Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (p-thymol) from distillation residues of thymol production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (p-thymol) from distillation residues of thymol production.

Abstract: Optionally substituted benzyl-benzenes can be prepared by reaction of a benzyl alcohol of the formula ##STR1## with a benzene of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 independently of one another denote hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy, fluorine or chlorine, where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently of one another may also represent hydroxyl and R.sup.5 may additionally be C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 -alkyl,R.sup.6 represents hydrogen or one of the groups ##STR3## R.sup.8 denotes hydrogen or hydroxymethyl, in a ratio of 1 mole of benzene to 0.8-5 moles of benzyl alcohol in the presence of an amount of activated bleaching earth of 0.05-5% by weight, relative to the amount of benzyl alcohol, at a temperature between 90.degree. C. and 140.degree. C. in the presence of a diluent.

Abstract: In the preparation of 3,5-dichloro-.alpha.-methylstyrene by isopropylation of an m/p-dichlorobenzene mixture, isomerization of the resulting alkylation mixture, subsequent side chain bromination of the alkylation mixture and dehydrobromination of the resulting bromination mixture, the improvement which comprises reacting an excess of an m/p-dichlorobenzene mixture which contains at least 50% by weight of m-dichlorobenzene with isopropyl halide, isomerizing the resulting alkylation mixture under pressure in the presence of aluminum chloride until thermodynamic equilibrium has been attained, separating off the isomerized alkylation mixture from the unreacted m/p-dichlorobenzene mixture, and recycling the unreacted mixture for further reaction.