Process for the ortho-alkylation of phenolic compounds

摘要

This invention relates to a process for the selective ortho-alkylation of a phenolic compound having at least one ortho-positioned hydrogen atom by catalytically reacting the phenolic compound with an alcohol in the vapor phase. In this process, the reaction of the phenolic compound with the alcohol is carried out at a temperature of from 300 DEG to 550 DEG C. in the presence of a catalyst containing manganese oxide and one or more additives selected from group (A) consisting of germanium oxide, tin oxide and lead oxide, or a catalyst containing manganese oxide, one or more additives selected from the aforesaid group (A), and one or more additives selected from group (B) consisting of alkali metal oxides and alkaline earth metal oxides. The catalyst used in this invention exhibits not only excellent catalytic activity in the selective ortho-alkylation of phenols, continuous stability of the activity, good shapeability and good mechanical strength but also effective utilization of alcohols.