Process for the preparation of 2,4-dinitrophenol alkoxyalkyl ethers

Abstract

Process for the preparation of compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which R denotes a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl radical which is optionally substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy groups, or a phenyl radical which can be substituted by alkyl or alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or by chlorine or bromine atoms, or, together with R.sub.2, denotes an alkylene bridge --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- in which n is the number 3 or 4, R.sub.1 denotes a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or, together with R, represents an alkylene bridge --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- in which n has the meaning mentioned, by reacting 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene with an alcohol of the formula (II) ##STR2## in which R, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have the meanings mentioned above, in the presence of lithium oxide or lithium hydroxide at temperatures from 0.degree. to 5.degree. C., if appropriate neutralizing the reaction mixture with a non-volatile, weak acid which is soluble in the reaction medium, and subsequently removing by distillation the alcohol of the formula (II), present in excess, then adding sufficient water at 20.degree. to 80.degree. C. for the lithium chloride formed to dissolve completely, and separating off, from the aqueous salt phase, the 2,4-dinitrophenol alkoxyalkyl ether which has separated out in a solid or liquid phase.