Process for the preparation of mercaptomethylphenois

The present invention relates to a new improved process for the preparation of mercaptomethylphenols from phenols by reaction with formaldehyde and mercaptans and which process comprises treating afterwards the reaction product with a reducing agent. The mercaptomethylphenols are valuable antioxidants for plastics, elastomers mineral oils and synthetic lubricants. There is disclosed an improved process for the preparation of a compound of the formula I wherein n is 0 or 1, Ris C-Calkyl or -CHSR, Ris C-Calkyl, C-Cphenylalkyl, C-C-phenylalkyl substituted on the phenyl radical by from 1 to 3 C-Calkyl groups; or -CHSR, Ris C-Calkyl, phenyl or benzyl, Ris hydrogen or methyl, Ris hydrogen or methyl, with the proviso that Rand Rare not simultaneously methyl, by reacting a compound of the formula II wherein n, Rand Rare as previously defined, Ris hydrogen or C-Calkyl; and Ris hydrogen, C-Calkyl, C-Cphenylalkyl, C-Cphenylalkyl substituted on the phenyl radical by from 1 to 3 C-Calkyl groups; with formaldehyde or a compound that liberates formaldehyde under the reaction conditions and with at least one compound of the formula IIIwherein Ris as previously defined, in the presence of a base, said base being mono- or dimethylamine or mono- or diethylamine, which process comprises treating afterwards the reaction product with a reducing agent.