Preparation of methyl m-nitrobenzoate

摘要

Methyl m-nitrobenzoate is prepared by a process in which an isomer mixture is treated with from 10 to 1000% by weight of water in the presence of from 0.05 to 20% by weight of an emulsifier, the percentages being based on the weight of the isomer mixture, (a) in a first stage at from 55 DEG to 100 DEG C. and a pH from 2 to 8 and then (b) in a second stage at from 10 DEG to 40 DEG C. and a pH of not less than 9. The methyl m-nitrobenzoate obtainable by the process of the invention is a useful starting material for the preparation of dyes and crop protection agents.