Synthesis of d,l-α-tocopherol using ‘microencapsulated’ catalysts Original Research Article

The synthesis of d,l-α-tocopherol starting from trimethylhydroquinone and isophytol using ‘microencapsulated’ catalysts, e.g. MC-(CF3SO2)2NH, is described. Scope and limitations of this type of catalysts are discussed. Advantages of this new procedure are high yield and selectivity, no waste problem and mild reaction conditions. Best results in the synthesis of d,l-α-tocopherol using MC-catalysts are obtained in polar solvents. The used catalyst could not be recovered.