Production of benzoate esters

摘要

m- and p-(b -hydroxy-ethoxy)-benzoic acid esters are prepared by treating a m- or p-hydroxy benzoic acid ester with ethylene oxide. The process preferably takes place using 1.1 mols. of ethylene oxide in the presence of alkaline catalyst such as sodium or potassium hydroxide or alkoxide and an alcohol corresponding to the esterifying group of the ester as solvent at an elevated pressure and at a temperature in the range 130-50 DEG C. Examples describe the reaction of ethylene oxide with ethyl m- and p-hydroxybenzoate.