| 摘要 |
Primary alcohols are produced by reducing esters of the corresponding acids by the action of sodium and lower alcohols under excess pressure of hydrogen. Instead of the alkyl esters of the process of the parent Specification, esters with divalent or polyvalent alcohols are used. By this use of excess pressure, the saponification which occurs when glycerides are treated with sodium and alcohol under normal pressure is entirely checked. A mixture of triglycerides, such as a natural fat, may be converted directly into a mixture of the corresponding alcohols. The required pressure of hydrogen may be produced by using the corresponding excess of alkali metal, or by forcing hydrogen into the reaction vessel. The reaction may also be promoted by employing the alkali metal in a finely divided state, and moderate quantities of carbon dioxide may be forced into the reaction vessel in order to prevent saponification of the ester. An example is given of the reduction of coco nut oil with n-butyl alcohol and sodium, the hydrogen pressure being 5-15 atmospheres. |
