The present invention relates to a process for preparing tetrahydrogeranylacetone (tetrahydropseudoionone) by aldol condensation of citral with acetone and subsequent hydrogenation. The invention further relates to the use of thus obtained tetrahydro-geranylacetone for preparing phytol, isophytol, tocopherol and/or tocopherol derivatives. In addition, the invention relates to processes for preparing tocopherols and/or tocopherol derivatives.