摘要 |
<p>A process for the production of 2,6-di-tert-butyl- alpha -methoxy-p-cresol and high molecular weight hindered phenols produced therefrom. A process is disclosed for the production of the methyl ether of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol in such a manner that allows subsequent production of 1,3,5,-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris (3,5,-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene in the same pot. The process permits substitution of the methanol solvent/reactant with a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon solvent to produce the high molecular weight hindered phenol. This aspect of the invention reduces production cost by eliminating expensive centrifugation associated with prior art processes. The process also conserves catalyst by recycling it in the excess methanol. The catalyst is a Mannich base such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl- alpha -dimethylamino-p-cresol formed from the reactants 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol and formaldehyde with dimethylamine. The invention is an important improvement over prior art processes in that the production of bisphenol coproducts, notably 4,4 min -methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol) is low.</p> |