initial cleansing of the product. The reaction product is recovered from the reaction mixture and can then be subjected to conventional purification and/or isolation techniques such as distillation, extraction and preparative chromatographic techniques. It is especially preferred to purify the materials by vacuum distillation, and adjuvant materials such as anti-oxidants, petroleum base oils and trialkanolamines can be used. Triethanolamine and calcium carbonate are preferred agents for scavenging traces of acids before or during the distillation.

It is also possible, but not necessarily desirable, to carry out the reaction in the presence of a liquid reaction vehicle. If such a vehicle is used, it is preferably a solvent for the reactants and product of reaction Such solvent is to be inert under the reaction conditions. Preferred reaction vehicles include methylene dichloride, toluene, benzene, diethylether, other ethers, esters, nitriles, nitro compounds and chlorinated solvents, particularly halogenated mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, such as dichlorobenzene. The quantity of vehicle utilized can range from none to about 300 g for each mole of myrcenol in the reaction mixture. It is preferred to use up to 250 g of vehicle for each mole of the myrcenol.

In summary, the advantages of the instant process for preparing reaction by Route I in the reaction diagram products containing major quantities of 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde are as follows: 1. The reaction can be carried out in standard vessels without pressure equipment or continuous flow equipment.

2. The reaction can be carried out at moderate temperatures.

3. The reaction gives rise to high-throughput, high conversion, and high yield.

4. The noxious odour as well as the toxicity of acrolein can be easily contained by using the procedures of the instant invention.

5. The isomerisation of the product having the structure la(i) (-CHO at p position) to the product having the structure la(ii) (-CHO at q position) is in favour of the compound having the structure la(i) relative to the thermal Diels Alder reaction used to produce reaction products containing high proportions of 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde.

Lyral (la) may also be produced from myrac aldehyde having the structure lb wherein the formyl group is present in the "p" position, or the formyl group is present in both the "p" and "q" positions, i) by means of direct hydration; or ii) by hydrohalogenation to form a halide (hydrohalomyrac aldehyde) followed by either: (a) hydrolysis of the halide or, in the alternative; (b) replacement of the halide moiety with a carboalkoxy moiety and subsequent hydrolysis of the thus-formed carboalkoxy moiety.

Thus, it has been found that myrac aldehyde having the structure lb wherein the formyl group is present in the "p" position or the aldehyde is a mixture of isomers with the formyl group in the "p" and "q" positions respectively can be directly hydrated by Route II in the reaction diagram to a mixture containing a predominant quantity of 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, by using an acidic hydration agent such as: (a) a mixture of at least one protonic acid and at least one water miscible, organic solvent; (b) one or a mixture of ion exchange resins; (c) one or a mixture of acidic polymerization catalysts; or (d) one or a mixture of activated clays and, more preferably, one of the following acidic hydration materials: (i) mixture of lower alkanoic acid (e.g. formic acid and acetic acid) and ptoluene sulfonic acid; (ii) mixture of 30% aqueous sulfuric acid and tetrahydrofuran; (iii) mixture of 30- /O sulfuric acid and dimethyl formamide; (iv) mixture of 50% sulfuric acid and tetrahydrofuran; (v) mixture of 65% sulfuric acid and acetic acid; (vi) mixture of methane sulfonic acid and tetrahydrofuran; (vii) sulfonated copolymer of styrene and divinyl benzene; (viii) mixture of (a) sulfonated copolymer of styrene and divinyl benzene and (b) lower alkanoic acid; (ix) activated clay adsorbent; (x) silico-phosphoric acid polymerization catalyst; or (xi) mixture of aqueous hydrochloric acid and a lower alkanol.

With reference to the reaction of myrac aldehyde and the acidic hydration agent, the temperature of reaction may vary from OOC up to 1200C depending on the particular catalyst system used. An example of the sulfonated copolymer of styrene and divinyl benzene (containing about 4% divinyl benzene) is Dowex 50W X4 produced by the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan. An example of an activated clay adsorbent is Filtrol 105 having the following properties: Particle Size Analysis By Roller (10 liters/min. air rate) 0-5 Microns, Wt. % 8 0-20 Microns, Wt. % 43 By Tyler Standard Sieve Through 100 Mesh, Wt.% 100 Through 200 Mesh, Wt. % 95 Through 325 Mesh, Wt. % 78 Apparent Bulk Density, Ib/cu.ft. 42 Free Moisture, Wt. % 15 Free and Combined Moisture, Wt. % 21 (Loss at 17000 F) Surface Area (BET Method), Sq.M/gm. 300 Acidity, Phenolphthalein, mg.KOH/gm. 4.8 Filter Rate, cc/min. 38 Oil Retention, Wt. % 35 An example of the silico-phosphoric acid polymerization catalyst is UOP-SPA-2 polymerization catalyst manufactured by the Universal Oil Products Company of Des Plaines, Illinois.

The time of reaction is primarily a function of four variables: (1) temperature of reaction; (2) conversion desired; (3) particular hydration reagent utilized; and (4) concentration of hydration reagent in reaction mass.

In general, higher temperatures of reaction give rise to shorter required time of reaction, but too high a temperature of reaction and/or too long a time of reaction causes a diminution of conversion due to product decomposition. In general, higher concentration of hydration reagents in the reaction mass give rise to shorter time periods of reaction for a given conversion to the desired "lyral" reaction product. Thus, in general, the time of reaction may vary from 1 hour up to 48 hours.

The particular hydration reagent used in the process of our invention is surprisingly highly specific. Thus, a wide variety of hydration agents or hydration agent systems will be unworkable, for example: 64% sulfuric acid; 50% sulfuric acid; 30% sulfuric acid; 65% sulfuric acid-tetrahydrofuran mixture; 50% sulfuric acid-dimethyl formamide mixture; and methane sulfonic acid.

The concentration of hydration material in the reaction mass can vary from about 3% (when using such materials as polymerization catalyst [e.g. silico phosphoric acid]) to about 50% when using hydration reagents such as a para toluene sulfonic acid-formic acid mixture or a para-toluene sulfonic acid-acetic acid mixture. Preferably from about 3% up to about 10% by weight of the reaction mass of polymerization catalyst (e.g. silico-phosphoric acid) or cation exchange resin (e.g. Dowex 50W-X4) or activated clay adsorbent (e.g., Filtrol grade (105) is preferred, and from about 25% up to about 60% by weight of the reaction mass of hydration reagent such as 650/, aqueous sulfuric acid-acetic acid mixture or 50% aqueous sulfuric acid-tetrahydrofuran mixture or 30% aqueous sulfuric acid tetrahydrofuran mixture or 30% aqueous sulfuric acid-dimethyl formamide mixture or para-toluene sulfonic acid-formic acid mixture or methane sulfonic acid tetrahydrofuran mixture is preferred. The ratio of protonic acid:co-solvent, e.g.

sulfuric acid, methane sulfonic or para-toluene sulfonic acid:tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl formamide or acetic acid is preferably in the range of from about 1:5 up to about 5:1 on a dry basis and on a weight:weight ratio.

In summary, the advantages of the Route II process for preparing reaction products containing major quantities of 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexene carboxaldehyde are as follows: 1) The reaction can be carried out in standard vessels without pressure equipment and on a batch or a continuous basis; 2) The reaction can be carried out at moderate temperatures; 3) The reaction gives rise to high throughput, high conversion and high yields; 4) The noxious odor as well as the toxicity of certain Diels-Alder reagents such as acrolein does not exist as in the case of the prior art Diels-Alder reactions; and 5) The odor of morpholine or other amines (previously used to protect the carboxaldehyde during hydration) and problems concerning separation of such amines from the reaction mass at the end of the reaction do not exist.

