CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR RACEMIZATION OF BENZYLIC ALCOHOLS, ETHERS, AND ESTERS BY SOLID ACID CATALYST

摘要

Benzyl alcohols, ethers or esters, having a chiral center at the benzylic carbon can be conveniently racemized by treatment with solid acids which are strongly acidic cation exchange materials. Racemization may be effected generally in the range from 20-150.degree.C in aqueous or partly aqueous systems in combination with a water-miscible organic solvent to improve solubility of the benzyl compund. Recycling of unwanted enantiomers obtained in the resolution of racemic mixtures is thus facilitated.