Methods for preparing 1,3-butylene glycol

摘要

1,3 butylene glycol, prepared through an intermediate aldol condensation reaction of acetaldehyde, is produced at increased yield efficiencies. The efficiencies are achieved by utilizing an acetaldehyde having low carboxylic concentrations. The aldol condensation takes place in the presence of an alkali agent at a concentration of about 2 ppm to about 10 ppm to produce a 3-hydroxybutanal intermediate product that is hydrogenated in the presence of a Raney nickel catalyst to yield 1,3 butylene glycol at efficiency yields of greater than about 75%.