PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALKYLENE GLYCOLS FROM SECONDARY ALCOHOLS

摘要

Case5743(2) Process for the Production of Alkylene Glycols from Secondary Alcohols Higher alkylene glycols, having more than three carbon atoms, are prepared by reacting a secondary alcohol with formaldehyde in the presence of an organic peroxide of formula R-O-O-R1 in which R and R1 are independently alky or aralkyl groups containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms. By using secondary alcohols, oxidation of the alcohol reactant is reduced. The reaction is preferably carried out under anhydrous conditions using a polymeric source of formaldehyde.