| abstract |
PURPOSE: To obtain the titled compound useful as an intermediate for medicines, etc., industrially and advantageously in high yield, by reacting an aniline with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst consisting of a specific metal oxide. n CONSTITUTION: An aniline expressed by formula I (X is H, halogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy; n is an integer 1W3) is reacted with an alcohol expressed by the formula ROH (R is alkyl or phenyl) in the presence of a catalyst consisting of two kinds of metal oxides selected from Mg, Ca, Al, Zn, Cd and Fe to afford the aimed compound expressed by formula II. The composition of the two kinds of catalysts in the above-mentioned catalyst varies with the kinds of the metals, but the molar ratio is within 0.01W1:1 range. MgO-ZnO, MgO-Al 2 O 3 , etc., may be cited as the preferred combination in the catalyst. The catalyst is readily handled, and the aimed compound is obtained in good yield at a relatively low temperature without forming by-products, e.g. high polymer tarry materials and ethers. n COPYRIGHT: (C)1986,JPO&Japio |