Process for hydrolysis of ortho-aromatic di-aryl ethers

US4978811A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Robert A. Koster · Midland, US
• Philip J. Brondsema · Midland, US
• Willis J. Pennington · Midland, US
• William C. Sumner · Midland, US
• Susan E. Vilmer · Grapevine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 1, 1988
• Grant date: Dec 18, 1990
• Expiry date: Apr 1, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C37/055
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Ortho-aromatic diaryl ethers, such as o-biphenylyl phenyl ether, are hydrolyzed to corresponding phenolic compounds, such as o-phenylphenol and phenol, when contacted with water in the presence of ceria or thoria at a temperature of between about 250.degree. C. and 700.degree. C.