Base-catalyzed hydroxymethylation of phenol by formaldehyde

The kinetic equations relating to the hydroxymethylation stage in base-catalyzed phenol-formaldehyde condensation have been developed as functions of the free phenol concentration. The same kinetic model was applied to the calculation of a continuous process carried out in a cascade of stirred tank reactors. The results obtained in batch and continuous experiments at 70, 80 and 90° were compared with the corresponding calculated values.