| abstract |
The present invention relates to acetoacetic acid derivatives of the formula Ia or Ib, to processes for their preparation and to their use for the preparation of 2,15-hexadecanedione. The invention further relates to the use of the compounds of the formula Ia or Ib n n n where R is an optionally substituted straight-chain or branched C 1 -C 6 -alkyl, C 1 -C 6 -alkoxyalkyl or phenyl radical, alkoxy groups are a combination of an alkyl group according to the above definition with an oxygen atom, e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy or pentoxy groups, which comprises adding an acetoacetic ester of the formula II n n n to 1,9-decadiene by a free-radical means, as intermediate for the preparation of muscone (3-methylcyclopentadecanone). |