Process for manufacturing (all-rac)-alpha-tocopherol

摘要

A process for the manufacture of (all-rac)- alpha -tocopherol by the catalyzed reaction of trimethylhydroquinone with isophytol or phytol is characterized by carrying out the reaction in the presence of a bis(perfluorinated hydrocarbyl sulphonyl)imide or a metal salt thereof as the catalyst in an organic solvent. In addition to said metal salt a Bronsted acid, e.g. sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid or p-toluenesulphonic acid, may be used as a cocatalyst. The product of the process is the most active member of the vitamin E group.