4-Benzyloxybenzotrifluoride → 4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenol

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 390 g. of 4-trifluoromethylphenyl benzyl ether in 3580 ml. of ethanol was placed in a low pressure hydrogenation vessel along with 30 g. of 5 percent palladium-on-carbon. An initial hydrogen pressure of 60 psi was used and the solution was hydrogenated at room temperature until the theoretical uptake of hydrogen had been achieved--about 2 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration. Concentration of the filtrate yielded 4-trifluoromethylphenol, distilling in the range 51°-54° C. at 6 torr. Yield=212 gms. (84.5 percent).

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