PROCESS FOR PRODUCING DIHYDROXY BENZENES

摘要

The known nuclear hydroxylation of substituted phenols or phenol ethers with organic solutions of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a catalyst is carried out with special, practically anhydrous solutions of hydrogen peroxide in solvents forming azeotropes with water, said azeotropes having a boiling point below that of hydrogen peroxide, and also with sulphur dioxide as the catalyst. Therefore, the nuclear hydroxylation can be carried out in a much simpler manner than heretofore. Water phenol separations are dispensed with and a recovery of the catalyst also is avoidable. Furthermore, the yields are increased.