It has been found that myrac aldehyde having the structure lb wherein the formyl group is present in the "p" position, or in both the "p" and "q" positions can be first hydrohalogenated with HCI or HBr to form hydrohalomyrac aldehyde having the structure 1 c, and the hydrohalomyrac aldehyde is then either (a) hydrolyzed with base, e.g. alcoholic alkali metal carbonates, bicarbonates, and/or hydroxides or mixtures of same; or (b) reacted whereby the halogen group is replaced with a carboalkoxy group (e.g. acetate) using an alkali metal alkanoate having the structure R . CO . O-M+ wherein R is lower alkyl and M is an alkali metal such as sodium, to form a compound having the structure Id which is, in turn, hydrolyzed with base, e.g. aqueous alcoholic alkali metal hydroxide under reflux conditions.

The reaction sequence is illustrated by Route III a/b in the reaction diagram.

The hydrohalogenation step is advantageously carried out using anhydrous hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide in an inert solvent such as glacial acetic acid. The reaction temperature is between 0 and 30 C, preferably 1O-150C. The .reaction pressure is most conveniently atmospheric, but higher pressures will give rise to shorter time periods of reaction. The range of weight ratios of myrac aldehyde:hydrogen halide, HC1 or HBr may vary from 10:1 to 1:1 with a preferred weight ratio of about 5:1. The range of weight ratios of myrac aldehyde:solvent is 1:1 up to 1:10 with a ratio of 1:5 being preferred.

At the end of the reaction, the reaction mass can be "worked up" by pouring same onto crushed ice and extracting for example the hydrochloromyrac aldehyde with an inert and volatile extraction solvent such as diethyl ether. The extract is dried using an inert drying agent such as anhydrous magnesium sulfate and stripped of solvent. Preferably, the hydrochloromyrac aldehyde is then hydrolyzed or reacted with a carboalkoxylation agent to form the corresponding acetate which is then hydrolyzed.

The hydrolysis of the hydrochloromyrac aldehyde or hydrobromomyrac 31dehYde can be carried out in the presence of an aqueous base such as an alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or hydroxide; for example sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as isopropanol at a temperature of between 50 and 120"C, preferably reflux temperature of the reaction mass (80-850C in the case of a 50:50 water:isopropanol hydrolysis medium). The weight ratio of water-inert organic solvent may vary from 1:5 up to 5:1 with a preferred ratio of 1:1. The weight ratio of base:water may vary from 1:25 up to 1:2 with a weight ratio of 1:10 being preferred.

The reaction of the hydrochloromyrac aldehyde or hydrobromomyrac aldehyde with the carboalkoxylation agent in order to replace the halide moiety with an ester moiety can take place using an alkali metal salt of a lower alkanoic acid in anhydrous media; e.g., sodium acetate, or potassium acetate in the presence of an inert solvent, e.g., toluene or xylene at reflux temperatures. This reaction also preferably takes place in the presence of a phase transfer agent which may be one or more of several organic quaternary ammonium salts. Specific examples of phase transfer agents useful in the invention are as follows: Tricapryl methyl ammonium chloride; Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide; and B enzyl trimethyl ammonium hydroxide.

In general, the phase transfer agents most preferred have the generic formula:

wherein at least one of R '.R2,, R3, and R4, is CrC,4 aryl, C C1O aralkyl, C C20 alkenyl, CeC14 alkaryl and CeC2 alkenyl and the other of R2,, R3, and R4' is alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propy?, i-propyl, l-butyl, 2-butyl, l-methyl-2-propyl, l-pentyl and l-octyl and Z- is an anion such as chloride, bromide and hydroxide.

Hydrolysis of the resultant carboalkoxylate to give lyral preferably is performed by refluxing the carboalkoxylate in aqueous alcoholic base, conveniently aqueous methanolic sodium hydroxide solution.

At the end of the reaction, the lyral having the structure la wherein the formyl group is present in the "p" position or in both the "p" and "q" positions, can be extracted from the reaction mass using an inert volatile extraction solvent such as diethyl ether. The extract can then be dried, stripped of solvent, preferably under reduced pressure, and the resultant "crude" lyral fractionally distilled.

The words "Dowex", "Filtrol", "Ionol", "Amberlyst", "Ionoxf' and "Aliquat" are Trade Marks.

The following Examples are provided only generally to illustrate the invention and Examples V(C) and V(D) illustrate specifically the invention which is not to be considered as restricted thereto except as indicated in the claims.

Examples I-V (B) illustrate the production of "lyral" from myrcenol using Lewis acid catalysts by Route I in the reaction diagram.

Examples V(C) and V(D) illustrate the production of myrac aldehyde from myrcene by Route IV in the reaction diagram.

Example VI illustrates the thermal Diels-Alder reaction of the prior art (U.S.

Patent 2,947,780).

Examples VII-XV illustrate the utility of the products of Examples I-V.

Examples XVI-XXII illustrate the production of "lyral" from myrac aldehyde using acid hydrating agents by Route II the reaction diagram.

Examples XXIII-XXXI illustrate the utility of the products of Examples XVI-XXII.

Examples XXXII-XXXV further illustrate the production of "lyral" from myrac aldehyde.

Examples XXXVI-XLIV illustrates the utility of the product of Example XXXV.

Examples XLV-XLVII illustrate the production of "lyral" from myrac aldehyde by hydrohalination and subsequent direct or indirect hydrolysis by Route III a/b in the reaction diagram.

All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is the GLC (gas-liquid chromatography) profile for the reaction product resulting from the zinc chloride catalyzed reaction of myrcenol and acrolein exemplified in Example I.

Figure 2 is the GLC profile for the reaction product resulting from zinc chloride catalyzed reaction of myrcenol and acrolein exemplified in Example IV.

Figure 3 is the GLC profile for the reaction product resulting from the noncatalyzed thermal Diels-Alder reaction of myrcenol and acrolein exemplified in Example VI.

Figure 4 is the infra red spectrum of the product of Example III.

Figure 5 is the NMR spectrum of the product of Example III.

Figure 5A is the reference GLC profile having a preformed mixture of lyral and myrac aldehyde.

Figure 5B is the GLC profile of the reaction product of Example 5(A).

Figure 5C is the GLC profile of the reaction product of Example 5(B).

Figure 6 is a GLC profile of the reaction product of Example XXXII, Part E.

Figure 7 is a GLC profile of the reaction product of Example XXXII, Part F.

Figure 8 is a GLC profile of the reaction product of Example XXXII, Part G.

Figure 9 is a GLC profile of the reaction product of Example XXXII, Part H.

Figure 10 is a GLC profile of the reaction product of Example XXXII, Part I.

Figure 11 is a GLC profile of the reaction product of Example XXXV.

Figure 12 is the NMR spectrum for the lyral produced according to the process of Example XXXV.

Figure 13 is the NMR spectrum for the myrac aldehyde produced according to the process of Example XXXV.

Figure 14 is the infra red spectrum for the lyral produced according to the process of Example XXXV.

Figure 15 is the infra red spectrum for the myrac aldehyde produced according to the process of Example XXXV.

EXAMPLES I, II and III Production of "Lyral" From Myrcenol and Acrolein Using a Zinc Chloride Catalyst Into a 12-liter reaction flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, thermometer, metering pump, reflux condenser and heating mantle is placed 6600 g (42.8 moles) of myrcenol and 90 g (0.66 moles) of zinc chloride.

