Montedison S.p.a.

Enrico Dalcanale

Giorgio Bottaccio

Stefano Campolmi

Fernando Montanari

A process for the preparation of 2-alkyl cyclopent-2-enones having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is as defined hereinafter. An .alpha.-olefin having the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 R is oxidized to the corresponding epoxide. The epoxide is reacted with an alkylating agent having the formula Na.sup.+ [CH(COOR').sub.2 ].sup.-, wherein R' is an ethyl, an isopropyl, or an isobutyl radical. An .alpha.-carbalkoxy-.gamma.-alkyl lactone is obtained, which, through saponification and decarboxylation, yields a .gamma.-alkyl lactone having the formula: ##STR2## which is reacted with a protic acid, thereby obtaining, by cyclization, the desired 2-alkylcyclopent-2-enone. The obtained products are intermediates for the production of pharmaceutical products and of drugs for veterinary use, in particular prostaglandin.

Process for the preparation of 2-alkyl cyclopent-2-enones

Carboxylic acids having the general formula:

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Novara, Italy

Enrico Dalcanale