Improved process for the preparation of mercaptomethylphenois

Abstract

There is disclosed an improved process for the preparation of a compound of the formula I 1 wherein n is 0 or 1, R1 is C1-C12alkyl or —CH2SR3, R2 is C1-C12alkyl, C7-C9phenylalkyl, C7-C9-phenylalkyl substituted on the phenyl radical by from 1 to 3 C1-C4alkyl groups; or —CH2SR3, R3 is C6-C18alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, R4 is hydrogen or methyl, R5 is hydrogen or methyl, with the proviso that R4 and R5 are not simultaneously methyl, by reacting a compound of the formula II 2 wherein n, R4 and R5 are as previously defined, R11 is hydrogen or C1-C12alkyl; and R12 is hydrogen, C1-C12alkyl, C7-C9phenylalkyl, C7-C9phenylalkyl substituted on the phenyl radical by from 1 to 3 C1-C4alkyl groups; with formaldehyde or a compound that liberates formaldehyde under the reaction conditions and with at least one compound of the formula III R3SH (III) wherein R3 is as previously defined, in the presence of a base, said base being mono or dimethylamine or mono or diethylamine, which process comprises treating afterwards the reaction product with a reducing agent.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.