PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF 4-ALKYLPHENOLS

摘要

A process for the production of 4-alkylphenols, characterized by comprising the first step of reacting a 4-unsubstituted phenol with an alkyl alcohol or an alkyl ether in the presence of a synthetic zeolite at a temperature of 50 to 110°C, the second step of removing water contained in the liquid phase of the reaction mixture when an alkyl alcohol is used in the first step or an alcohol contained therein when an alkyl ether is used in the first step, and the third step of subjecting the resulting water- or alcohol-free reaction mixture to rearrangement at a temperature of 90 to 150°C in the presence of an acid catalyst. According to the process, 4-alkylphenols can be industrially advantageously produced with high selectivity and in high yield.