METHOD FOR THE DEACYLATION AND/OR DEALKYLATION OF COMPOUNDS

We have found a surprisingly simple method to perform defunctionalization of various aromatic derivatives, e.g. removing various substituents from the aromatic ring, directly giving phenols. Reactions are performed in water, at high pressure and high temperature. Only cheap and green catalysts are used. No toxic and expensive transition metal catalysts are needed, and no organic solvents are required. O-Demethylation occurs with nearly quantitative yield. Also other substituents present on the aromatic ring can be directly removed. For example ferulic acid gives catechol in about 90% yield. Partners we search forBy now, we have implemented our methods on lab scale (up to 100 g). We are interested in collaborations with industrial partners to upscale the method for selected molecules to kg scale, as well as to test selected molecules in specific applications and products.