PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF NITROPHENETOLES

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of ortho- or para-nitrophenetole. According to the invention, the respective nitrochlorobenzene is reacted with ethanol and alkali hydroxide in the presence of a catalyst system which comprises a tetramethylammonium salt of a general formula (CH3)4NX, wherein X is Cl-, Br-, HSO4- or OC2H5, and an aqueous phase. The process has several advantages such as high yields and purity, the products obtained being completely free of side reaction products such as azoxy compounds.