GB887412A - ª-,ª--disubstituted-ª--cyanoketones - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention comprises b -cyanoketones containing a total of 13-25 carbon atoms and having the formula <FORM:0887412/IV (b)/1> where R1, R2 and R3 are alkyl or cycloalkyl, and R3 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or pentyl. They are prepared by bringing together at about 125 DEG C.-275 DEG C. and in the presence of an alkaline catalyst capable of generating cyanide ions, HCN and a C12-24 a ,b -unsaturated ketone of formula <FORM:0887412/IV (b)/2> or a tautomeric b ,g -unsaturated ketone, the HCN being brought into contact with the ketone at a rate which is substantially that at which it reacts with the ketone. Preferably preformed mixtures of (a) the catalyst and the unsaturated ketone or the desired cyanoketone product and (b) HCN and the unsaturated ketone are brought together at reaction temperature. Batchwise or continuous operation may be used and atmospheric or superatmospheric pressures. A volatile inert highly polar organic solvent may be present, e.g. dimethyl-formamide, dimethylacetamide, 1-methyl - 2 p - pyrrolidinone, 1, 5 - dimethyl - 2 - pyrrolidinone or 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazoline. The HCN may be introduced in the gaseous state. Suitable catalysts include alkali metals and their carbonates, alkali and alkaline earth metal alkoxides, oxides, hydroxides, peroxides and cyanides, t-amines and quaternary ammonium bases. About 1%-20% by weight of catalyst may be present. The catalyst may be neutralised at the end of the reaction. The products are stated to be useful as solvents for polymers and as pesticides (see Group VI). Specification 730,209 also is referred to.ALSO:Insecticidal compositions comprise a b -cyanoketone having a total of 13-25 carbon atoms and having the formula <FORM:0887412/VI/1> where R1, R2 and R4 are alkyl or cycloalkyl, and R3 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or pentyl, together with an inert solid or liquid carrier, e.g. a hydrocarbon. Specification 730,209 also is referred to.