PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL

摘要

This invention relates to a process for the production of ethylene glycol by the reaction of a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen (e.g., synthesis gas) in the presence of a ruthenium carbonyl complex in which alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, are other products of the reaction. In particular this invention is concerned with decreasing the net production of one or more of such alcohols during the process. This is effected by providing to the reaction an additional amount of that alcohol of which it is desired to have the net production decreased.