Ciba-Geigy Corporation

Anton Hungerbuhler

Tibor Somlo

A process for the production of 2-halo-4-bromophenols of the formula ##STR1## in which X represents chlorine or bromine, is disclosed, which process comprises reacting a brominating agent with a 2-halophenol in the presence of a mixed catalyst consisting of a halide of zinc, iron, aluminium or cobalt, and a diphenyl sulfide of the formula ##STR2## in which R represents methyl or halogen, and n represents 0 to 3. The new process substantially avoids the formation of undesired 2,6-isomers and the 2-halo-4-bromophenols of the above formula are obtained in excellent yield and purity.

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Basel, Switzerland

Anton Hungerbuhler