Process for the production of 1,3-propanediol

摘要

Splitting of water-soluble ethers is effected at 200-300 degrees C in an aqueous solution in presence of acids, followed by neutralization of the resulting solution. An Independent claim is also included for preparation of 1,3-propanediol (PDO) by the above ether-splitting process involves: (a) hydration of acrolein in presence of an acidic hydration catalyst; (b) catalytic hydrogenation of the resulting acrolein-freed, 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde-containing solution; (c) distillative work-up of the reaction product which contains water, PDO and by-products of higher boiling point than PDO; and (d) ether splitting of the high-boilers sump product as per above, followed by neutralizing the solution and recycling it to step (c).