Maleic Anhydride → Gamma-Butyrolactone

Participants

Reaction Steps

Maleic anhydride is hydrogenated to produce 1,4-butanediol in a two-stage process. In the first stage maleic anhydride and/or maleic acid contacted with hydrogen at a temperature of about 100° C. to about 350° C. in the presence of a suitable hydrogenation catalyst to produce succinic anhydride and/or gamma-butyrolactone. In the second stage, the succinic anhydride and/or gamma-butyrolactone and hydrogen are contacted at a temperature of about 180° C. to about 350° C. in the presence of a ruthenium-containing hydrogenation catalyst to produce 1,4-butanediol.

Provenance & Evidence