Formaldehyde → 2-Butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol

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Reaction Steps

This invention pertains to an improved process for the preparation of 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal by the condensation of 2-ethylhexanal and formaldehyde in the presence of a trialkylamine catalyst. More specifically, this invention pertains to a continuous process for the manufacture of 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal wherein 2-ethylhexanal, formaldehyde and a tertiary amine are continuously fed to a reaction zone, crude product comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase containing 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal and 2-ethylhexanal is continuously removed from the reaction zone. This invention also concerns the azeotropic distillation of the organic phase of the crude product whereby unreacted 2-ethylhexanal is recovered. Finally, this invention provides for the catalytic hydrogenation of the refined, organic phase of the crude product to produce 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol.

Provenance & Evidence