Patent ID: 9006497
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A method for hydrolyzing alpha-chlorinated toluene compounds comprising the steps of: providing an alpha-chlorinated toluene compound of formula (I): wherein a single group of R hydrolyzing said compound with water in the presence of a metal oxide, wherein the molar ratio of metal oxide to alpha-chlorinated toluene compound is from 0.5 to 1.5; wherein the hydrolysis is carried out at a temperature in the range of 70° C. to 180° C., with the proviso that above 100° C. the reaction is carried out under pressure which pressure is at least equal to the vapor pressure of the reaction mixture; and wherein the molar ratio of alpha-chlorinated toluene compounds to water is from 1/10 to 1/50, thereby providing hydrolyzed alpha-chlorinated toluene compound.