PROCESS FOR PREPARING OPTICALY ACTIVE 2-(4-HYDROXY- PHENOXY)PROPIONIC ACID COMPOUNDS

摘要

A process for preparing an optically active 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propionic acid compound, which comprises reacting an optically active compound having the formula: wherein X is a chlorine atom or a bromine atom, and M is a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal atom, with hydroquinone or an alkali metal salt of hydroquinone, in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide and water, and precipitating optically active disodium 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propionate. The compounds produced by the process are intermediates in the preparation of excellent herbicides.