Patent ID: 7902407

Claim:
A method for preparing a metal salt of a hydroxy-substituted aromatic compound, said method comprising steps (a)-(d): (a) contacting in an aqueous medium at least one hydroxy-substituted aromatic compound with a base comprising a metal cation to provide a mixture comprising water and a metal salt of said hydroxy-substituted aromatic compound; (b) contacting the mixture formed in step (a) with a substantially water-immiscible solvent at a temperature greater than the boiling point of water at the prevailing pressure to provide a slurry comprising the metal salt of the hydroxy-substituted aromatic compound and the water immiscible solvent, and a vapor stream comprising the substantially water-immiscible solvent and water; (c) introducing the vapor stream into a vapor handling system comprising a partial reflux condenser; and (d) separating the vapor stream to provide a water-rich component and a water immiscible solvent-rich component.