METHOD FOR PRODUCING .GAMMA.,.DELTA.-UNSATURATED KETONES BY CARROLL-REACTION

The invention relates to a method for producing .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ketones of general formula (I) by reacting an acetoacetic alkyl ester with a n allyl alcohol or a propargyl alcohol of general formula (II) in which R1 can represent H or a saturated or unsaturated, branched hydrocarbon radical whic h is optionally substituted by methoxy groups and which has 1 to 33 C-atoms, a nd the dashed line can represent another bond between the C-atoms carrying the same. The reaction is carried out at temperatures ranging from 150 to 220 ~C in an optionally modified Carroll reaction, in the presence of an aluminum catalyst, and by distilling off the alkanol formed during the reaction. The inventive method is characterized in that an acetoacetic ester of general formula (III) is used as an acetoacetic alkyl ester in which R2 represents a n alkyl group with 1 to 4 C-atoms.