Manufacture of methylolalkanes

摘要

A multistage tubular reaction system and method for preparing methylol derivatives of an aldehyde includes a tubular reaction system with a plurality of successive reactor stages provided with a formaldehyde containing feed stream. The system includes multiple feed ports for the staged addition of C2 or higher condensible aldehyde and/or base to the formaldehyde containing stream at a plurality of successive feed points to provide a production stream, which is progressively provided with additional reactants as the production stream advances through the successive reaction stages. Advantages include better temperature control and reduced byproduct formation.

主权项

1. A method of making a methylolalkane from formaldehyde and a C2 or higher condensable aldehyde in a multistage process comprising:
(a) providing a formaldehyde containing stream to a tubular reaction system with a plurality of successive reaction stages; (b) adding a C2 or higher condensible aldehyde and optionally a base to the formaldehyde containing stream wherein at least one of the C2 or higher condensible aldehyde or base are added to the formaldehyde containing stream at a plurality of successive feed points to provide a production stream which is progressively provided with additional C2 or higher condensible aldehyde or base as the production stream advances through the successive reaction stages; and (c) converting the C2 or higher condensible aldehyde and formaldehyde to a methylolalkane.