PROCESS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF 5-(.ALPHA.-HYDROXYALKYL) BENZO1,3DIOXOLS

摘要

The present invention regards a three-step process for the synthesis of5-(.alpha.--hydroxyalkyl) benzo[1, 3]dioxols. The process comprises: (i) thereaction ofpyrocatechin (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) with a dihalo or di-alkoxyalkane, with theformation of a benzo[1,3]dioxol derivative; (ii) 5-selective catalyticacylation of thebenzo[1,3]dioxol, with formation of a 5-alkanoylbenzo[1,3]dioxol and itssubsequent (iii)reduction to 5-(.alpha.-hydroxyalkyl) benzo[1,3]dioxol. Also described are newbenzodioxols obtainable using the above-mentioned process. The process of theinvention is industrially simple and has low environmental impact; it allowsto obtain inhigh yields derivatives of considerable interest, in particular for theperfumery industry,and in the sector of insecticides.