this process relates to the oxidation of phenoxytoluenes to phenoxybenzoic acids utilizing a hydrogen peroxide activated , bromide promoted cobalt catalyst which can be performed at atmospheric pressure and at moderate temperatures . these phenoxybenzoic acids can then be esterified and selectively nitrated to give the corresponding 2 - nitro - 5 - phenoxybenzoic acid esters . alternatively the acids can be nitrated and then esterified .