3-Phenoxybenzaldehyde acetals can be prepared by reacting a 3-bromobenzalkehyde acetal with an alkali metal phenolate at a temperature of about 130. degree. -165. degree. C. in the presence of a copper catalyst and a phenol as the sole solvent. The product acetals can be converted to the corresponding 3-phenoxybenzaldehydes by hydrolysis.
Fishing lure bodies according to this invention comprise the combination of a main body composed of a soft, highly flexible, and resilient polymeric material, and at least a first, elongated appendage composed of a soft, highly flexible, resilient polymeric material having a low penetration resistance. The elongated appendage is coupled to the main body member in close proximity to the nose end thereof and has a thickness when relaxed and undistorted of between about 2 mm. and about 7 mm. The appendage has a length when relaxed and undistorted of at least about 2 cm. and is impaled axially by, and fully encloses the pointed end and barb of a hook. The combination of length, thickness and position of the coupling of the appendage to the main body together with softness, flexibility and low penetration resistance characteristics of the appendage are such that it functions as a weedguard. The bite of a fish causes the point and barb of the hook to penetrate outwardly through the appendage. The main body can be an elongated fishing lure body such as a plastic worm body.