| abstract |
Carbon-carbon coupled self-condensation products obtained by the oxidative coupling of alkylphenols, alkoxyphenols or 1-naphthols are prepared by contacting an aqueous mixture of the phenol or naphthol with oxygen in the presence of sufficient alkaline material to sustain a pH in the range of 5-10 during the oxidative coupling reaction and a catalyst system comprising a cupric, cobaltous, manganous or ferric complex of AN ALIPHATIC HYDROXY AMINE, A HETEROCYCLIC HYDROXY AMINE, A HETEROCYCLIC POLYAMINE OR, AN ALIPHATIC DIAMINE The mixture may optionally contain a surfactant. |