PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INTERMEDIATE OXIDATION PRODUCTS OF TOLUENES HAVING ETHER LINKAGES

摘要

A process for the production of alcohols and/or aldehydes which comprises subjecting a toluene derivative having an ether linkage or linkages of the general formula: wherein RO is an ether grouping where R stands for a hydrocarbyl group with 1?20 carbon atoms which may carry an inert substituent or substituents and n stands for an integers of 1?2 to auto-oxidation with molecular oxygen in liquid phase to form the corresponding alcohol and/or aldehydes, characterized in that the reaction is carried out by using a lower saturated fatty acid and/or an anhydride thereof as solvent in the presence of a soluble cobalt salt and a bromine ion-supplying substance at a reaction temperature ranging from 30.degree.C to 200.degree.C in such manner that the conversion rate of the toluene derivative does not exceed 90-.