Process for the preparation of benzyl alcohol

摘要

Prepn. of benzyl alcohol (I) by high temp. hydrolysis of benzyl chloride is carried out at a (II):water molar ratio of 1:(10-70) and 80-180 degrees C to a (II) conversion of 35-99%, without addn. of base or water-soluble organic solvent. In an example 126.5g (1 mole) (II) and 180g (10 mole) water were rapidly heated to boiling under N2 with vigorous stirring (250 rpm). After 240 mins., the mixt. was quenched. The organic phase was sepd. by adding toluene. Analysis indicated that 48g (II) had reacted and 37g (I) and 3.6g dibenzyl ether had been formed, corresp. to 38% conversion and a yield of 91% (I). The HCl formed had a concn. of 7.4%.