Process for the production of cyclohexanedimethanol

摘要

A process is described for the production of cyclohexanedimethanol having a trans-:cis-isomer ratio greater than about 1:1 by hydrogenation of a dialkyl (e.g. dimethyl) cyclohexanedicarboxylate having a trans-:cis-isomer ratio less than about 1:1 which comprises: (a) providing a hydrogenation zone containing a charge of a granular heterogeneous ester hydrogenation catalyst; (b) supplying to the hydrogenation zone a vaporous feed stream containing hydrogen and a hydrogenarable material comprising a dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate at an inlet temperature which is above its dew point of the mixture; (c) maintaining the hydrogenation zone under temperature and pressure conditions which are conducive to effecting hydrogenation of esters; (d) passing the vaporous feed stream through the hydrogenation zone; and (e) recovering from the hydrogenation zone a product stream containing cyclohexanedimethanol having a trans-:cis-isomer ratio greater than 1:1. In this process it is preferred to use dimethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate to produce 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.