PURPOSE: To obtain the objective substance in good yield using an inexpensive apparatus in a short time by using a catalyst composed of a heteropoly acid and a sulfur-containing organic compound having SH group in producing the title substance from acetophenone and phenol.
CONSTITUTION: Acetophenone is reacted with phenol in the presence of a catalyst composed of a heteropoly acid (e.g. phosphotungtic acid) and a sulfur- containing organic compound (e.g. ethyl mercaptan or mercaptopropionic acid) having SH group at 40-120°C for 2-12hr to produce the title substance. The heteropoly acid and the sulfur-containing organic compound are used in an amount of 0.05-0.3mol based on 1mol acetophenone and 0.5-30wt.% based on the acetophenone. Since a catalyst such as HCl having strong corrosiveness is not used, expensive apparatuses are not required. The title substance is useful as an intermediate raw material for polycarbonates, polyesters, developers for heat-sensitive paper, etc.
SUGAWARA TAKAHIRO
SUZUKI NAOKI
KANEKO KIMIKO
SHIRASAKI YOSHIKAZU
