Process for green synthesis of 2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone

2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone(TMHQ) was synthesized by direct oxidation in the presence of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene(TMB) as the major starting material,acetic acid as the solvent,and H2O2(50%) as the oxidant.The effects of reaction temperature,reaction time,as well as dosage of oxidant and solvent on the yield of TMHQ were investigated,and the optimal condition for the oxidation reaction was established.Results indicate that the optimal condition for the oxidation reaction are determined to be reaction temperature of 85 ℃,reaction time of 3 h,TMB to acetic acid molar ratio of 1∶12,and TMB to H2O2 molar ratio of 1∶11.