The resulting mixture is then heated to 450C, and the heating mantle is removed. With good agitation, 2400 g (42.8 moles) of acrolein is added via the metering pump over a 56 hour period with the reaction temperature maintained at 45--50"C using a cooling bath.

After the exothermic reaction has subsided, the heating mantle is replaced, and the reaction mass is maintained at a temperature of 45--50"C for two hours.

The reaction mass is then transferred to a separatory funnel and washed at 600C with 4500 ml of 10% aqueous sodium chloride solution and then with 4500 ml 10% aqueous sodium carbonate.

By carrying out the foregoing procedure, a yield of 8928 g of crude product is obtained. Analysis of this material by internal standard gas-liquid chromatography indicates 88.8% of 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl)- A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde and, by area normalization, 9.2% myrcenol. This represents an 87.5% conversion and essentially 100% chemical yield of 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde based on myrcenol.

Two additional experiments are carried ou

TABLE II Example I II III Reactants: Myrcenol 6600 g 2633 g 2002 g 5 Wt. (moles) (42.8) (17.1) (13) Acrolein 2400g 212g 728g wt. (moles) (42.8) (16.3) (13) Catalyst: ZnCl3 88 g 50 g 54.6 10 wt. (wt% based on total reactants) (1%) (1.4%) (2%) Analysis of washed crude: wt. 8928 g 3653 g 2847 g 4(4'-methyl-4'- 8928 g 15 g 2847 g 15 hydroxyamyl)-å3- cyclohexene carboxaldehyde "Lyral" 88.8 85.9 83.1 "/,(wit) (7928g) (3138 g) (2366 g) Myrcenol 9.2 10.5 9.2 20 % (wit) (821 g) (384 g) (262 g) % Conversion 87.5 85.4 86.9 Yield (estimate) 100 100 100 The GLC profile (conditions: 500'x0.03" carbowax 20M coated stainless steel open tubular column programmed from 80 to 1800C at 20C per minute) for the 25 reaction product of Example I is shown in Figure 1. The major peaks are "A" (9.3%) and "B" (90.3%).

The infra-red spectrum of the reaction product is set forth in Figure 4. The NMR spectrum of the reaction product is set forth in Figure 5.

Infra-Red Analysis 30 905, 1145, 1200, 1305, 1320, 1430, 1445, 1715, 2830, 2900, 2930, 2960, 3430 cm-'.

NMR Analysis, 100 MHz (Solvent: CDCI3) Peak Interpretation 1.16 ppm (s)

1.42 (m) -CH2- 4H 2.32-1.67 (m) =C-CH3- 8 H +CH2-C-O 2.50 (m) 5.42 (m) 9.65 (s)

EXAMPLE IV Preparation of "Lyral" From Myrcenol and Acrolein Using a Stannic Chloride Catalyst Into a 2-liter reaction flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, thermometer, addition funnel, and reflux condenser is added, with stirring 5.2 g of SnCI4 and 300 g 45 of toluene. The resulting mixture is cooled to 30C. With good agitation, 168 g (3 moles) of acrolein dissolved in 100 g of toluene is added over a five-minute period with the reaction temperature being maintained at 30C. Over a period of four hours, 320 g (2 moles) myrcenol is charged to the reaction flask with stirring while maintaining the temperature of the reaction mass in the range of 20C-50C.

200 g of ice is added to the reaction mass together with 300 g of water, the mixture is stirred for a period of 15 minutes, and the phases are separated. The aqueous phase is then extracted with one 100 cc portion of toluene, and the organic layers are combined and washed with two 100 cc portions of saturated sodium chloride solution. One gram of Ionol and 10 g of triethanolamine are added to the washed organic solution which is distilled rapidly through a short column without fractionation.

The distillate collected at 141--1530C and 1.X3.9 mm Hg is then fractionated using a 12"x 1" Goodloe packed column to give 276 g of product (B.P.

125--1260C/0.7 mm Hg).

The GLC profile (conditions as in Example I) for the reaction product resulting from the SnCI4 catalyzed reaction of myrcenol and acrolein is set forth in Figure 2, the peaks being "A" (2.5%) and "B" (93.8%).

EXAMPLE V Preparation of "Lyral" From Myrcenol and Acrolein Using a Stannic Chloride Catalyst A 22-liter reaction flask equipped with a thermometer, air driven stirrer, two addition funnels, reflux condenser, and cooling bath is charged with 2500 g toluene and 32.5 g of anhydrous stannic chloride. One of the addition funnels is charged with 3850 g (25.0 moles) of myrcenol, and the other additional funnel is charged with a solution of 1540 g (27.5 moles) of acrolein in 2500 g of toluene. The flask contents are stirred and cooled to OOC. Approximately 10% of the acrolein solution is added and the contents of both separatory funnels are then added simultaneously at approximately equal rates over a five hour interval. After about 40% of the addition, GLC analysis indicated that the reaction was slow, and therefore an additional 32.5 g of catalyst was added, The reaction temperature is maintained at 0--5"C for most of the addition of reactants and for 1 hour after the addition. The reaction mass is then maintained at 5--120C for 45 minutes. A solution of 50 g of sodium hydroxide in l-liter of water followed by 5 g Ionox are then added with good agitation. The mixture is then allowed to settle. The aqueous phase is then extracted with 1200 g of toluene and the organic layers are combined and are washed twice with one liter portions of saturated sodium chloride solution.

Triethanolamine (75 g) is added, and the resulting material is distilled without fractionation. The distillate collected at a vapor temperature of 155--1630C and a pressure of 0.8-1.1 mm Hg is then fractionally distilled using a 12"x 1" Goodloe packed column to give 3000 g of product, b.p. 133--135"C at 0.50.9 mm Hg.

EXAMPLE V(A) Preparation of Lyral From Myrcenol and Acrolein Using an Aluminum Chloride Catalyst Into a 250 cc flask equipped with stirrer, condenser, thermometer, dropping funnel and drying tube is placed a mixture of 0.5 g of aluminum chloride (0.0037 moles) and 10 cc of toluene. A mixture of 20 g (0.35 moles) of acrolein and 50 g (0.32 moles) of myrcenol is added dropwise over a period of 1.25 hours to the aluminum chloride-toluene mixture while maintaining the reaction mass temperature at OOC during the addition using dry ice isopropyl alcohol bath. After the addition the reaction mass is stirred at a temperature of 0--20"C for a period of 30 minutes. 30 cc water is added to the reaction mass followed by 50 cc diethyl ether. The resulting organic layer is separated from the aqueous layer, and the organic layer is extracted with two 50 cc portions of saturated sodium bicarbonate followed by two 50 cc portions of water. The thus washed organic layer is dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated.

GLC analysis (conditions: SF-96 column programmed at 100--2000C at 8"C/minute) indicates the production of 73.9% lyral and 0.4% myrac aldehyde. It also indicates the presence of 25.0% unreacted myrcenol.

The GLC profile for the resulting reaction product is set forth in Figure 5B. A reference GLC profile having a preformed mixture of lyral and myrac aldehyde is set forth in Figure 5A.

The resulting product is then fractionally distilled yielding lyral boiling at 135--1350C at 0.5--0.9 mm Hg pressure.

