Oxidation of methyl benzenes in the presence of acetic acid and a dehydrating agent
AssigneeSuntech, Inc.
InventorsGeorge Suld, James E. Lyons, Robert W. Shinn
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Abstract
Oxidation of methyl benzenes with air or oxygen to form a phenolic acetate and formaldehyde or methylene diacetate may be carried out in the presence of acetic acid, phosphorus pentoxide, benzaldehyde and an acid catalyst. The resulting acetates may then be pyrolyzed to yield phenolic compounds and formaldehyde, respectively.
Claims9
A process for the oxidation of methyl benzenes to form phenolic acetates, and formaldehyde or methylene diacetate, or mixtures thereof, which comprises contacting said methyl benzenes with air or oxygen, and acetic acid and P.sub.2 O.sub.5, in the presence of a strong acid catalyst and benzaldehyde at temperatures of at least about 80.degree. C. and pressures of at least about 1 atmosphere, said benzaldehyde being present in amounts of from about 0.01-1.0 mole based on the methyl benzene.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.