Selective hydrogenolysis of bis(hydroxymethyl)aromatic compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1992-26346

Selective hydrogenolysis of symmetric bis(hydroxymethyl)aromatic compounds has been performed over Raney nickel in alkaline solution for 24-36 h at 20°C. The yield of the corresponding monohydrogenolysis product was in the range of 75-96%. The usefulness of the reaction was demonstrated by the synthesis of 4-(bromomethyl)benzoic acid.