PRODUCTION OF 3,3'-DIALKOXYBENZYL

摘要

PURPOSE:The condensation reaction of 3-alkoxybenzaldehyde is carried out in aqueous alcohol in the presence of an alkali metal cyanide and the resultant 3,3'- dialkoxybenzoin is oxidized with air in aqueous pyridine in the presence of copper sulfate to give the titled substance. CONSTITUTION:Aqueous alcohol of 20-50% concentration such as aqueous ethanol is used as a solvent to effect the condensation reaction of 3-alkoxybenzaldehyde in the presence of an alkali metal cyanide such as NaCN at 50-80 deg.C to give 3,3'-dialkoxybenzoin. The product is subjected to air oxidation in a solvent of 40-80% aqueous pyridine in the presence of copper sulfate at 80-110 deg.C to give the titled substance. The amount of the alkali cyanide used is 5-20wt% based on the starting substance and the amount of copper sulfate used is suitably 30-70mol% based on the starting substance. EFFECT:The objective substance is obtained in high yield. USE:Photopolymerization initiator for acrylates, additive to high polymers and intermediate of drugs.