Process for the preparation of alkylene glycols

摘要

The invention provides a process for preparing an alkylene glycol by reacting an alkylene oxide with water in a reaction medium comprising an ionic-liquid phase and in the presence of a catalyst composition which comprises an organic cation and an anion other than a halide anion. The cation is preferably a phosphonium or ammonium ion and most preferably a 1-alkyl pyridinium or a 1,3 dialkyl imidazolium ion. Its counter-ion is preferably bicarbonate or molybdate. The ionic liquid is preferably bmin.PF6 or omin.PF6 but may have a tetrafluoroborate counter-ion.