Process for preparing 2-methyl-2-sec.butyl-1,3-propanediol

US4317945A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Ruhrchemie Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Bernhagen · Mülheim, DE
• Jurgen Weber · Oberhausen, DE
• Helmut Bahrmann · Hamminkeln, DE
• Helmut Springer · Dinslaken, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 15, 1980
• Grant date: Mar 2, 1982
• Expiry date: Aug 15, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C45/75
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for the preparation of 2-methyl-2-sec.butyl-1,3-propanediol comprising hydroformylating 2-methyl-1-butene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a first catalyst to form the substance 3-methyl-pentanal, condensing said substance with formaldehyde, or a compound which forms formaldehyde under the conditions of condensation in a basic medium to form alpha-sec.butyl-acrolein, partially hydrogenating said acrolein in the presence of a second catalyst to form the material 2,3-dimethyl pentanal, and converting said material into said diol by treatment with formaldehyde, or a compound which forms formaldehyde under the conditions of conversion, in the presence of a strong base as a third catalyst. The compound of the present invention is useful as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and drugs; in particular, the production of carbamates which are useful as tranquilizers and blood pressure lowering agents.