PROCESS FOR THE REMOVAL OF CATALYSTS FROM POLYETHER POLYOLS

摘要

A PROCESS FOR THE REMOVAL OF CATALYSTS FROM POLYETHER POLYOLS The present invention thus relates to a process for removing a basic catalyst from a polyether polyol having a hydroxyl number of from about 4 to 800 comprising (a) adding from about 0.7 to 10 percent by weight of water, based on said polyether polyol, to an alkaline medium containing said polyether polyol at a temperature of from about 25 to 140.degree.C; (b) introducing about 1 to 2 times the stoichiometric amount of gaseous carbon dioxide, based on the amount of base in the alkaline reaction medium, at a temperature of from about 75 to 120.degree.C, thereby forming a carbonate salt; (c) removing said carbonate salt by filtration to give a filtrate containing the polyether polyol; and (d) neutralizing said filtrate by adding inorganic and/or organic acids.