Process for producing aromatic hydroxylic compound

Abstract

There is disclosed a process for producing an aromatic hydroxylic compound by acid decomposition of a hydroperoxide having the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein Ar represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having a valence of n; and n represents an integer of 1 or 2, in the presence of an acid catalyst, thereby to provide an aromatic hydroxylic compound having the general formula (II) Ar--(OH)n (II) wherein Ar and n are the same as above defined, characterized in that tetrafluoroboric acid, hexafluorosilicic acid or hexafluorophosphoric acid is used as the acid catalyst. According to this process, the aromatic hydroxylic compound is obtained in a high yield while the by-production of hydroxyacetone is effectively suppressed. In paricular, a more effective suppression of by-production of hydroxyacetone and a higher yield of the target compound can be achieved by carrying out the acid decomposition reaction in two stages wherein the first stage of the reaction is carried out in the first reactor at a temperature of 50.degree.-95.degree. C., the resultant reaction mixture is sent to the second reactor, and the second stage of the reaction is then carried out in the second reactor at a temperature of 80.degree.-120.degree. C.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.