Chlorobenzyl alcohols from chlorobenzyl chlorides via corresponding benzoate esters: Process development aspects

Kinetic studies in conversion of benzyl chlorides to corresponding alcohols via the benzoates are presented in this paper, The esterification reaction of 2-chlorobenzyl chloride, 4-chlorobenzyl chloride, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl ch loride and benzyl chloride with aqueous sodium benzoate in the presence of phase transfer catalysts was investigated. The parameters studied are stirr ing speed, catalysts, the catalyst loading, temperature and the concentrati on of aqueous phase. The esterification reaction follows pseudo first-order kinetics, The esters, were hydrolysed with and without a phase transfer ca talyst to give corresponding benzyl alcohols without involving respective d ibenzyl ethers, Material balance for the laboratory batch process of each c hlorobenzyl alcohol has also been presented. A recycle strategy presented i s shown to be effective in terms of alkali and benzoic acid consumption as the reactants are consumed to near stoichiometric levels.