IMPROVED PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF ALKYLENE GLYCOLS.

摘要

A method for operating an epoxide containing system which contains a catalyst is disclosed. The method comprises feeding carbon dioxide to the epoxide containing system at an amount of from 0.01 to 5.0 weight percent; and maintaining the epoxide containing system at a temperature of from 100 C to 150 C. The catalyst has a half life of at least 40 days at 120 C. The present invention allows anion exchange resins in the bicarbonate form to be used for the hydrolysis of ethylene oxide at temperatures exceeding 100 C. The rate of catalyst swelling is minimized and lifetime of the catalyst enhanced.