Triol monoalkyl ethers, their preparation and their use

摘要

The present invention relates to the field of organic synthesis, in particular to triol monoalkyl ethers, to a process for their preparation, and to their use. The triol monoalkyl ethers have the formula I: <IMAGE> in which R and R' are (C1-C6)-alkyl; R-R' is &lparstr& CH2 &rparstr& ; R'' is (C1-C4)alkyl; R''' is (C1-C4)alkyl or phenyl. The abovementioned compounds are obtained by a process which comprises reacting gamma -alkoxyethyl ketones of the general formula II <IMAGE> in which R and R' are (C1-C6)-alkyl; R-R' is &lparstr& CH2 &rparstr& ; R'' is (C1-C4)alkyl; R''' is (C1-C4)alkyl or phenyl, are reacted with ammonia or aliphatic or aromatic amines and subsequently hydrolysing the intermediates formed, giving gamma -alkoxy- beta -diketones of the general formula III <IMAGE> in which R and R' are (C1-C6)-alkyl; R-R' is &lparstr& CH2 &rparstr& ; R'' is (C1-C4)alkyl; R''' is (C1-C4)alkyl or phenyl, which are hydrogenated. The abovementioned compounds of the formula I can be used for extracting boric acid from a range of solutions, in particular from highly acidic solutions and solutions of magnesium chloride. The present invention can be used in the preparation of ultrapure magnesium chloride and in the purification of acidic waste water containing boric acid.