PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROPANE DIOLS

摘要

1. A process for the preparation of the formula see diagramm : EP0044412,P7,F1 where the R's may be identical or different and each is an aliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic radical, or the two R's together with the adjacent carbon atom are members of an alicyclic ring, by hydrogenating a hydroxypropionaldehyde of the formula see diagramm : EP0044412,P7,F3 where R has the above meanings, in the presence of a copper-containing hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the hydrogenation is carried out in the liquid phase with a hydrogenation catalyst which has been obtained by precipitating copper and zinc in a ratio of from 0.6 to 3 atoms of copper per atom of zinc from their compounds in the presence of a carbonate at a pH of from 6.9 to 8, and decomposing the resulting mixed crystals of the formula Cu1.5-3 Zn1-2.5 (CO3 )1-2 (OH)4-6 . (H2 O)0-1 at from 200 to 500 degrees C.