CATALYTIC PROCESS FOR CONVERTING M- OR P-CREDYLACETATE TO EQUAL MOL OF HYDROQUINONE OR RESOLCINOL AND FORMALDEHYDE

摘要

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREEquimolar amounts of phenol and formaldehyde may beprepared from oxygen and toluene. The catalytic oxidation oftoluene, when carried out in the presence of acetic anhydride,forms phenyl acetate and methylene diacetate. Pyrolysis ofthese two intermediates yields phenol and fomaldehyde.Significant improvements in this process areachieved when the first stage of the reaction is carried outin the presence of MoO3.In a further embodiment of this invention it hasbeen found that Group VIII dithiosemibenzil compounds, part-icularly nickel dithiosemibenzil, serves as a superior pro-moter for the toluene oxidation reaction.In still a further embodiment of this invention it? found: ????pr?f?, ? c-d, c ????cularly effective promoters for the ?luen? x? ??In a like manner, hydroquinone ? ? may beobtained from cresyl acetates.In a furhter embodiment of this invention is hasbeen found that benzylidene acetate may be converted to phenylacetate and methylene diacetate by acid-catalyzed reaction inthe presence of oxygen and acetic anhydride.