PROCESS FOR OXIDIZING 2,6-DIISOPROPYLNAPHTHALENE.

摘要

In this improved process for oxidising 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene the oxidation is by molecular oxygen in the presence of basic compounds the total consumption of which at the end of the reaction is at least 0.06 gm equivalent (preferred 0.2-1.0 gm equivalent) per starting molecule of 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene (the end of the reaction is when at least 80 wt.% is oxidised, preferred 99 wt.%). The main oxidised products in the intermediate mixture are the dihydroperoxide, the monohydroxy monohydroperoxide, and the dihydroxide of 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene. The intermediate mixture is reacted with an acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to produce 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene. The reaction with the acid can be carried out after purification and/or dehydration of the intermediate mixture, acetone, if necessary, being added. 2,6-diacetoxynaphthalene may be obtd. by reacting the 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene with glacial acetic acid.