Catalyst and method for ortho-alkylation of hydroxyaromatic compounds

摘要

Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are alkylated with alkanols such as methanol in the presence of a catalyst comprising magnesium oxide with up to about 0.1% by weight of copper deposited thereon in a layer of submicroscopic thickness. The catalyst is prepared by preparing a slurry of a substantially water-insoluble magnesium reagent such as magnesium hydroxide or magnesium carbonate in an aqueous solution of at least one copper salt, removing and drying the solid phase, and calcining the same at a temperature within the range of about 350 DEG -550 DEG C. The catalyst promotes ortho-alkylation of the hydroxyaromatic compound in high yield, minimizes decomposition of the alkanol, and has long life.