NEW MATERIAL:Compounds of formula I (R is 1-20C alkyl or 2-20C alkoxyalkyl respective compounds of which may be substituted with halogen; n is 1-6; p is 0 or 1; * is asymmetric carbon atom).
EXAMPLE: (-)-4-(4-Pentyloxy-3-methylbutyl) phenol.
USE: Excellent in characteristics such as rapid response, useful as an intermediate for synthesis of a liquid crystal compound ferroelectric at around room temperature and also used as an intermediate for synthesis of agricultural drugs, medical drugs, etc.
PREPARATION: An optically active benzyloxybenzene derivative of formula II is subjected to catalytic hydrogenation to obtain the compound of formula I. The compound of formula II can be synthesized by reacting an optically active alcohol of formula III with a compound of formula R-Y [Y is halogen or OSO2R' (R' is alkyl or phenyl which may be substituted)] or with a compound of formula RCOR" (R" is OH or halogen).
AZUMAI TAKAYUKI
TODA SHOJI
MINAMII MASAYOSHI