EXAMPLE V(B) Production of Lyral From Acrolein and Myrcenol Using Ethyl Aluminium Dichloride Catalyst Into a 250 cc flask equipped with stirrer, condenser, thermometer, dropping funnel and drying tube is placed a mixture of 1.0 g (0.008 moles) of ethyl aluminium chloride and 10 cc of toluene. A mixture of 20 g (0.35 moles) of acrolein and 50 g (0.32 moles) of myrcenol is added dropwise over a period of 1.25 hours to the ethyl aluminium dichloride-toluene mixture while maintaining the reaction mass temperature of OOC during the addition using dry ice isopropyl alcohol bath. After the addition the reaction mass is stirred at a temperature of 0--20"C for a period of 30 minutes. 30 cc water is added to the reaction mass followed by 50 cc diethyl ether. The resulting organic layer is separated from the aqueous layer, and the organic layer is extracted with two 50 cc portions of saturated sodium bicarbonate followed by two 50 cc portions of water. The thus washed organic layer is dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated.

GLC analysis (conditions: SF-96 column programmed at l0O-2000C at 8"C/minute) indicates the production of 78.2% lyral and 1.2% myrac aldehyde. It also indicates the presence of 19.7% unreacted myrcenol.

The GLC profile for the resulting reaction product is set forth in Figure 5C. A reference GLC profile having a preformed mixture of lyral and myrac aldehyde is set forth in Figure SA.

The resulting product is then fractionally distilled yielding lyral boiling at 133--135"C at 0.50.9 mm Hg pressure.

EXAMPLES V(C) and V(D) Production of Myrac Aldehyde from Myrcene and Acrolein Using Aluminium Chloride and Ethyl Aluminium Dichloride Catalyst The procedures set out in Examples V(A) and V(B) are repeated using myrcene in place of myrcenol to yield myrac aldehyde.

EXAMPLE VI Prior Art Process for Production of "Lyral" From Myrcenol and Acrolein by Thermal Diels-Alder Reaction 575 grams myrcenol, 432 grams acrolein, and 10 grams hydroquinone are combined in a sealed reactor and heated to 150 C for 4-1/2 hours accompanied by agitation. The reactor is allowed to cool, and the contents are removed and subjected to vacuum fractionation. After a forerun of unreacted inert isomeric C,O alcohols distills off, there are obtained 640 g of product of B.P. 126--133"C at 2 mm Hg. On redistillation, there is obtained 442 g of product of B.P. 120--122"C at 1 mm Hg, with a refractive index of 20"C, 1.4915; specific gravity at 200 C, 0.9941; ultraviolet absorption maximum, 292 millimicrons. The product tests 99.7% aldehyde by oximation test. Yield by weight=56.8%, based on the myrcenol used.

the product is 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - As cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. This product has a very sweet lilac-lily aromatic odor.

The GLC profile (conditions as in Example I) for the reaction product resulting from the thermal non-catalyzed reaction of myrcenol and acrolein is set forth in Figure 3 and indicates two major peaks, "A" (27.8%) and "B" (69.7%).

EXAMPLE VII A perfume composition of the "Fougere" type is produced: Part by Ingredients weight cinnamic alcohol 50 musk ambrette 40 vanillin 5 coumarin 80 oakmoss resinoid 10 linalool 125 linalyl acetate 150 benzyl acetate 50 phenylethanol 70 oil of bergamot 100 oil of lavender 45/47 150 geranium oil (Bourbon) 50 sandlewood oil E.I. 50 eugenol 5 isoeugenol 15 amyl salicylate 20 benzyl salicylate 20 product produced according to Ex. I containing major proportion of 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde 20 1010 This product produced by Example I imparts a very sweet lilac-lily aromatic odor to this "Foug6re" formulation.

EXAMPLE VIII A perfume composition of the "Rose" type is produced by admixing the following ingredients: Parts by Ingredients Weight phenylethyl phenyl acetate 20 phenylethyl salicylate 40 geraniol 150 phenylethanol 240 citronellol 150 sandlewood oil E.I. 20 nonanediol diacetate - 1,3 75 geranyl acetate 50 geranyl phenylacetate 20 citronellyl formiate 20 phenylethyl acetate 25 phenylethyl propionate 60 phenylacetaldehyde 50% in diethylphthalate 20 phenylacetaldehyde 1,3-butyleneglycolacetal 20 eugenol 10 methylisoeugenol 10 alpha-hexylcinnamic aldehyde 50 product produced by the process of Ex. III containing a major proportion of 4' - (4 - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde 40 1030 This "Rose" perfume has a sweet floral aroma enhanced by addition thereto of the product produced according to Example III.

EXAMPLE IX A perfume composition of the "Bouquet" type is produced by admixing the following ingredients: Parts by Ingredients Weight musk ambrette 20 heliotropine 40 benzyl acetate 100 4-tert.butyl cyclohexyl acetate 80 alpha-hexylcinnamic aldehyde 130 alpha-amylcinnamic aldehyde 40 linalyl acetate 30 terpineol 80 geranyl acetate 80 linalool 80 alpha-methyl ionone 100 methyl isoeugenol 25 isoeugenol 15 geraniol 40 phenylethanol 60 styrallyl acetate 20 vetiveryl acetate 50 10-undecene-1-al 5 product produced according to Example IV containing a major proportion of 4- (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde 5 10000 Addition of the product produced according to Example IV imparts a sweet lilac-lily nuance to this "Bouquet" type perfume composition. The same results are produced when the product produced according to Example IV is replaced by any of the products produced according to Examples V, V(A) or V(B).

EXAMPLE X Preparation of a Cosmetic Powder-Composition A cosmetic powder is prepared by mixing in a ball mill, 100 g of talcum powder with 0.25 g of the mixture containing 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde prepared according to Example I. It has an excellent sweet, lilac-lily aroma.

EXAMPLE XI Perfumed Liquid Detergent Concentrated liquid detergents with a sweet, lilac-lily odor are prepared containing 0.10 /n, 0.15 and 0.20 /n of the mixture containing 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde prepared according to Example IV. They are prepared by adding and homogeneously mixing the appropriate quantity of the mixture containing 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - 3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde in the liquid detergent. The detergents all possess a sweet, lilac-lily fragrance, the intensity increasing with greater concentrations of mixture containing 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde.

EXAMPLE XII Preparation of a Cologne and Handkerchief Perfume A mixture containing 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl)- 3- cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde prepared according to the process of Example II is incorporated in a cologne at a concentration of 2.5% in 85% aqueous ethanol and into a handkerchief perfume at a concentration of 20% (in 95% aqueous ethanol). A distinct and definite sweet, lilac-lily fragrance is imparted to the cologne and to the handkerchief perfume.

EXAMPLE XIII Preparation of a Cologne and Handkerchief Perfume The composition of Example IX is incorporated in a cologne at a concentration of 2.5% in 85% aqueous ethanol; and into a handkerchief perfume at a concentration of 20% (in 95% aqueous ethanol). The use of the mixture containing 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde in the composition of Example IX affords a distinct and definite strong bouquet aroma with sweet, lilac-lily notes to the handkerchief perfume and cologne.

EXAMPLE XIV Preparation of Soap Composition One hundred grams of soap chips are mixed with one gram of a mixture containing 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - 3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde produced according to Example III, until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. The perfumed soap composition manifests an excellent sweet, lilac-lily aroma.

EXAMPLE XV Preparation of a Detergent Composition A total of 100 g of a detergent powder is mixed with 0.15 g of the mixture containing 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - 3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde prepared according to Example IV until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. This composition has an excellent sweet, lilac-lily aroma.

EXAMPLE XVI Preparation of a Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde From Myrac Aldehyde by Direct Hydration Reaction by Route II in reaction diagram.

