| abstract |
A method of preparing a diphenyl ether compound of the formula (II) <IMAGE> (II) wherein X is F, Cl or Br; Z is hydrogen, halogen, NO2 of CN; and W is methyl, cyano, CH3CO-, or a group -C-OR, wherein R is -OH; -OM wherein M is a cation; OR1 wherein R1 is an optionally substituted aliphatic radical; -NR2R3 wherein R2 and R3 are each hydrogen or an optionally substituted aliphatic radical; or -NHSO2R4 wherein R4 is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which comprises reacting a 3-X-substituted-4,5-difluorobenzotrifluoride with a salt of a 3,4-W,Z-substituted phenol. The invention further comprises novel 3-X-4,5-difluorobenzotrifluorides for use in the process. |