Patent ID: 6028204
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
A process for preparing a phthalide of the general formula I ##STR5## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently of the others hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy, by catalytic hydrogenation of a phthalic anhydride of the general formula II ##STR6## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each as defined above, in a solvent, which comprises using said phthalide I, the reaction product of the catalytic hydrogenation, as solvent.