NEW MATERIAL:A catechol derivative of formula I (R1 is 1W6C alkyl).

EXAMPLE: 5,2,2-Trimethyl-1,3-benzoxazole.

USE: It is used as a variety of agrochemicals and medicines having pharmaceutical activities and their synthetic intermediate, especially as an agent for progress prevention or remedy for central nervous-regressing diseases.

PREPARATION: For example, the reaction of homocatechol with acetone is conducted in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid in the absence or presence of an inert organic solvent such as cyclopentane, as the water formed by the reaction is removed, to form a compound of formula I where R1 is methyl. When R1 is other than methyl, a compound of formula II (n is 1, 2; R2 is H, 1W4C alkyl; R3 is H, 1W2C alkyl) is used as a starting material to form a 4-alkylcatechol and the product is subjected to the above-stated reaction to give a compound of formula I.