Prodn of furan series alcohols

摘要

Aq. or aq.-alcoholic solns. of aldehydes of the furan series are applied to 0.1-3 N (pref. 1.5-2 N)-alkali metal amalgams at such a rate as to produce decomposition of the amalgam of 800-3000 A/m2 and CO2 is at the same time fed into the mixture to neutralise the alkali formed by the amalgam decomposition. The furan aldehydes are thus reduced to the corresp. alcohols. The aldehydes- contg. hydrolysates from the working up of pentose-contg. materials or dehydrated hexose hydrolysates may be used as aldehyde sources. The products are used for the production of condensation resins, polyesters, physiologically active substances, additives for synthetic rubbers and fuels, in production of corrosion protectants, adhesives, cement etc.