PURPOSE: To obtain a phenol compound in high yield while controlling formation of tar-like by-products, by oxidation of an arylcarboxylic acid in the presence of a dissolved Cu-containing catalyst, followed by reduction and hydrolysis in combination.
CONSTITUTION: A corresponding arylcarboxylic acid is oxidised with an oxygen- containing gas in the liquid phase at 120-190°C, preferably 150-180°C in the presence of a dissolved Cu-containing catalyst, thereby to oxidise Cu(I) into Cu(II) to convert Cu(I)-arylcarboxylate into Cu(II)-arylcarboxylate wherein the excess arylcarboxylate is introduced into the Cu-containing catalyst. The resultant product is reduced (intermediate ester formation in the absence of oxygen) and hydrolysed at 225-270°C, preferably 230-250°C using the intermediate aryl arylcarboxylate formed and equimolar water, thereby to obtain a phenol compound.
REON FUUBERUTSUSU BARUBARA FUR
MATSUTEIASU ROBERUTO YOOZEFU O
