PHENYLETHER COMPOUNDS AND A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF

The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of phenylether compounds having the general formula (I), (I) wherein A stands for hydroxy, acyloxy, alkylsulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy, azido or amino group, or acid addition salts thereof. These compounds are biologically active or can be applied as starting substances in the preparation of biologically active compounds. According to the invention 2,6-dimethylphenol is reacted with propylene oxide in an alkaline medium and, if desired, the resulting compound is acylated and, if desired, the resulting ester is reacted with an alkali metal azide and, if desired, the resulting azido compound is reduced and, if desired, the resulting amino compound is converted into its acid addition salt. The individual process steps are easy to perform, and the products are obtained in highly pure state with good yields.