| abstract |
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a carbonyl compound of the general formula (1)in which a beta-hydroxycarboxylic acid or its salt of the general formula (2)is cleaved in the presence of a Brönstedt base which is selected from hydroxides, alkanolates, oxides, amides and hydrides of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and in the presence of a hydroxyl-free solvent,R1, R2, R3, R4 and M having the meanings from claim 1. |