IODINE-BASED CATALYST FOR REDUCTIVE DEHYDROXYLATION OF VICINAL POLYOLS TO OLEFINS

摘要

Olefins are produced by the reductive dehydroxylation of vicinal polyols or esters thereof, or a combination thereof, in a liquid reaction medium, under a hydrogen atmosphere, at a temperature from 50° C. to 250° C., in the presence of a halogen-based, preferably iodine-based, catalyst. Examples of the catalyst, which may be included independently or generated in situ, are iodine (I2), hydroiodic acid (HI), iodic acid (HIO3), lithium iodide (LiI), and combinations thereof.

主权项

1. A process for preparing an olefin, comprising subjecting a material selected from the group consisting of a vicinal polyol, an ester of a vicinal polyol, and combinations thereof, to a reductive dehydroxylation in the presence of a halogen-based catalyst that contains at least one halogen atom per molecule thereof, under conditions including the presence of gaseous hydrogen at a pressure of from 1 pound per square inch gauge (˜6.89 kilopascals) to 2000 pound per square inch gauge (˜13.79 megapascals), a temperature ranging from 50° C. to 250° C., a liquid reaction medium, and a ratio of moles of the material to moles of the halogen atoms ranging from 1:10 to 100:1; such that an olefin is formed.