PURPOSE: To efficiently obtain a phenyl ether compound useful as an intermediate for agrochemicals, medicines or perfumes, by reaction between a phenolic compound and a lower alcohol in the presence of niobic acid.
CONSTITUTION: The compound of formula II (R2 is a lower alkyl) is obtained by reaction between a phenolic compound of formula I (R1 is H, a lower alkyl, phenyl, nitro or a halogen) and a lower alcohol using niobic acid as catalyst in a gaseous phase at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the phenolic compound by 5-100°C or so under a pressure of 100mmHg-100kg/cm2. Under this condition, the niobic acid presents significantly high activity; besides, byproducts in the form of organic matter-contg. sulfuric acid effluent and alkali effluent are not produced. The amount of the lower alcohol (e.g. methanol) to be used is such as to be 0.3-10 molar times the phenolic compound (e.g. p-cresol).
MASAKI SHINZABURO
TOO YASUHIKO
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