| 摘要 |
PURPOSE:To efficiently obtain a phenyl ether compound useful as an intermediate for agrochemicals, medicines or perfumes, by reaction between a phenolic compound and a lower alcohol in the presence of niobic acid. CONSTITUTION:The compound of formula II (R<2> is a lower alkyl) is obtained by reaction between a phenolic compound of formula I (R<1> is H, a lower alkyl, phenyl, nitro or a halogen) and a lower alcohol using niobic acid as catalyst in a gaseous phase at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the phenolic compound by 5-100 deg.C or so under a pressure of 100mmHg-100kg/cm<2>. Under this condition, the niobic acid presents significantly high activity; besides, byproducts in the form of organic matter-contg. sulfuric acid effluent and alkali effluent are not produced. The amount of the lower alcohol (e.g. methanol) to be used is such as to be 0.3-10 molar times the phenolic compound (e.g. p-cresol). |
