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Koppers Company, Inc.

Robert W Maxwell, Jr

Robert M Gaydos

Leonard F Guziak

A mixture of cresylic acids containing a substantial amount of 2,6-xylenol is contacted with an ester-forming phosphorus compound in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 equivalents per equivalent of cresylic acids other than 2,6-xylenol. The temperature is in the range of 50.degree.-250.degree. C., and a catalyst may or may not be employed. Under these conditions, aryl phosphates are formed more rapidly from the cresylic acids other than the 2,6-xylenol. The substantially unreacted 2,6-xylenol is readily separated from the aryl phosphates.

Process for separating 2,6-xylenol from a mixture of cresylic acids

A mixture of monosubstituted and polysubstituted isopropylnaphthalenes is produced by treating naphthalene with concentrated sulfuric acid and propylene. Concentrated sulfuric acid is added to naphthalene in an amount of at least 3% based on the amount of naphthalene used, and at a temperature in the range of 150.degree. - 200.degree.C to form a mixture containing naphthalene sulfonic acids and naphthalene. Propylene is added to this mixture at a temperature of 150.degree. - 220.degree.C. The propylated mixture is neutralized with caustic and distilled to remove naphthalene and to produce a mixture of isopropylnaphthalenes.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Robert W Maxwell, Jr