1. A method for recovering a metal catalyst for reuse, wherein said metal catalyst is selected from the group consisting of
elemental copper, copper compounds, and one or more compounds or complexes of Group IV-VIII transition metals of the Periodic
Table of Elements, wherein said method comprises:
(a) providing a reaction product mixture by contacting a hydroxyaromatic compound with oxygen and a bromine compound selected
from the group of hydrogen bromide, elemental bromine, ionic bromide salts, and mixtures thereof, in an acidic medium and
in the presence of said metal catalyst; and
(b) removing a portion of said reaction product mixture without removing said metal catalyst, wherein said reaction product mixture comprises an organic phase and an aqueous phase, said aqueous phase comprising said
metal catalyst, and wherein said portion of said product mixture being removed in step (b) is said organic phase.
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