Phenol → Bisphenol S

Participants

Reaction Steps

A reaction mixture comprising 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone and 2,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone can be obtained by mixing phenol and sulfuric acid and/or phenolsulfonic acid, followed by heating the resultant mixture and removing formed water by distillation as an azeotrope. It is preferable that the reaction is conducted under a reduced pressure. It is preferable that, where necessary, phenol is added during the reaction to supplement phenol removed to the outside of the system by the azeotropic distillation with water. In general, 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone is formed in a greater amount than 2,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone.

Provenance & Evidence