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.