Merck + Co., Inc.

George Gal

Seemon H Pines

John M Chemerda

Methylvanillyl ketone is prepared from a 'through process' involving oxidation of isoeugenol followed by subsequent acidic hydrolysis.

Process for preparing methylvanillyl ketone from isoeugenol

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetone, an intermediate for methyldopa, has been prepared from reacting two moles of guaiacol and one mole of a 2-alkoxy propanol followed by basic elimination to form the enol ether of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl acetone. The enol ether is subsequently converted to 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl acetone upon treatment with a strong acid.

1,1-Di(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-alkoxypropane

A process for preparing methyl vanillyl ketone from guaiacol is disclosed.

Process for preparing a ketone

DL-Alanine, 3-fluoro-DL-alanine and 2-deutero-3-fluoro-DL-alanine, are resolved by reaction with a resolving base and a .beta.-dicarbonyl compound. The resulting azomethine diastereomeric salts which are easily separated, the masking group is readily removed under mildly acidic conditions.

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Watchung, NJ, United States of America

George Gal