Process for the preparation of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate

摘要

2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate is prepared according to the invention from isobutyraldehyde and isobutyric acid or its anhydride by first introducing isobutyraldehyde and aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution into a reaction vessel, adding water after completion of the reaction and then distilling off the unreacted isobutyraldehyde as an azeotrope with water. The mixture remaining as the bottom is then acidified, the aqueous phase of the bottom is separated from the organic phase and discarded and the organic phase is finally reacted with isobutyric anhydride or isobutyric acid, in the second case the resulting water then being removed azeotropically.