Tetrahydrofuran prodn - by catalytic gas phase dehydration of 1,4-butanediol

摘要

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is made by heating 1,4-butanediol in the gas phase in the presence of a hydration catalyst chosen from a zeolite, silicon oxide, aluminium oxide, silicon oxide-aluminium oxide, silicon oxide-magnesium oxide or an acid clay. MEthod gives practically quantitative yields of THF, there is no corrosion problem as when using acid catalyst, and the catalyst is permanent and can be re-used. The raw material is pref. a mixt. of 1,4-butanediol, 1,2-butanediol and 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol made from propylene, oxygen and a carboxylic acid. The dehydration reaction is carried out e.g. at 125-300 degrees C esp. 180-270 degrees C.