Process for the recovery of phenol from a reaction mixture resulting from the acid cleavage of cumene hydroperoxide

摘要

A process for the recovery of phenol from a reaction mixture resulting from the acid cleavage of cumene hydroperoxide is disclosed. Neutralization of the acidic reaction mixture is effected with sodium phenate-a product derived from the subsequent recovery of phenol and recycled to the neutralization process. Utilization of internal process recycle streams in this manner affords a reduced consumption of acid and caustic, and permits the elimination of certain vessels in the recovery scheme.