To obtain the subject compound in high yield by reacting a halogenated α-methylstyrene derivative with metal magnesium in an ethereal solvent to afford an α-methylstyrene magnesium halide derivative, reacting the α-methylstyrene magnesium halide derivative with formaldehyde and further subjecting the reaction product to acid hydrolysis.
A compound of formula I (X is a halogen) (e.g. o-chloro-α- methylstyrene) is reacted with metal magnesium, preferably in an amount of 0.9-1.1mol based on 1mol halogenated α-methylstyrene derivative in an ethereal solvent (e.g. diethyl ether) to afford a halogenated α-methylstyrene magnesium halide derivative, which is then, reacted with formaldehyde, preferably in an amount of 1-3mol based on 1mol halogenated α-methylstyrene derivative and the reaction product is subjected to acid hydrolysis with an acidic aqueous solution (e.g. aqueous hydrochloric acid solution) at 0-30°C to provide the objective compound represented by formula II.
OZAWA KAZUTOSHI
SUYAMA SHUJI
MATSUSHIMA MASARU
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