Process for the preparation of alpha - beta unsaturated alcohols

摘要

An improved process for the preparation of alpha - beta unsaturated alcohols by the liquid phase catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding aldehyde. An aldehyde is selected having the general formula <IMAGE> wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is an unsubstituted phenyl group or a phenyl group substituted with alkyl and/or alkoxy groups wherein the carbon atoms of the substituents on any phenyl group total no more than five, and the remainder of said R1, R2 and R3 independently represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The selected aldehyde is hydrogenated in the presence of a platinum catalyst in a liquid reaction medium of water and a water-immiscible organic solvent, wherein an alkali metal hydroxide and/or an alkali metal alkoxide promoter is dissolved in the water.