Tetrahydrofuran prepn. from 1,4-butanediol diesters - of carboxylic acids, by passing with water over hydrolysis-dehydroacyloxylating catalysts

摘要

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is prepd. by heating a carboxylic acid diester of 1,4-butanedoil diacetate, with water in the presence of a hydrolysis-dehydroacyloxylating catalyst, opt. in liq. but esp. in vapour phase. THF is a solvent for resins, esp. vinyl resins, and an inter. in prodn. of nylon, 1,4-dichlorobutane and polyurethanes. Catalyst is stationary and permanent and can be continuously re-used. THF yields are quantitative. Catalyst is pref. selected from zeolites, SiO2, Al2O3, SiO2-Al oxides, SiO2-Mg oxides and acid aluminas.