Process for the direct neutralisation of a reaction mixture resulting from the acid cleavage of an alpha-hydroxy derivative of an alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon and the removal of the formed salt.

摘要

The reaction mixture resulting from the acid cleavage of an alpha hydroperoxy derivate of an alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon is directly neutralized, the obtained cleavage reaction mixture is charged to the mixing stage (3) of the first of a plurality of mixer-settler means (3,4), an organic and an aqueous phase are separated from each other, said organic phase is charged to the mixing stage (10) of each succeeding mixer-settler means (10,11) from the settling stage of the next preceding mixer-settler means (3,4) and contacted with an aqueous phase charged to said mixing stage (10), a substantially salt-free water stream is charged to the mixing stage (10) of the last of said plurality of mixer-settler means and admixed therein, with an organic phase charged to said mixing stage (10), an organic phase and an aqueous phase in the settling stage (11) of said last mixer-settler means (10,11) are separated, said aqueous phase is admixed to the acid cleavage reaction mixture and salt of neutralization of the first step and same is charged to the mixing stage (3) of each preceding mixer-settler means (3,4) from the settling stage (11) of the next succeeding mixer-settler means (10,11), and contacted with an organic phase charged to said mixing stage, the salt-containing aqueous phase is discharged from the settling stage of said first mixer-settler means (3,4).