Preparation of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid

US5296636A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Siegel · Schifferstadt, DE
• Rudolf Kropp · Schifferstadt, DE
• Jochen Schroeder · Lambsheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 1993
• Grant date: Mar 22, 1994
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C51/29
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for the preparation of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid of the formula I ##STR1## in which .alpha.-chloro-2,4,6-trimethylacetophenone is reacted with an alkali hydroxide solution and chlorine in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst at a temperature ranging from 0.degree. to 150.degree. C. and a pressure ranging from 0.01 to 50 bar, and a process for the preparation of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid I, in which .alpha.-chloro-2.4.6-trimethylacetophenone of the formula II ##STR2## is reacted with 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene and chloroacetyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature ranging from 0.degree. to 150.degree. C. and a pressure ranging from 0.01 to 50 bar, the catalyst used being an iron oxide.