Gregory T Schmidt

US Patent:

50269178, Jun 25, 1991

Filed:

Mar 1, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/486783

Inventors:

Gary P. Hagen - Chicago IL
Gregory E. Schmidt - Batavia IL
John M. Weis - Naperville IL
Thomas G. Smith - Naperville IL

Assignee:

Amoco Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

C07C 4545

US Classification:

568323

Abstract:

A regioselective acetylation process is provided for converting a 2-methylnaphthalene compound to a 2-acetyl-6-methylnaphthalene compound. The process is conducted under liquid phase conditions using a new complexing agent which is regiospecific for the beta position of naphthalene and which is an electron-rich, carbon-based compound. A preferred such agent is hexamethylbenzene. Also provided is a novel method for producing a 2-acetyl-6-methylnaphthalene compound of relative high purity from isomer mixtures by recrystallization from a hydrocarbon solvent, such as n-octane, isooctane, or n-nonane.