Inventors:
Leroy Krbechek - Santa Rosa CA
Assignee:
Henkel Corporation - Plymouth Meeting PA
International Classification:
C07C 6900
Abstract:
Relates to the direct esterification of phenols, particularly alkyl-substituted phenols, with a carboxylic acid or anhydride, in the presence of a strong acid catalyst. Also relates to the use of the acid anhydride to drive the esterification reaction to completion, where an initial reaction mixture has been formed using the carboxylic acid. Further relates to the achievement of economies in esterification by recovering dilute aqueous acid when either the acid or anhydride is used initially, for recycling to achieve economies of acid use.