| abstract |
PURPOSE:To selectively obtain the titled compound in good yield, by reacting 3-methyl-4,6-ditertiary butylphenol with chlorine gas in the presence of an iron based catalyst. CONSTITUTION:3-Methyl-4,6-ditertiary butylphenol is reacted with chlorine gas in the presence of an iron based catalyst (e.g. iron, iron oxide or iron sulfate) at 10-50 deg.C, preferably 15-40 deg.C temperature to afford the aimed compound. The amount of the catalyst used is preferably 0.001-0.2mol., preferably 0.01-0.03mol. based on 1mol. raw material compound. The reaction is preferably carried out in a solvent (e.g. a halogenated hydrocarbon) in an amount of 1-5 times based on the raw material compound. The aimed compound is tertiary butylated to provide 2,4-dichloro-3-methylphenol which is a raw material for agricultural chemicals, photographic chemicals, etc. |