| abstract |
This invention is directed to a process for preparing trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ) by heating 4-hydroxy-2,4,6-trimethyl-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-one (HTCD) in a nonacidic liquid medium consisting of either methanol or an aqueous medium, preferably in the presence of a basic substance, at a temperature of at least 100°C., and preferably 150°-300°C. n Thus, according to this invention, TMHQ of high purity and small coloration can be prepared from HTCD in good yield, for example, as high as 85 - 98%. |