PURPOSE: To obtain a compd. useful as a synthetic intermediate of vitamin E in good yield by oxidizing a trimethylphenol by gaseous oxygen in the presence of a catalyst containing copper halide.
CONSTITUTION: A trimethylphenol is reacted with oxygen or oxygen-containing gas as an oxidizing agent in the presence of a catalyst of copper (II) halide to which an alkaline earth metal halide or an alkali metal halide is added in a mixed solvent of water and a 12-18C, pref., 12-14C saturated fatty acid alcohol (e.g.; 1-dodecanol) with an ignition point of 120°C or higher at 60-100°C to obtain the objective compd. Copper (II) halide is used in an amt. 0.1-10 times of the trimethylphenol and an amt. ratio of water to alcohol in the solvent is (10:1) to (1:10).
BARUBARA IETSUSERU
BERUNHARUTO BOTSUKUSHIYUTEIIGE
PAURU GURAAFUEN
HARARUTO RAASU
