Tetrahydrofuran → Methylpropanediol

Participants

Reaction Steps

Alternatively, at least a portion of the 4-acetoxybutyraldehyde reaction product may be preferably converted to produce tetrahydrofuran (THF). Preferably, the 4-acetoxybutyraldehyde is hydrogenated to produce 4-acetoxybutanol, which then is dehydroacetoxylated to produce THF. The hydrogenation to produce 4-acetoxybutanol is preferably conducted according to the conditions described above. The 4-acetoxybutanol can then undergo a dehydroacetoxylation reaction to produce THF and acetic acid. The dehydroacetoxylation step is preferably performed at temperatures in the range of from 20 to 300° C. in the presence of a dehydroacetoxylation catalyst, such as silica, silica-alumina, and/or tungsten oxide. A final hydrolysis step may be performed to convert any 3-acetoxy-2-methylpropanol, formed by the hydrogenation of 3-acetoxy-2-methylpropionaldehyde, to 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (MPD)

Provenance & Evidence