A new method for the synthesis of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. Preparation of β‐methylcinnamic aldehyde, citral and β‐ionylidene acetaldehyde

Ethoxyacetylene carbinols can be partially hydrogenated to the corresponding ethylenecarbinols, which on hydrolysis yield α,β ‐unsaturated aldehydes. β‐ionylidene acetaldehyde VI could be obtained in fair yield starting from β‐ionone III ( magnified image ). This substance was identical with the β‐ionylidene acetaldehyde, described by Kuhn and Morris. Citral and β‐methylcinnamic aldehyde were prepared also.