Formaldehyde → Isobutyric anhydride

Participants

Reaction Steps

Following this procedure 50 milliliters of the catalyst from Example 1 is tested in continuous operation for four days. Formaldehyde conversion to pivalolacetone averages 68 percent with 14 percent going to isobutyroxypivalic anhydride, the product derived from the secondary reaction between pivalolactone, isobutyric acid and isobutyric anhydride. Isobutyric anhydride yield averages 66 percent to pivalolactone and 20 percent to isobutyroxypivalic anhydride. This catalyst is then regenerated by burning clean in air and steam at 550° C. and put back into service. For a similar four day period formaldehyde conversion to pivalolactone averages 74 percent with 8 percent going to isobutyroxypivalic anhydride. Isobutyric anhydride yield averages 76 percent to pivalolactone and 12 percent to isobutyroxypivalic anhydride. Another similar regeneration cycle is carried out and essentially the same results are obtained.

Provenance & Evidence