Preparation of p-halogenothiophenol

PURPOSE: To obtain the title compound useful as an intermediate for the synthesis of pesticides, medicines, and dyes, in high yield in a simple process without causing pollution, by reacting a 4,4'-dihalogeno or/and 4-halogeno-diphenyl sulfide with hydrogen sulfide in the gas phase. CONSTITUTION: A 4,4,-dihalogeno or land 4-halogenodiphenyl sulfide or both are reacted with hydrogen sulfide, preferably at a molar ratio of 1:1W50, in the presence or absence of a catalyst in the gas phase at 200W450°C or 400W550°C to give a p- halogenothiophenol. Active carbon, a metal oxide or sulfide (the metal is Ni, Co, or Mo), or active alumina, preferably metal oxide or sulfide, may be used as the catalyst. The space velocity is preferably 30W1000/Hr in the presence of the catalyst. COPYRIGHT: (C)1980,JPO&Japio