Fmc Corporation

James Snyder

Borivoj Richard Franko-Filipasic

Sol A Mednick

2-Methallyloxyphenol precursor to 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-hydroxybenzofuran is prepared selectively and in good yield in the etherification of an alkali metal catecholate by methallyl chloride in an improved process using the same solvent medium for both the precursor and the hydroxybenzofuran, the process characterized by a solvent medium comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, the medium also containing an amine selected from alkylamines and N-heterocyclic amines. The amine forms a quaternary salt with the methallyl chloride in situ to catalyze the etherification and the aromatic solvent permits rearrangement of the product and Claisen closure to a benzofuran intermediate without solvent exchange.

Single solvent process for preparing 2-methallyloxy-phenol from catechol

Processes for producing 4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone and intermediates for it from known and inexpensive starting materials are described and exemplified.

Processes for producing herbicide intermediates

A process is disclosed for selectively removing catechol from a mixture comprising catechol, 2-methallyloxyphenol, various salts, and by-products by treating the mixture with aqueous base, the aqueous phase being preferably saturated with respect to salts present; the catechol may then be recovered for recycle by acidifying the resulting aqueous phase and extracting the acidified aqueous phase with a suitable organic solvent.

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Yardville, NJ, United States of America

James Snyder