Process for the preparation of 2,3-dimethylphenol and of 3,4-dimethylphenol

摘要

In a process for the preparation of mixtures of 2,3-dimethylphenol and 3,4-dimethylphenol a mixture of 2,3-dimethyl-bromobenzene and 3,4-dimethyl-bromobenzene is hydrolized in an aqueous alkaline solution in the presence of a copper compound catalyst of the formula: Cu(n)R(m) R represents -O or -OH or a residue of an inorganic or of an organic acid; n is 1 or 2; and m is 0, 1 or 2; the reaction being carried out at a temperature in the range between 200 DEG and 300 DEG C.