Into a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask equipped with thermometer, magnetic stirrer and reflux condenser the following materials are mixed: Ingredient Quantity Myrac aldehyde 100 grams water 50 grams Dowex 50W-X4 cation exchange resin (sulfonated copolymer of styrene and divinyl benzene containing 4% divinyl benzene monomeric units produced by the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan; moisture content 65.3 /"; 50 100 mesh) 10 grams Samples are taken at 30-minute or l-hour time intervals as indicated below and analyzed for the percentage of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl)- 3- cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde using GLC analysis (SE-30 column). The following table sets forth time, temperature and percent reaction product: % Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexene carbox Time Temperature aldehyde 0 22"C 1 hour 23"C 0 2 hours 90"C 0 3 hours 950C 1.2% 4 hours 95"C 1.8% 5 hours 100"C 2.8% 6 hours 100"C 2.8% 7 hours 100"C 2.8% 8 hours 100"C 2.8% 9 hours 100"C 2.8% 10 hours 1000C 2.8% 11 hours 1000C 2.8% 12 hours 100"C 2.8% *22 hours 21"C 4.9% 24 hours 24"C 4.8 Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexene carbox Time Temperature aldehyde 26 hours 25"C 4.6% 29-1/2 hours 64"C 5.4% 27-1/2 hours 103"C 9.1% 31-1/2 hours 1000C 3.7% 33-1/2 hours 100"C 2.0% 35-1/2 hours 100"C 0.1% 36-1/2 hours 1000C complete decomposition *At this point 40 grams of 90 /" formic acid is added to the reaction mass.

EXAMPLE XVII Preparation of a Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - 3 cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde From Myrac Aldehyde by Direct Hydration Reaction by Route II in reaction diagram.

Into a 1 litre reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, addition funnel and reflux condenser is placed 185 grams of a 33% aqueous sulfuric acid solution.

The sulfuric acid solution is heated to 400C. Over a period of 1-1/2 hours, while maintaining the temperature at 400 C, 220 grams of myrac aldehyde is added to the sulfuric acid solution from the addition funnel. The reaction mass is then maintained at 430C for a period of 14 hours, at the end of which period of time it is determined by GLC analysis that 1.5% mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde is formed. At this point 10 ml tetrahydrofuran is added to the reaction mass. The reaction mass is then heated for a period of 14 hours at temperatures in the range of 43-500C whereupon it is determined that 2.8% mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde is formed. The reaction mass is then maintained at 24"C for 8 hours at the end of which period it is determined that 4.0% mixture of 3and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde is formed. At this point an additional 100 ml tetrahydrofuran is added. The reaction mass is then refluxed for a period of 12 hours at 74-750C at the end of which period of time it is determined that 13.9% mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde is formed.

The reaction mass is then washed with water followed by saturated aqueous sodium carbonate. The solvent is removed under reduced pressure and the resulting material is determined by GLC analysis to contain 14.8% mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde.

EXAMPLE XVIII Preparation of a Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - 3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde From Myrac Aldehyde by Direct Hydration Reaction by Route II in reaction diagram.

Into a 1 liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, addition funnel and reflux condenser the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity para-toluene sulfonic acid 38 grams 90% aqueous formic acid 180 grams The contents of the reaction vessel is stirred until complete solution is effected. The reaction mass is then cooled to 70C and addition of myrac aldehyde is commenced. 300 grams of myrac aldehyde is then added to the reaction mass over a period of 2-1/2 hours while maintaining the reaction mass at a temperature of between 5 and 10"C. At the end of the 2-1/2 hour period, GLC analysis indicates formation of approximately 10% mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. The temperature of the reaction mass is then raised to about 24"C and maintained thereat for a period of 4 hours at which time the percent of mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl)- 53- cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde in the reaction mass is determined to be 20%. The reaction mass is then cooled to 90C, and 50 grams of water is added thereto. The reaction mass is stirred for a period of 1 hour while maintaining it at 9-100C at the end of which time 30.7% mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde is determined to be present. The reaction mass is then stirred at 20-230C for a period of 9 hours without any apparent change in the percent of mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. The reaction mass is then washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium carbonate solution, and the solvent is stripped off. The stripped crude material is ascertained to contain 49.8% mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - 3- cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde.

EXAMPLE XIX Preparation of a Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde From Myrac Aldehyde by Direct Hydration Reaction by Route II in reaction diagram.

Into a 500 ml reaction flask equipped with a stirrer, thermometer, addition funnel and reflux condenser, the following materials are added: Ingredients Quantity water 50 grams myrac aldehyde 250 grams silico-phosphoric acid polymerization catalyst UOP-SPA-2 (manufactured by Universal Oil Prod. Corp. of Des Plaines, I11.) 10 grams The contents of the reaction flask are stirred at room temperature for a period of 2 hours at which time no formation of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde takes place. The reaction mass is then raised to 500C and maintained thereat for a period of 2 hours at which time no formation of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. takes place. The contents of the reaction mass are then cooled and 50 grams of formic acid are added at room temperature. The reaction mass is then stirred at room temperature for a period of 8 hours at which time the reaction mass is heated to 700C and maintained thereat for a period of 4 hours. The reaction mass is then heated to reflux for a period of 11 hours at which time it is determined by GLC analysis to contain 9% of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde.

EXAMPLE XX Preparation of a Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde From Myrac Aldehyde by Direct Hydration Reaction by Route II in reaction diagram.

Into a 500 ml reaction flask equipped with a stirrer, thermometer, addition funnel and reflux condenser, the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity Filtrol 105 10 grams (An activated clay adsorbent produced by the Filtrol Corporation having the following properties: Particle Size Analysis By Roller (10 liters/min.

air rate) 0--5 Microns, Wt.% 8 0--20 Microns, Wit.% 43 By Tyler Standard Sieve Through 100 Mesh, Wt.% 100 Through 200 Mesh, Wt.% 95 Through 325 Mesh, Wt.% 78 Apparent Bulk Density, Ib/cu.ft. 42 Free Moisture, Wt.% 15 Free and Combined Moisture, Wt.% (Loss at 1700"F) 21 Surface Area (BET Method), Sq.M/gm. 300 Acidity, Phenolphthalein, mg.KOH/gm. 4.8 Filter Rate, cc/min. 38 Oil Retention, Wt.% 35) water 50 grams myrac aldehyde 250 grams The reaction mass is stirred at room temperature for a period of 2-1/2 hours at the end of which time no formation of 3- or 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) Q3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde takes place. The reaction mass is then maintained for a period of 7 hours, at reflux, at which time it is determined by GLC analysis to contain 1% of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran is added and the reaction mass is stirred at room temperature for a period of 3 hours without any apparent change of concentration of a mixture of 3- and 4- (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl)- A3 - cyclohexene carboxaldehyde in the reaction mass. The reaction mass is then brought to reflux for a period of 2 hours. 50 Grams of formic acid is added, and the reaction mass is maintained at room temperature for a period of 12 hours after which time it is determined to contain 1.5% of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl -4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. Following 4 hours at reflux the reaction mass is determined to contain 1.9% of a mixture of 3and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. At this point 100 grams of acetic acid is added to the reaction mass, and the reaction mass is then stirred for 2-1/2 hours at room temperature (no change in percentage of the mixture of 3- and 4- (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl)- A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde). The reaction mass is then refluxed for a period of 71/2 hours after which time it is determined that there is a concentration of 4% desired product in the reaction mass. At the end of this period of time the catalyst is filtered, and the reaction mass is washed neutral. It is then determined to contain: Solvent 18.0% Myrac Aldehyde 76% Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde 4% EXAMPLE XXI Into a 500 ml reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer and reflux condenser, the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 100 grams acetic acid 100 grams sulfuric acid (64%) 50 grams Samples are taken at the following intervals indicating the following percentages desired product of 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde: % of Desired Time of Product (By Area Reaction Temperature normalization) 15 min. 780C 33% 75 min. 400C 58% 195 min. 33"C 69 /n 300 min. 33"C 73.7% The actual reaction mass contains the following at the end of the reaction (internal standard): Solvent 83% Myrac Aldehyde 6.1% Desired product mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde 10.2% EXAMPLE XXII Into a 500 ml reaction using the produce of Example XVIII (instead of Example III) containing a major proportion of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. This "Rose" perfume has a sweet floral aroma enhanced by addition thereto of the product produced according to Example XVIII.

