Union Camp Corporation

David E Sasser

Peter W Mitchell

Lois T McElligott

A method is disclosed for enhancing the purification of citral by fractional distillation by inhibiting the formation of isocitrals from isomerization of citral during the distillation process. The method involves reducing the pH of a mixture containing citral to inhibit the formation of isocitrals from citral upon heating, such as in distillation. Lowering the pH below 7 reduces formation of isocitrals, but a pH of about 4 to 5 is especially preferred. Most preferably, this pH adjustment is accomplished by addition of an acid with a pKa between about 4 and 5.

Process for the distillative purification of citral

A method for the isomerization of linalyl halides is disclosed, improved by the presence of an organic quaternary salt. The improved method of the invention requires less energy for completion of the isomerization and shortens the isomerization times.

Isomerization of linalyl halides with quaternary salts

The disclosure is of an improved process for the hydrohalogenation of a conjugated diene in the presence of a catalyst, which comprises carrying out the hydrohalogenation in the presence of an organic quaternary salt.

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Jacksonville, FL, United States of America

David E Sasser