| abstract |
PURPOSE: To obtain the titled compound, useful as an intermediate of pesticides, in high yield by the direct oxidation of m-phenoxytoluene with a water-soluble oxidizer in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst thereby facilitating the handling of the product and eliminating the necessity of a high reaction temperature. n CONSTITUTION: m-Phenoxytoluene is dissolved in an organic solvent which is insoluble or hardly soluble in water, e.g. benzene, cyclohexene, etc. and oxidized directly with a water-soluble oxidizer, e.g. potassium persulfate, potassium permanganate, etc., at normal temp. W150°C, preferably 40W100°C, in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst, e.g. a quaternary ammonium chloride (e.g. benzyl triethyl ammonium chloride), a crown ether (e.g. tetramethyl-12-crown 4), etc., to give the titled compound. n COPYRIGHT: (C)1981,JPO&Japio |