PRODUCTION OF MIXTURE OF BRANCHED AND LINEAR CARBOXYLIC ACID SALTS

摘要

A process for reacting a mixture of branched and linear alcohols with a caustic, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, to produce a reaction mixture containing carboxylic acid salts, and to liberate hydrogen comprises introducing into the reaction mixture at about a time when a significant evolution of hydrogen from the mixture begins to occur, an effective amount of an inert diluent for the reaction mixture. The effective amount is sufficient to maintain the fluidity of the reaction mixture. A preferred diluent is mineral oil. By operating in this way the tendency of the reaction mixture to foam and solidify is reduced, thus permitting the reaction to proceed to completion and permitting the easy removal of the reaction mixture from the reaction zone. The production of a branched and linear mixture of carboxylic acid salts which substantially corresponds to the branched and linear mixture of alcohols reacted is also ensured.