Continuous process for the production of 2-phenylethanol comprises hydrogenation of a solution containing styrene oxide with hydrogen in the presence of a monolithic metal supported catalyst.

摘要

A continuous process for the production of 2-phenylethanol from styrene oxide by hydrogenation of a solution containing styrene oxide and 2-phenylethanol with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a monolithic supported catalyst having a metallic support. An Independent claim is included for a device for carrying out the process, comprising a reactor (1) containing the catalyst (2) having an inlet at the base of the reactor by which the reaction solution and hydrogen enters the reactor via liquid-spray gas compressor (5). The reaction mixture leaves the reactor by the outlet (6) to a separator (7) from which the product is recovered (14) and the reaction solution containing the unreacted material is recirculated by means of the pump (8), heat exchanger (9) and liquid-spray gas compressor (5). Fresh reactant is introduced by means of (3). Unreacted hydrogen from the separator (7) is recirculated via a gas recirculation loop comprising pipes (11) and (13) and liquid-spray gas compressor (5). Fresh hydrogen is added by means of (4) and pressure is maintained by means of the gas outlet (12).