PROCESS FOR PRODUCING alpha -HYDROXYIMINOPHENYLACETONITRILE

摘要

A process for producing an alpha -hydroxyiminophenylacetonitrile represented by general formula [II], (wherein R<1>, R<2>, R<3> and Z are each as defined in the specification) by reacting a crude nitrile containing a phenylacetonitrile represented by general formula [I], (wherein R<1>, R<2>, R<3> and Z are each as defined in the specification) with an alkyl nitrite in the presence of a base, extracting the reaction mixture with water, and neutralizing the separated water layer with an acid. This process enables target alpha -hydroxyiminophenylacetonitriles to be readily produced in a highly pure form in high yield by extracting the reaction mass with water and neutralizing the separated water layer with an acid.