PRODUCTION OF 2,6-DICHLOROBENZYL ALCOHOL

PURPOSE:To obtain the titled substance in high yield, by acetylating 2,6- dichlorobenzyl chloride with anhydrous sodium acetate as an acetylating agent in the presence of a quaternary ammonium salt as a phase-transfer catalyst and hydrolyzing the resultant product. CONSTITUTION:The titled substance is obtained from 2,6-dichlorobenzyl chloride (2,6-DCBC) in high purity and yield in a short time. In the process, the 2,6-DCBC is acetylated with hydrous sodium acetate in a somewhat excess amount in the presence of a quaternary ammonium salt, e.g. butylpyridinium bromide, as a phase-transfer catalyst in an amount of 0.05-1wt% based on the 2,6-DCBC at 80-100 deg.C to provide 2,6-dichlorobenzyl acetate. The reaction solution is directly used or washed with water to remove the residual sodium acetate and aqueous caustic soda is added to heat the reaction solution at 80-110 deg.C and carry out hydrolysis. Thereby the aimed substance is obtained. The resultant substance is useful as an intermediate for agricultural chemicals, medicines, dyes, etc.