PURPOSE: To obtain the subject compound by reducing an aromatic compound having an oxygen-containing group such as carboxylic acid, carbonyl or alcohol at its aromatic ring, which became unnecessary in an organic synthesis, in the presence of a catalyst consisting of a hydroxide-containing tin compound in mild conditions and one process using H2 gas.
CONSTITUTION: An aromatic carboxylic acid, aromatic carbonyl compound or aromatic alcohol is reduced using a catalyst consisting of a hydroxide- containing tin compound which is readily and inexpensively obtainable from tin chloride, etc., through hydroxide thereof followed by drying, to provide the objective aromatic compound having a hydrocarbon side chain. Since the hydroxide-containing tin catalyst used is a heterogeneous catalyst, separation of the catalyst and recovery of the produced aromatic compound are readily carried out and the catalyst is free from the problem of swelling and elution and excellent in heat resistance and solvent resistance. Furthermore, since the method for operating the reaction and method for purifying the product are extremely simple, this method is industrially readily applicable.
SHIBAGAKI MAKOTO
MATSUSHITA HAJIME
