Process for the isomerization of allylic compounds

Abstract

The invention provides a process that includes isomerizing at least one allylic substrate having an acyloxyl group or a hydroxyl group at the allyl position thereof, to produce a corresponding allylic isomer, wherein the isomerizing is conducted in the presence of a catalyst that includes a Group VIII-X metal compound and a phosphite compound. The invention also provides a process that includes: (1) diacetoxylating butadiene to obtain a mixture containing at least one selected from the group including 3,4-diacetoxy-1-butene, 3-butene-1,2-diolmonoacetoxylate and a mixture thereof, and at least one selected from the group including 4-diacetoxy-2-butene, acetoxy-4-hydroxy-2-butene and a mixture thereof; (2) separating, from the mixture, a portion containing at least one selected from the group including the 3,4-diacetoxy-1-butene, the 3-butene-1,2-diolmonoacetoxylate, and a mixture thereof; (3) isomerizing at least a part of the portion in the presence of a catalyst, to obtain an isomerization product mixture; (4) optionally, recirculating at least a part of the isomerization product mixture to at least one selected from the group including the isomerizing, the separating, the mixture, and combinations thereof. The processes of the present invention achieve both high conversion rates and high selectivity, and suppress the otherwise undesirable deposition of metals.