| abstract |
This invention relates to a process for the reduction of α-,β-unsaturated linear homo- and heterocyclic ketones by a transfer of hydrogen from an alcohol donor to said unsaturated ketone. The alcohol donor must be unsubstituted or substituted with an inert group. Also the alcohol donor may be a primary or secondary alcohol or a glycol. The process is a catalytic one and is carried out in the presence of complexed iridium and rhodium catalysts of the following formulae: ##STR1## wherein: M is selected from Ir and Rh; n Chel represents a kelating bidentate nitrogenous compound; n L--L represents a molecule of a preferably not conjugated diolefin, or two molecules of a mono-olefin; n X - represents an anion selected from among: Cl - , Br - , J - ; PF 6 - , BF 4 - , CIO 4 - , B(C 6 H 5 ) 4 - ; n Y is a halogen, preferably it is Cl or Br; n n is an integer from 0 to 3, and n in the presence of a compound selected from among mineral alkalis and tertiary amines at a temperature ranging from about 20° C. to the boiling temperature of the reaction mass, in an inert atmosphere. |