Preparation of pyrocatechol monoethers and pyrocatechols

US5319148A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Michael Karcher · Dossenheim, DE
• Horst Zimmermann · Mannheim, DE
• Jochem Henkelmann · Mannheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 2, 1993
• Grant date: Jun 7, 1994
• Expiry date: Mar 2, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C37/50
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The preparation of pyrocatechol monoethers or pyrocatechols of the formula Ia or Ib respectively ##STR1## ( R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 =H or C.sub.1 --C.sub.8 -hydrocarbon radicals; R.sup.3 =C.sub.1 --C.sub.8 -hydrocarbon radical ) by rearranging a 2-hydroxycyclohexanone dialkyl ketal II ##STR2## a) in the gas phase in the presence of a platinmetal or in the presence of a compound of one of these metals as catalyst in order to obtain a compound Ia, or PA0 b) carrying out step a) in the presence of water in order to obtain a compound Ib. The products are used as intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, fragrances and flavors.