Method for producing oxo-vinyl-ionol and O-protected derivatives thereof

The invention relates to the production of oxo-vinyl-ionol and O-protected derivatives thereof of formula (I), wherein R stands for hydrogen or an OH protecting group, for example a group Si(Ra)3, by reacting a compound of general formula (II), wherein R has the meanings previously specified for formula (I), i.e. beta-vinyl-ionol (formula (II), R = hydrogen) or an O-protected derivative thereof (formula (II), R = OH protecting group), with an oxidant in the presence of at least one transition metal, wherein the oxidant comprises at least one compound containing oxygen, which compound is selected from among hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides.