Production of vicinal alkylene glycols

US4599467A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Akzo N.V. · NL

Inventors

• Hilde Kersten · Zell am Harmersbach, DE
• Gerhard Meyer · Erlangen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 10, 1985
• Grant date: Jul 8, 1986
• Expiry date: Apr 10, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C29/106
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process is provided for production of vicinal alkylene glycols by hydrolysis of an epoxyalkane having from 6 to 24 carbon atoms in the presence of water and a basic catalyst and under carbon dioxide pressures of from 100 to 300 bars and temperatures of from about 200.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. Also disclosed are homogeneous mixtures of epoxyalkanes and/or vicinal alkylene glycols having from 6 to 24 carbon atoms, water, a basic catalyst and carbon dioxide in an amount corresponding to a carbon dioxide partial pressure of from about 100 to 300 bars, provided at temperatures from about 200.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. The process provides high yields, selectivities and reaction velocities and the resulting products are of high purity.