process for the synthesis of 5- (alpha-hydroxyalkyl) benzo 1,3 dioxols.

摘要

The present invention regards a three-step process for the synthesis of 5-(alpha-hydroxyalkyl) benzo[1,3]dioxols. The process comprises: (i) the reaction of pyrocatechin (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) with a dihalo or di-alkoxyalkane, with the formation of a benzo[1,3]dioxol derivative; (ii) 5-selective catalytic acylation of the benzo[1,3]dioxol, with formation of a 5-alkanoylbenzo[1,3]dioxol and its subsequent (iii) reduction to 5-(alpha-hydroxyalkyl) benzo[1,3]dioxol. Also described are new benzodioxols obtainable using the above-mentioned process. The process of the invention is industrially simple and has low environmental impact; it allows to obtain in high yields derivatives of considerable interest, in particular for the perfumery industry, and in the sector of insecticides.