PURPOSE: To obtain the titled compound useful as a synthetic inter-mediate for vitamin E, in high yield and selectivity, economically in an industrial scale, by carrying out the catalytic oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol with O2 in a specific solvent in the presence of a Cu halide complex as a catalyst.
CONSTITUTION: A Cu halide complex of formula [M is alkali metal of the group IA of the periodic table or ammonium; Cu(II) is bivalent copper; X is halogen; lis 1W3; m and p are 1 or 2; n is 3W8; l+2mp=np] such as Li[CuCl3].2H2O, etc. is dissolved in water, and the obtained catalyst phase is adjusted to 2W3 pH. 2,3,6-Trimethylphenol is charged to the reactor in the presence of water and a 4W10C aliphatic alcohol, and subjected to the catalytic oxidation with O2 to obtain the objective compound.
EFFECT: There occurs no deactivation of the catalyst with water. The rate of reaction is high, and the size of the reactor can be substantially reduced. The catalyst can be recycled and reused, and the product can be separated effectively.
YUI TOMOYUKI
UNO HIDEO
ABE MITSUO
