3.80 g of methyl 5-methanesulfonyl-4-(4-nitro-3-pentafluorosulfanylphenoxy)-2-methyl-benzoate were dissolved in 30 ml of HOAc and 30 ml of MeOH, 200 mg of Pd/C (10%) were added, and hydrogenation was carried out under a pressure of 6 bar of hydrogen for 24 h. Since reaction was still incomplete, a further 300 mg of Pd/C (10%), 30 ml of HOAc and 30 ml of MeOH was added, and hydrogenation was continued under a pressure of 6 bar of hydrogen for 24 h. The catalyst was then filtered off and the solvents were removed in vacuo. 3.4 g of a pale gray solid were obtained, mp 175° C. (with decomposition).
