Production of 1,4-butanediol

摘要

An improved process for the production of 1,4-butanediol is disclosed wherein a dialkyl alkoxy succinate-containing mixture is contacted with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of a copper chromite hydrogenation catalyst to form a mixture comprising 1,4-butanediol and the corresponding alkanol. In a preferred embodiment, dibutyl butoxy succinate is converted to 1,4-butanediol and n-butanol at high selectivities.