Process for selective halogenation of primary hydroxyl groups

摘要

Epoxy compounds for use as epoxy resins are prepared from relatively inexpensive and renewable resources via a selective halogenation process. Primary pendant hydroxyl groups on straight carbon chain compounds with oxygen atoms pendant to each carbon are selectively halogenated with, for example, carbon tetrachloride. A scavenger agent, triphenylphosphine and pyridine, is used to complex the residual portion of reacted halogenating agent. One additional step with the halogenated intermediate yields epoxy compounds which, when cured, yield epoxy resins.