PROCESS TO REDUCE PROPENYL POLYETHERS IN HYDROXY-FUNCTIONAL POLYETHERS

摘要

A process for reducing the amount of propenyl polyethers in hydroxy-functional polyethers comprising (1) contacting a neutral hydroxy-functional polyether, containing a propenyl polyether and water, and an acid catalyst soluble in the hydroxy-functional polyether under reaction conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the propenyl polyether to propionaldehyde; (2) contacting the product of step (1) and an epoxy compound to substantially scavenge the acid catalyst; and (3) stripping the product of step (2) to substantially remove the epoxy compound and the propionaldehyde. The resulting hydroxy-functional polyethers contain reduced amounts of propenyl polyethers and can therefore be used to prepare polyurethane foams having a reduced tendency to discoloration. C-38,840-F