Synthesis of Catechol (1,2-Dihydroxybenzene) by Methylation

Abstract

The synthetic method of veratrole (1, 2-dimethoxy benzene), an important medicinal mid-body is highlighted with alternative routes. Catechol (1, 2-dihydroxy benzene) is taken as raw material and veratrole can be obtained through methylation by using dimethyl sulfate as a methylating agent. In the conventional process, reaction with excess use of dimethyl sulfate (DMS) is performed. At the end of the process excess, DMS generates high Chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the effluent. To mitigate this problem alternative of DMS and with minimum required amount of DMS have been experimented with a change in operating parameters. Operating parameters such as temperature, time under reflux conditions with different solvents have been investigated with respect to the yield of Catechol. Further reaction kinetics has been performed and the reactor model has been presented for the synthesis of Catechol.