| abstract |
PURPOSE: To obtain the subject compound in high yield at a low cost by using one or more kinds of compounds selected from hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal as a catalyst and reacting an aromatic hydroxyl compound with a cyclic carbonate in the presence of the catalyst. n CONSTITUTION: A β-hydroxyalkyl ether compound [e.g. 1-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-2- propanol] is produced by reacting an aromatic hydroxyl compound of formula 1 (Ar 1 is aryl) with a cyclic carbonate of formula II (R 1 and R 2 are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl) in the presence of a catalyst consisting of one or more kinds of compounds selected from inexpensive and highly active hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal. The obtained compound is useful as a raw material for a sensitizer of a heat- sensitive paper, an intermediate for agricultural chemicals, etc. The process can be performed under mild condition scarcely forming a stereo-isomer as a by-product. Little corrosion occurs on the apparatuses. n COPYRIGHT: (C)1991,JPO&Japio |