CATALYTIC CARBON-CARBON COUPLING REACTION IN BIPHASIC LIQUID-LIQUID SYSTEMS - MECHANISTIC ASPECTS IN VITAMIN-E PRECURSOR SYNTHESIS

We describe the carbon-carbon coupling of myrcene with methyl acetoace tate in biphasic liquid-liquid systems using neutral and cationic TPPT S- or TPPMS-rhodium complexes. Mechanistic studies based on labelling experiments and the nature of the catalytic precursor were investigate d, The influence of chlorine concentration and the major role of the s olvent have also been examined. We have shown that TPPMS can advantage ously replace TPPTS in industrial process.