IMPROVED PROCESS FOR HYDROGENATION OF MALEIC ACID TO 1,4-BUTANEDIOL

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To maximize the production of 1,4-butanediol and minimize the production ofγ-butyrolactone. SOLUTION: This process for producing 1,4-butanediol comprises a step for catalytically hydrogenating a precursor material capable of being hydrogenated by bringing the precursor material into contact with a hydrogen-containing gas and a hydrogenation catalyst. The hydrogenation catalyst contains at least one group VIII noble metal of the periodic table, and iron is added to a precursor material capable of being hydrogenated.