Process for producing optically active gamma-butyrolactone
This invention provides a novel process for producing optically active 3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone in a short step, which is superior economically and in efficiency and industrially suitable by using a starting material which is inexpensive and easily available and reagents easy to handle. This invention relates to a process for producing optically active 3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone represented by formula I: wherein the symbol * means an asymmetric carbon atom, which comprises hydrogenating an optically active 4-substituted oxy-3-hydroxybutyrate represented by formula II: wherein R1 represents a C1-4 lower alkyl group, R2 represents a protective group for a hydroxyl group deprotected by hydrogenation with a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, and the symbol * has the same meaning as defined above, in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst and an acidic substance followed by deprotection and simultaneous ring closure thereof.
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(2008/06/13)
Method for producing 1-menthol
Provided is a method for the production of 1-menthol, which comprises hydrogenation of piperitenone with a transition metal complex of a specified optically active phosphine to produce pulegone, hydrogenation of the obtained pulegone with a ruthenium-phosphine-amine complex in the presence of base to obtain pulegol, and further hydrogenation of the pulegol with a transition metal catalyst.
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(2008/06/13)
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