Abstract: A method for preparing 1,3-dihydroxy-4,6-bis?.alpha.-methyl-.alpha.-.alpha.(4'-hydroxyphenyl)ethy l!benzene represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## comprising the step of initiating a reaction of resorcin with 4-isopropenylphenol in a mixed solvent which comprises a non-polar solvent and a polar solvent in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The method can easily be handled, ensures a high yield, permits the reduction of impurity content and can provide highly pure 1,3-dihydroxy-4,6-bis?.alpha.-methyl-.alpha.-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl!benze ne. The resulting phenolic compound is useful as, for instance, a branching agent for polycarbonates, polyesters or the like; a raw material for radiant ray-sensitive components for use as resist materials; a raw material for epoxy resins; and a hardening agent for epoxy resins.

Abstract: Crystals of 6,6'-dihydroxy-3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl -1,1'-spirobiindane (hereinafter referred to as SPI) are obtained by cooling a phenol solution containing 6,6'-dihydroxy-3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-1,1'-spirobiindane when crystallization is started at a temperature higher than a transition temperature between SPI and an adduct of SPI with phenol. The crystals are washed with an organic solvent or contacted with water and further washed with an organic solvent. When crystallization is started at a temperature less than the transition temperature, adduct crystals of SPI with phenol are obtained from the phenol solution. Phenol is removed from the adduct crystals and the adduct crystals are contacted with water to obtain a hydrate and further the hydrate is washed with an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for preparing 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)ethane (TKXE) comprising subjecting two molecules of bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) methane to dehydration-condensation under oxidizing conditions, an epoxy resin prepared by epoxidating TKXE obtained by the method and an epoxy resin composition comprising TKXE obtained by the method as a hardener and an epoxy resin as well as methods for preparing the resin and composition. The method makes it possible to prepare highly pure TKXE in the form of crystals. Moreover, the epoxy resin and the epoxy resin composition can provide hardened products excellent in physical properties such as heat resistance and mechanical strength.

Abstract: Herein provided are a method for preparing 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)ethane (TKXE) comprising subjecting two molecules of bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) methane to dehydration-condensation under oxidizing conditions, an epoxy resin prepared by epoxidating TKXE obtained by the method and an epoxy resin composition comprising TKXE obtained by the method as a hardener and an epoxy resin as well as methods for preparing the resin and composition. The method makes it possible to prepare highly pure TKXE in the form of crystals. Moreover, the epoxy resin and the epoxy resin composition can provide hardened products excellent in physical properties such as heat resistance and mechanical strength.

Abstract: 2,6-DI-TERT.-BUTYL-4-CUMYL PHENOL IS PRODUCED BY REACTING P-CUMYL PHENOL WITH ISOBUTYLENE, AT A REACTION TEMPERATURE OF FROM 40.degree. TO 120.degree.C. in the presence of from 0.01 to 20% by weight of p-toluene sulfonic acid based on the weight of the p-cumyl phenol. Isobutylene is charged into the reaction system at a high rate and is always present in the reaction system during the reaction. A substantially 100% conversion of p-cumyl phenol is attained and the weight ratio of 2,6-di-tert.-butyl-4-cumyl phenol/2-tert.-butyl-4-cumyl phenol in the reaction product is greater than 10, while splitting off of the cumyl group at the para position is suppressed.