Process for the preparation of pyrocatechol mono ethers and pyrocatechols.

摘要

Pyrocatechol monoethers or pyrocatechols of the general formula Ia and Ib, respectively, (R<1> and R<2> = H or C1-C8-hydrocarbon radicals; R<3> = C1-C8-hydrocarbon radical) are prepared by a) reacting a 2-hydroxycyclohexanone dialkyl ketal II in the gas phase in the presence of a platinum metal or of a compound of one of these metals as catalyst, so as to obtain the compounds Ia, and b) carrying out step a) in the presence of water so as to obtain the compounds Ib. The products can be used as intermediates for the synthesis of pharmaceutical products, odoriferous substances and flavourings.