Syngenta Participations Ag

Volker Jungmann

Thomas Pitterna

Johannes P Pachlatko

Subject of the invention is a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) in which R -R represent, independently of each other hydrogen a substituent; m is 0, 1 or 2; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and the bonds marked with A, B, C, D, E and F indicate, independently of each other, that two adjacent carbon atoms are connected by a double bond, a single bond, a single bond and an epoxide bridge, or a single bond and a methylene bridge, including, where applicable, an E/Z isomer, a mixture of E/Z isomers, and/or a tautomer thereof, in each case in free form or in salt form, which process comprises I) bringing a compound of formula (II); wherein R -R , m, n, A, B, C, D, E and F have the same meanings as given for formula (I) above, into contact with a biocatalyst that is capable of specifically oxidising the alcohol at position 4&Prime; in order to form a compound of formula (III), in which R , R , R , R , R , R , R , m, n, A, B, C, D, E and F have the meanings given for formula (I); and 2) reacting the compound of formula (III) with an amine of the formula HN(R )R , wherein R and R have the same meanings as given for formula (I), and which is known, in the presence of a reducing agent.

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Lörrach, Germany

Volker Jungmann