PRODUCTION OF P-OR M-HYDROXYPHENYLALKYL ALCOHOL

摘要

PURPOSE:To industrially and advantageously obtain a carbonyl compound by treating a p- or m-tert. butoxyphenylalkyl alcohol used as a raw material with a de-tert. butylating agent or adding a de-tert. butylating catalyst thereto and distilling isobutylene out of the system under a reduced pressure. CONSTITUTION:A p- or m-tert.-butoxyphenylalkyl alcohol expressed by formula I (n is 2-5) is treated with a debutylating agent such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid or isobutylene is distilled out of the system in the presence of a de-tert.-butylation catalyst under reduced pressure to provide p-or m- hydroxyphenylalkyl alcohol expressed by formula II. According to the above- mentioned method, operation is readily carried out and the aimed compound is obtained in a high purity. Further, tert. butyl group which is a protecting group of phenolic hydroxyl group can be readily recovered and re-utilized. The aimed compound is useful as an intermediate for agricultural chemical and raw material for liquid crystal polymer.