| abstract |
The present invention is an improved method to prepare 2,7-dimethyl-2,4,6-octatrienedial and related derivative compounds. This method of making 2,7-dimethyl-2,4,6-octatrienedial and derivatives thereof includes reacting 2-butenyl-bisphosphonic acid tetraalkyl ester and at least two equivalents of protected pyruvic aldehyde derivative in a nonpolar organic solvent in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide. Compounds prepared by this invention are useful intermediates in the preparation of carotenoids. |