Patent ID: 6462242
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for preparing benzyl alcohols of formula (I) wherein each R1, R2 and R3 is a member selected from the group consisting of H atoms, F atoms, Cl atoms, NO2 groups, straight-chain or branched C1-C12-alkyl groups, phenyl groups, OH groups, O(CH2)nCH3 groups, in which n=0-12, (CF2)nCF3, in which n=0-2 or O(CX2)nCX3, in which n=0-12, and X represents F and/or Cl; the process comprising:(A) reacting (1) aryl bromides of the general formula (II), wherein R1, R2, R3 are as defined for formula (I), with (2) carbon monoxide and a formate in the presence of a palladium catalyst to form benzaldehydes of formula (III) wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined for formula (I), and (B) reducing the benzaldehydes of formula (III) to the corresponding benzyl alcohols, wherein the step of reducing the benzaldehydes of formula (III) is carried out using additional formate in the presence of a palladium catalyst.