EXAMPLE XXV A perfume composition of the "Bouquet" type is produced as in Example IX using the product of Example XIX (instead of Example IV) containing a major proportion of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - Q3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde. Addition of the product produced according to Example XIX imparts a sweet lilac-lily nuance to this "Bouquet" type perfume composition.

EXAMPLE XXVI A cosmetic powder is prepared as in Example X utilising 0.25 g of the mixture containing 3- and predominantly 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde prepared according to Example XVI instead of the product of Example I, but with similar results.

EXAMPLE XXVII Perfumed Liquid Detergent Concentrated liquid detergents with a sweet, lilac-lily odour are prepared as in Example XI utilising the mixture containing 3- and predominantly 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl)- A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde prepared according to Example XXI instead of the product of Example VI, but with similar results.

EXAMPLE XXVIII Preparation of a Cologne and Handkerchief Perfume A mixture containing 3- and predominantly 4- (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl)- A3 - cyclohexene carboxaldehyde prepared according to the process of Example XVII is incorporated in a cologne as set forth in Example XII in place of the product of Example II, but with similar results.

EXAMPLE XXIX Preparation of a Cologne and Handkerchief Perfume Example XIII is repeated using the composition of Example XXV in place of that of Example IX. The use of the mixture containing 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde in the composition of Example XXV affords similar results.

EXAMPLE XXX Preparation of Soap Composition Example XIV is repeated using one gram of a mixture containing 3- and 4 (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl)- b3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde produced according to Example XVIII in place of the product of Example III, but with similar results.

EXAMPLE XXXI Preparation of a Detergent Composition Example XV is repeated using 0.15 g of the mixture containing 3- and 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl)- A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde prepared according to Example XIX in place of the produce of Example IV, but with similar results.

The following Examples A-K set forth attempted preparations of mixtures containing high proportions of a mixture of 3- and 4- (4' - methyl hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde by direct hydration by methods which were unsuccessful.

EXAMPLE A Attempted Preparation of Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde A solution is prepared by adding 50 grams of concentrated sulphuric acid to 50 grams of water. The resulting 30% sulphuric acid solution is cooled to 20CC and placed in a 250 ml reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, reflux condenser and addition funnel. With stirring, over a period of I hour, 60 grams of myrac aldehyde is added. The reaction mass is stirred at a temperature of 20-250C for a period of 5 hours. GLC, NMR and infra-red analysis confirm that no conversion to 3- or 4 - (4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde occurs. The same process is repeated except that a temperature of 50--550C is used. No reaction takes place. The same reaction is repeated except that a temperature of 750C is used and again, no reaction takes place.

EXAMPLE B Attempted Preparation of a Mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde Into a 500 ml reaction flask equipped with stirrer and thermometer the following materials are placed: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 50 grams water 50 grams tetrahydrofuran 500 grams With stirring, 20 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid is added and stirring is continued while the reaction mass temperature is maintained at 250C. No reaction takes place.

The same reaction is carried out except that the reaction temperature is 300 C.

No reaction takes place.

The same reaction is carried out except that the reaction temperature is 700C and 30 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid is used. In this case conversion to a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl)- å3- cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde is between 2 and 5%.

EXAMPLES C-K In the following examples the given mixtures are intimately admixed at the conditions indicated; but in all cases no 3- or 4 - (4' - methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde is formed: Example Reaction Mixture Reaction Condition C 4 gms. myrac aldehyde reflux 5 hours 2.5 gms. water 30 gms. tetrahydrofuran 0.5 gms. concentrated sulfuric acid D 4 gms. myrac aldehyde reflux 5 hours 4 gms. water 10 gms. tetrahydrofuran 2 gms. concentrated sulfuric acid E 75 gms. of 64% sulfuric acid -200C for 2 hrs.

25 gms. myrac aldehyde F 5 gms. myrac aldehyde reflux at 1 200C 1 gm. tetrahydrofuran for 30 minutes 5 gms. of 64% sulfuric acid G 20 gms. myrac aldehyde 55"C for 30 min.

5 gms. dimethyl formamide 5 gms. water 5 gms. concentrated sulfuric acid H 1.5 gms. myrac aldehyde 50"C for 30 min.

1.0 gms. dimethyl formamide 0.5 gms. concentrated sulfuric acid J 1.5 gms. myrac aldehyde 50"C for 30 min.

1.0 gms. dimethyl formamide 0.5 gms. of 50% sulfuric acid K 1.5 gms. myrac aldehyde 280C for 30 min.

1.0 gms. dimethyl formamide 0.5 gms. of 50% sulfuric acid EXAMPLE XXXII Part A Into a 250 ml reaction flask equipped with stirrer and thermometer are added the following materials: Ingredient Quantity Dowex 50W-X4 cation exchange resin (sulfonated copolymer of styrene and divinyl benzene containing 4% divinyl benzene monomeric units produced by the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan; moisture content 65.3 /"; 50-100 mesh) 100 g myrac aldehyde 100 g acetic acid 100 g The reaction mass is stirred at room temperature for a period of 33 hours with samples taken and analyzed for the presence of a mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' methyl - 4'- hydroxyamyl)- å3- cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde at varying intervals: O/, Lyral in Time Reaction Mass 9 hours 8% 22 hours 16% 33 hours 22.5% The reaction mass is filtered, neutralized and fractionally distilled, the lyral being distilled at 141-1530C at 1.4-3.9 mm Hg pressure. The distillate thus collected is then fractionated using a 12"xl" Goodloe packed column to yield product having a boiling point of 125-1260C at 0.7 mm Hg pressure.

Part B The procedure of Part A is repeated except the temperature at which the reaction is carried out is between 60--62"C and the time of reaction is 3-1/2 hours.

The following table sets forth the time of reaction, the temperature and the percent lyral in the reaction mass: Time Temperature Percent 45 minutes 61"C 19.3% 2-1/2 hours 600C 7.0% 3-1/2 hours 610C 3.5% Part C: Continuous Hydration of Myrac Aldehyde Using Dowex 50W-X4 A solution is formed from the following ingredients: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 500 g acetic acid 1000 g deionized water 180 g 50 g of Dowex 50W-X4 (preferably washed with 200 g 10% sulfuric acid and rinsed with deionized water) is rinsed into a water jacketed chromatography column (20 mm) using 80% acetic acid. The column is then rinsed with 500 g of 80 Mn acetic acid. After that, the myrac aldehyde/acetic acid/water solution is allowed to flow through the chromatography column by gravity feed. The temperature of the column is varied between 26 and 50"C over a period of 6 hours. The following table sets forth the time of reaction, temperature of the column and percent lyral in the eluate as well as the total weight of eluate: Ratio Myrac Weight of Time Temperature Aldehyde:Lyral Eluate 30 minutes 26"C 0 68 g 2 hours 36"C 0 72g 4 hours 270C 0 80 g 5 hours 2749"C 11:1 83g 6hours 50"C 12.65:1 90g Part D The procedure of Part C is repeated except that the chromatography column is operated between 50 and 60"C and the following results are achieved: Ratio Myrac Weight of Time Temperature Aldehyde:Lyral Eluate 1-1/2 hours 57--60"C 20:1 171g 3 hours 50 C 25:1 125 g 4hours 55"C 20:1 98g Part E Into a 250 ml reaction flask equipped with stirrer and thermometer the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 25 g Dowex 50W-X4 50 g glacial acetic acid 50 g The reaction mass is stirred at room temperature for a period of 48 hours without production of any lyral. It is then heated up to 600C and maintained at that temperature for 7 hours.

