Process for preparing M- or P-substituted phenylalkanols by alkylation

US8692025B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Andreas Lanver · Mannheim, DE
• Klaus Ebel · Lampertheim, DE
• Karl Beck · Langen, DE
• Ralf Pelzer · Rastenberg, DE
• Jörg Botzem · Schifferstadt, DE
• Ulrich Griesbach · Mannheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 14, 2010
• Grant date: Apr 8, 2014
• Expiry date: Oct 14, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C45/29
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of m- or p-substituted phenylalkanols of the formula (I)in which R1 is bonded to the phenyl ring in the m- or p-position and is C1-C5-alkyl, and R2, R3, R4 and R5, independently of one another, are hydrogen or methyl, wherein an unsubstituted phenylalkanol of the formula (II)in which R2, R3, R4 and R5 have the meanings given under formula (I) is alkylated together with a C1-C5-alkyl halide of the formula (III)R1-Hal  (III),in which R1 has the meaning given under formula (I) and Hal is halogen, in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst to give an m- or p-alkyl-substituted phenylalkanol of the formula (I), then the reaction mixture is worked-up and the desired m- or p-alkyl-substituted phenylalkanol of the formula (I) is separated off, the other formed by-products are returned to the reaction mixture and these are isomerized in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst to give the desired m- or p-alkyl-substituted phenylalkanol. From the m- or p-alkyl-substituted phenylalkanols of the formula (I), it is possible to form, by oxidation or dehydrogenation, as products of value, the corresponding aldehydes, which play an interesti…