| abstract |
In a process for easily, efficiently and economically preparing bis(trifluoromethylphenyl)methanol from either toluoyl chloride or a trihalomethylbenzoyl chloride, first the starting compound is reacted with toluene in the presence of a strong acid catalyst such as a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid to form a benzophenone derivative,… CX3C6H4-CO-C6H4CH3, wherein X is H, F, Cl or Br, next by chlorination the benzophenone derivative is converted into… CY3C6H4-CO-C6H4CCl3, wherein Y is F or Cl, and then the chlorinated intermediate is fluorinated into bis(trifluoromethyl)benzophenone, and finally by reduction of carbonyl group of this benzophenone derivative the aimed compound is obtained. |