Abstract:
It has been discovered that ortho-methyl-substituted phenols can be produced by the reaction of hydrogen, carbon monoxide or a carbon-monoxide-producing substance and a methyl acceptor under specified reaction conditions and in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of methyl and platinum group metals. By deliberate adjustment of the reaction conditions ortho-methyl-substituted phenols can be produced to the substantial exclusion of its other isomers, namely meta- and para-methyl-substituted phenols.