A 20 cc sample is removed and placed in a separatory funnel. To this sample is added 100 ml water and 50 cc benzene. The resulting mixture is shaken vigorously and the water phase is separated from the resin/oil layer. The oil layer is washed neutral with sodium bicarbonate solution and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The benzene is then evaporated and the oil layer is analyzed using preparative GLC. The resulting ratio of lyral:myrac aldehyde is 43.5:54.6.

The GLC profile is set forth in Figure 6.

Part F Into a 2 liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer and reflux condenser the following materials are placed: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 196 g (1 mole) Dowex 50W-X4 583 g water 217 ml The reaction mass is heated to 600C and maintained at that temperature with stirring for a period of 89 hours. At the end of the 89 hour period, a 20 cc sample is removed and placed in a separatory funnel. 100 ml of water is added to the solution with 50 cc benzene. The resulting mixture is shaken vigorously and the oil phase is separated and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The thus dried material is evaporated on a Rinco evaporator at 300 C. GLC and Infrared analyses indicate that 29.4S lyral is formed. The ratio of lyral:myrac aldehyde is 32.5:64.2. Figure 7 sets forth the GLC profile for the resulting product.

Part G Into a 2 liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, reflux condenser and nitrogen blanket, the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 196 g Dowex 50W-X4 583 g water 67 ml glacial acetic acid 180 g (3 moles) The reaction mass is heated with stirring to 60CC and maintained at that temperature for a period of 48 hours. At the end of the 48 hour period a 20 cc sample is removed therefrom and worked up in accordance with the procedure of Part F. GLC, Infrared and Mass Spectral analyses indicate the formation of 8.0% lyral. The ratio of myrac aldehyde:lyral is 87.7:8.0. Figure 8 sets forth the profile for the reaction product at the end of the 48 hour period.

Part H Into a 2 liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, reflux condenser and nitrogen blanket, the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 196 g Dowex 50W-X4 620 g acetic acid 180 g (3 moles) The reaction mass is heated up to 600C with stirring and maintained at that temperature for 48 hours. The reaction mass is then worked up in accordance with the procedure of Part F. GLC, Infrared and Mass Spectral analyses yield the information that 25.3% lyral is produced. The ratio of lyral:myrac aldehyde is 24.8:74.9. Figure 9 sets forth the GLC profile for the reaction product at the end of the 48 hour period.

Part I Into a 2 liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer and reflux condenser the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 98 g (0.5 moles) Dowex 50W-X4 620 g glacial acetic acid 240g (4 moles) The reaction mass is heated to 600C and maintained at that temperature for a period of 24 hours, after which time it is worked up according to the procedure of Part F. GLC, Infrared and Mass Spectral analyses yield the information that 33.6% by-product is produced with a ratio of lyral:myrac aldehyde being 33.6:57.2.

Figure 10 sets forth the GLC profile for the reaction product at the end of the 24 hour period.

EXAMPLE XXXIII A clear, single phase solution is composed of 90 g myrac aldehyde, 100 g acetic acid and 18 g deionized water. This solution is admixed with 20 g of"Amberlyst 15" cation exchange resin, produced by the Rohm and Haas Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Amberlyst 15 is a copolymer of styrene and divinyl benzene, the monomeric units of divinyl benzene being equal to the monomeric units of styrene.

The reaction mass is stirred at temperatures of from 25--800C and samples are taken at different times and analyzed for percent lyral. The following table sets forth the time of reaction, temperature of reaction and percent lyral formed: Time Temperature Percent Lyral 2-1/2 hours 25--65"C 3.2% 3-1/2 hours 65--64"C 21% 4-1/2 hours 64--65"C 29.3% 5 hours 65--850C 11.9% 5-1/4 hours 8546 C 14.3% (by internal standards) and 36.9% (by area normalization) 100 g of toluene is added and the reaction mass is washed with water and saturated sodium carbonate. The reaction mass is then evaporated and distilled yielding lyral which has a boiling point of 133--135"C at 0.3-0.9 mm Hg pressure.

EXAMPLE XXXIV Into a 500 ml reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer and reflux condenser the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity myrac aldehyde 200 g 30% aqueous sulfuric acid 160 g dimethyl formamide 50 g The reaction mass is heated from 25"C up to reflux (1 170C) and refluxing is continued for a period of 5 hours. At the end of the 4 hour period of refluxing, an additional 100 g of dimethyl formamide is added. Samples are taken at various times and analyzed using GLC analysis, yielding the following results: Percent Lyral Time Temperature Formed 1-1/2 hours 117"C 4.0% 3-1/4 hours 115"C 4.6% 5 hours 114"C 2.8% EXAMPLE XXXV Into a 250 ml reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer and reflux condenser the following materials are added: Ingredient Quantity Myrac aldehyde 19.2 g (0.1 mole) 1 molar hydrochloric acid 100my(0.1 mole) isopropyl alcohol 100 ml The reaction mass is refluxed with stirring for a period of 4 hours.

100 ml water is then added and the resulting aqueous layer is extracted with three 50 ml portions of diethyl ether. The ether extracts are combined and washed with three 50 ml portions of saturated sodium bicarbonate solutions followed by three 50 ml portions of water. The ether extract is then dried with anhydrous magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. GLC analysis indicates the ratio of 49% myrac aldehyde to 47% lyral. The quantity of lyral formed is confirmed by NMR and Mass Spectral analyses.

The GLC profile is set forth in Figure 11. The lyral (mixture of 3- and 4 - (4' methyl - 4' - hydroxyamyl) - A3 - cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde) is then distilled from the reaction mass and is used in Examples XXI-XXIX. The NMR spectrum for the lyral thus produced is set forth in Figure 12. The NMR spectrum for myrac aldehyde is set forth in Figure 13. The infra-red spectrum for the lyral is set forth in Figure 14. The infra-red spectrum for myrac aldehyde is set forth in Figure 15.

EXAMPLES XXXVI-XLIV Examples VII-XV are repeated using the product of Example XXXV in place of the products of Examples I, III, IV, and VI, but with similar results in all cases.

EXAMPLE XLV Preparation of Lyral by Hydrochlorination of Myrac Aldehyde and Subsequent Hydrolysis Reaction by Route III(a) in reaction diagram.

(A) Hydrochlorination Forty grams of anhydrous hydrogen chloride is bubbled into a chilled (10 15"C) solution of 200 grams of myrac aldehyde in 1,000 grams of glacial acetic acid over a period of one hour. After being stirred at 10--150C for 15 hours, the mass is poured over 2 kg of crushed ice and extracted with diethyl ether. The extracts are washed with sodium bicarbonate solution and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate. Removal of the diethyl ether under reduced pressure gives 225 grams of crude hydrohalogenation produce, hydrochloromyrac aldehyde (Ic; where X=CI) which is hydrolyzed without further treatment.

(B) Hydrolysis The crude hydrohalogenation product (hydrochloromyrac aldehyde) is stirred for a period often hours at 8--850C (under reflux conditions) in a mixture of 1,000 grams of water, 1,000 grams of isopropanol and 100 grams of sodium bicarbonate.

