A dual catalyst system provides the shortest pathway for L-menthol synthesis.
We have demonstrated that a combination of enantiopure 2-diarylmethylpyrrolidines and heterogeneous Pd/BaSO(4) is an efficient catalytic system for the asymmetric hydrogenation of citral, specifically, a mixture of E-citral and Z-citral in any ratio, and that citronellal is obtained with high enantioselectivity. This dual catalyst system provides a new and more economical route to L-menthol.
Takasago International Corporation, 4-11, Nishi-Yawata 1-Chome, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa 254-0073, Japan.
Hironori
H
Maeda
Shinya
S
Yamada
Hisanori
H
Itoh
Yoji
Y
Hori
D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry; D002384:Catalysis; D006865:Hydrogenation; D008610:Menthol / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D010165:Palladium / Q000737:chemistry; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D011759:Pyrrolidines; D008610:Menthol; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D010165:Palladium