The present invention generally relates to processes for the catalytic hydrogenation of halonitroaromatics. In particular, the present invention includes processes for the catalytic hydrogenation of halonitroaromatics such as 2,5-dicloronitrobenzene to 2,5-dichloroaniline over a platinum-containing catalyst. The present invention also relates to processes for producing 3, 6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid.

The present invention generally relates to processes for the catalytic hydrogenation of halonitroaromatics. In particular, the present invention includes processes for the catalytic hydrogenation of halonitroaromatics such as 2,5-dicloronitrobenzene to 2,5-dichloroaniline over a platinum-containing catalyst. The present invention also relates to processes for producing 3, 6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid.

Various processes for the separation of a mixture containing dichlorophenols are described. In various aspects, the present invention relates to separation processes that produce an extract enriched in 2,4-dichlorophenol content and an extract enriched in 2,5-dichlorophenol content. The present invention further relates to various processes that integrate with these separation processes, such as a process for producing 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) or salt or ester thereof or a process for producing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or salt or ester thereof.

Various processes for the separation of a mixture containing dichlorophenols are described. In various aspects, the present invention relates to separation processes that produce an extract enriched in 2,4-dichlorophenol content and an extract enriched in 2,5-dichlorophenol content. The present invention further relates to various processes that integrate with these separation processes, such as a process for producing 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) or salt or ester thereof or a process for producing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or salt or ester thereof.

The present invention relates to a process for reacting chemical compounds comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula (IV) ##STR00001##
wherein Hal is independently selected from Cl or Br, and X.sup.? is a monovalent anion, in the presence of an inorganic acid, wherein the aqueous inorganic acid has a concentration of at least about 60%, at a temperature of about 140? C. to about 250? C., to obtain a compound of formula (V) ##STR00002##
wherein Hal is as defined above.

The present invention relates to a process for reacting chemical compounds comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula (IV) ##STR00001##
wherein Hal is independently selected from Cl or Br, and X.sup.? is a monovalent anion, in the presence of an inorganic acid, wherein the aqueous inorganic acid has a concentration of at least about 60%, at a temperature of about 140? C. to about 250? C., to obtain a compound of formula (V) ##STR00002##
wherein Hal is as defined above.

The present invention relates to a process for providing a compound of formula (IV): ##STR00001##
wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, and Hal is independently Cl or Br, the process comprising the steps of: (i) reacting a compound of formula (II) ##STR00002##
wherein R.sup.1 and Hal is defined as above, to obtain a compound of formula (III) ##STR00003##
wherein R.sup.1 and Hal is defined as above, and (ii) reacting the compound of formula (III) to obtain the compound of formula (IV).

The present invention relates to a process for providing a compound of formula (IV): ##STR00001##
wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, and Hal is independently Cl or Br, the process comprising the steps of: (i) reacting a compound of formula (II) ##STR00002##
wherein R.sup.1 and Hal is defined as above, to obtain a compound of formula (III) ##STR00003##
wherein R.sup.1 and Hal is defined as above, and (ii) reacting the compound of formula (III) to obtain the compound of formula (IV).

A process for purifying 2,5-dichlorophenol, the process comprising the steps of distillation and subsequent crystallization.

A process for purifying 2,5-dichlorophenol, the process comprising the steps of distillation and subsequent crystallization.