Preparation of 2-alkyl- and 2-aryl-thiomethylphenols

Abstract

In the preparation of a 1-alkyl- and 2-aryl-thio-methylphenol of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is, or the radicals R.sup.1 are, in the 3-, 5- and/or 6-positions relative to the hydroxyl group and each independently is a hydrogen or halogen atom, or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkoxy group, n is 1, 2, or 3, and R.sup.2 is an optionally substituted alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted phenyl radical or an optionally substituted aralkyl radical, by reacting a phenol of the formula ##STR2## with formaldehyde or an formaldehyde producing compound and with a mercaptan or a thiophenol of the formula R.sup.2 --S--H. the improvement which comprises effecting the reaction at a temperature of about 90.degree. to 220.degree. C. in the presence of at least one compound of lithium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, zinc, cadmium, lead, manganese, cobalt, nickel, cooper, iron, chromium and aluminum as a catalyst. The products are obtained in high yield and selectivity.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.