Process for the manufacture of aromatic cyanides

摘要

The invention provides a process for the preparation of ortho- and para-hydroxybenzyl cyanides. The process of the invention comprises the reaction of an aromatic alcohol selected from ortho- and para-hydroxybenzyl alcohols with a cyanide reagent and an ester capable of esterifying the hydroxyl group of the benzyl alcohol. In a preferred form of the process there is employed a route via the reaction of an ortho- or para-hydroxybenzyl formate with a cyanide reagent preferably selected from sodium and potassium cyanides.