Alcohol prepn. by hydrogenating water-soluble epoxide - in aq. soln. e.g. prepn. of 1,2,4-butane-tri:ol from 1,4-butane-di:ol

摘要

Alcohols are prepd. by hydrogenating water-soluble olefin oxides in aq. soln. at an Ni catalyst, under increased H2 pressure and temp. In a pref. process, 1,2,4-butane-triol is prepd. by hydrogenating 1,4-butanediol oxide. Hydrogenation of water-soluble olefin oxides in aq. soln. proceeds as well as in an anhydrous solvent. Epoxide concn. is esp. 10-50 wt.%. Hydrogenation conditions are 200-300 bar, at 20-200 (50-150) esp. 100 degrees C. The epoxides may contain 2-30C and opt. solubilising gps. Catalyst may be Raney Ni, reduced Ni silicates and supported Ni. Catalyst concn. in suspension is opt. 2-20 (5-15) wt. %.