The mass is diluted with 1,000 grams of water and extracted with diethyl ether, and the diethyl ether extracts are dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate. Removal of the diethyl ether under reduced pressure (0.5 atmospheres) gives an oil which is carefully distilled to give 54 grams of lyral, (boiling point 134--135"C at 1 mm Hg pressure). The yield is 25 /n based on myrac aldehyde starting material.

EXAMPLE XLVI Preparation of Lyral by Hydrochlorination of Myrac Aldehyde and Subsequent Hydrolysis Reaction by Route III(a).

(A) Hydrochlorination The hydrohalogenation product is prepared as in Example XLV.

(B) Hydrolysis The crude hydrohalogenation product is treated as in Example XLV using 90 grams of potassium hydroxide instead of the sodium bicarbonate. The yield is 56 grams of lyral (boiling point 134135 C at 1 mm Hg pressure). The yield is 26% based on myrac aldehyde reactant.

EXAMPLE XLVII Preparation of Lyral by Hydrochlorination of Myrac Aldehyde and Subsequent Direct or Indirect Hydrolysis of the Hydrochlorination Product (i) Preparation of Myrac Aldehyde Hydrochloride A solution of 1,000 g of myrac aldehyde in 2,500 g of toluene is cooled to -200C. Anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas (200 g) is bubbled into the solution over a period of 5 hours while maintaining a temperature of -10 to -20"C. The mass is then allowed to stand at room temperature for 3 days. Removal of the toluene under reduced pressure gives 1,140 g of crude myrac aldehyde hydrochloride.

(ii) Hydrolysis of Myrac Aldehyde Hydrochloride (a) Direct Hydrolysis by Route III(a) in the Reaction Diagram A solution of 100 g of myrac aldehyde hydrochloride in a mixture of 100 g of water and 500 g of isopropyl alcohol is stirred for 2 hours at 800C with 50 g of sodium acetate. After dilution with water, extraction with ether, and removal of the solvent, 90 g of product is obtained which contains 35 /n lyral.

(b) Indirect Hydrolysis by Route III(b) in the Reaction Diagram A solution of 100 g of myrac aldehyde hydrochloride in 250 g of toluene is stirred for 3 hours at reflux with 50 g of anhydrous sodium acetate and 1 g of Aliquat 336 (tricapryl methyl ammonium chloride produced by General Mills Chemicals Inc.). After washing with water and evaporation of the toluene, 95 g of product is obtained which contains 50 /n lyral acetate. Hydrolysis of the acetate to give lyral is performed by refluxing the crude product in aqueous methanolic sodium hydroxide solution.

(c) Direct Hydrolysis by Route III(a) in the Reaction Diagram A mixture of 100 g of myrac aldehyde hydrochloride, 500 g isopropyl alcohol, and 25 g sodium hydroxide is stirred at reflux for 2 hours and poured over crushed ice. After extraction with ether and removal of the ether, 85 g of crude product is obtained which contains 45% lyral.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A process for producing myrac aldehyde comprising the step of intimately admixing acrolein with myrcene wherein the reaction is carried out: (i) In the presence of a catalytic quantity of one or more Lewis acid catalysts of the formulae ZnX3, SnX4, AIX3 and RAlmXn where X is chlorine or bromine, R is lower alkyl and m+n=3 and each of m and n are 1 or 2; (ii) At a temperature in the range of from about -20 C up to about 1000C; and

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (4)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. (B) Hydrolysis The crude hydrohalogenation product (hydrochloromyrac aldehyde) is stirred for a period often hours at 8--850C (under reflux conditions) in a mixture of 1,000 grams of water, 1,000 grams of isopropanol and 100 grams of sodium bicarbonate. The mass is diluted with 1,000 grams of water and extracted with diethyl ether, and the diethyl ether extracts are dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate. Removal of the diethyl ether under reduced pressure (0.5 atmospheres) gives an oil which is carefully distilled to give 54 grams of lyral, (boiling point 134--135"C at 1 mm Hg pressure). The yield is 25 /n based on myrac aldehyde starting material. EXAMPLE XLVI Preparation of Lyral by Hydrochlorination of Myrac Aldehyde and Subsequent Hydrolysis Reaction by Route III(a). (A) Hydrochlorination The hydrohalogenation product is prepared as in Example XLV. (B) Hydrolysis The crude hydrohalogenation product is treated as in Example XLV using 90 grams of potassium hydroxide instead of the sodium bicarbonate. The yield is 56 grams of lyral (boiling point 134135 C at 1 mm Hg pressure). The yield is 26% based on myrac aldehyde reactant. EXAMPLE XLVII Preparation of Lyral by Hydrochlorination of Myrac Aldehyde and Subsequent Direct or Indirect Hydrolysis of the Hydrochlorination Product (i) Preparation of Myrac Aldehyde Hydrochloride A solution of 1,000 g of myrac aldehyde in 2,500 g of toluene is cooled to -200C. Anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas (200 g) is bubbled into the solution over a period of 5 hours while maintaining a temperature of -10 to -20"C. The mass is then allowed to stand at room temperature for 3 days. Removal of the toluene under reduced pressure gives 1,140 g of crude myrac aldehyde hydrochloride. (ii) Hydrolysis of Myrac Aldehyde Hydrochloride (a) Direct Hydrolysis by Route III(a) in the Reaction Diagram A solution of 100 g of myrac aldehyde hydrochloride in a mixture of 100 g of water and 500 g of isopropyl alcohol is stirred for 2 hours at 800C with 50 g of sodium acetate. After dilution with water, extraction with ether, and removal of the solvent, 90 g of product is obtained which contains 35 /n lyral. (b) Indirect Hydrolysis by Route III(b) in the Reaction Diagram A solution of 100 g of myrac aldehyde hydrochloride in 250 g of toluene is stirred for 3 hours at reflux with 50 g of anhydrous sodium acetate and 1 g of Aliquat 336 (tricapryl methyl ammonium chloride produced by General Mills Chemicals Inc.). After washing with water and evaporation of the toluene, 95 g of product is obtained which contains 50 /n lyral acetate. Hydrolysis of the acetate to give lyral is performed by refluxing the crude product in aqueous methanolic sodium hydroxide solution. (c) Direct Hydrolysis by Route III(a) in the Reaction Diagram A mixture of 100 g of myrac aldehyde hydrochloride, 500 g isopropyl alcohol, and 25 g sodium hydroxide is stirred at reflux for 2 hours and poured over crushed ice. After extraction with ether and removal of the ether, 85 g of crude product is obtained which contains 45% lyral. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. A process for producing myrac aldehyde comprising the step of intimately admixing acrolein with myrcene wherein the reaction is carried out: (i) In the presence of a catalytic quantity of one or more Lewis acid catalysts of the formulae ZnX3, SnX4, AIX3 and RAlmXn where X is chlorine or bromine, R is lower alkyl and m+n=3 and each of m and n are 1 or 2; (ii) At a temperature in the range of from about -20 C up to about 1000C; and

(iii) At a pressure of from about 1 atmosphere up to about 100 atmospheres; the mole ratio of acrolein reactant:myrcene reactant being in the range of from about 10:1 up to about 1:10; the weight percent of Lewis acid catalyst based upon the total weight of acrolein reactant and myrcene reactant being from about 0.2% up to about 10%.

2. The product whenever produced by the process of Claim 1.

3. The process of Claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to Example V(C) or V(D).

4. A product whenever produced by the process of Claim 3.