| abstract |
A process is described for the synthesis of 2-hydroxyphenylalkyl ketones, by means of catalytic rearrangement of phenolic esters. This process is characterized by the use, as catalysts, of crystalline aluminosilicates of the pentasyl type having predefined values of silica/alumina ratio, grain size, surface area and porosity, and containing between 10 wt% and 40 wt% of finely ground alumina as bonding agent. The rearrangement thus catalyzed involves a high conversion of the phenolic ester, a high orthoselectivity and a low formation of phenolic by-products, thus enabling the formation of the end product in high yields. In particular, the process applies to the synthesis of 2-hydroxyacetophenone. |