| abstract |
Disclosed is a process for the production of a 4-(2-hydroxyalkyl)-1,2-benzenediol, comprising the steps of (a) providing protected 1,2-benzenediol having the 1,2-hydroxyl groups protected, (b) halogenating the protected 1,2-benzenediol to obtain a protected 4-halo-1,2-benzenediol having the 1,2-hydroxyl groups protected, (c) reacting, in the presence of a metal or organometallic compound, the protected 4-halo-1,2-benzenediol to protected 4-(2-hydroxyalkyl)-1,2-benzenediol having the 1,2-hydroxyl groups protected, and (d) deprotecting the protected 4-(2-hydroxyalkyl)-1,2-benzenediol to obtain the 4-(2-hydroxyalkyl)-1,2-benzenediol. Also disclosed is the use of 1,2-benzenediol for the production of hydroxytyrosol. |