Process for the conversion of phenol to hydroquinone and catechol

An improved process for the oxidation of phenol to form a mixture of hydroquinone and catechol which comprises (1) passing at a temperature below 65.degree. C. a mixture of phenol and aqueous hydrogen peroxide, wherein the molar ratio of phenol to hydrogen peroxide is between 10 and 15, through a first reaction zone containing a titanium silicate molecular sieve, the molar ratio of silicon to titanium atoms in the said titanium silicate being less than 50, (2) cooling the effluent from the first reaction zone to below 65.degree. C. and adding aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the said first effluent to bring the molar ratio of phenol to hydrogen peroxide therein to a value between 10 and 15, (3) passing this mixture through a second reaction zone containing a titanium silicate molecular sieve with a molar ratio of silicone to titanium between 50 and 75, (4) cooling the effluent from the second reaction zone to below 65.degree. C. and adding aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the said second effluent to bring the molar ratio of phenol to hydrogen peroxide therein to a value between 10 and 15, (5) passing this mixture through a third reaction zone containing a titanium silicate molecular sieve with a molar ratio of silicon to titanium above 75 and (6) recovering the hydroquinone and catechol from the effluent from the third reactor.