PREPARATION OF HYDROXYPHENYLACETIC ACID

PURPOSE:To obtain the titled substance by reacting a halogenated benzyl halide with CO, an alcohol and a basic substance in the presence of Co carbonyl catalyst, hydrolyzing or saponifying the resultant halogenated phenylacetic acid ester, and hydroxylating the product. CONSTITUTION:The compound of formula II can be prepared by (1) reacting the compound of formulaI(X and X are halogen) with CO, an alcohol (e.g. methanol) and a basic substance (e.g. ammonia, alkali metal carbonate, etc.) in the presence of a Co carbonyl catalyst, (2) hydrolyzing or saponifying the resultant halogenated phenylacetic acid ester to obtain a halogenated phenylacetic acid or its metal salt or their mixture, and (3) reacting the product with an alkali metal hydroxide in the presence of copper or a copper compound as a catalyst. EFFECT:The objective compound can be prepared in high yield without using toxic or expensive raw materials. USE:Intermediate of antibiotic substances, antiphlogistics, etc.