Mechanism of the conversions of diols-1,3 in the presence of acid catalysts

Abstract

1. In the presence of trisubstituted calcium phosphate or aluminum oxide, diols-1,3 undergo conversions forming a complex mixture of compounds — saturated and unsaturated alcohols, aldehydes and ketones,β-oxides, and other compounds. 2. Diols-1,3 are dehydrated in two directions — theβ-oxide and unsaturated alcohol, where intramolecular cyclization is the basic pathway. 3. Theβ-oxide isomerizes to an unsaturated alcohol and carbonyl compounds. 4. The formation of substantial amounts of saturated alcohols and unsaturated aldehydes and ketones is due to processes of hydrogen transfer.