Abstract: A method for producing 4-acetoxystyrene by heating 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol, with an acid catalyst, at a temperature of from about 85.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C. under a pressure of from about 0.1 mm HgA to about 760 mm HgA for from about 0.2 minutes to about 10 minutes. The process also provides for the solventless (neat) hydrogenation of 4-acetoxyacetophenone to produce 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol. The reaction proceeds by heating at 54.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. with an excess of hydrogen in the presence of a Pd/C or activated nickel such as Raney Nickel catalyst in the absence of a solvent. The 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol may then be dehydrated to 4-acetoxystyrene. The later may be polymerized to poly(4-acetoxystyrene) and hydrolyzed to poly(4-hydroxystyrene).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of 3-mono or 3,5-disubstituted-4-acetoxystyrene wherein the 3- or 3,5-substitution is independently C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl, chlorine, bromine, iodine, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, or --SO.sub.3 H, a process for its polymerization, hydrolysis, and use in a variety of compositions.