Process for the production of pure alkanesulfonic acids

摘要

This invention relates to a process for the production of an alkanesulfionic acid such as isethionic acid with a high purity in a high yield and at a low cost by oxidation of a (hydroxy)alkylmercaptan with hydrogen peroxide characterized in that a whole amount beyond a stoichiometric amount of a solution of hydrogen peroxide having a H2O2 concentration of not less than 50% by weight is charged into a reaction vessel, said mercaptan is continuously fed at a temperature of 50 DEG C. or lower, aging is carried out, distillation with boiling is carried out and then the reaction mixture is contacted with an anion exchanger.