Process for preparing polyalcohols from formaldehyde having a low formic acid content

US7462747B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Timan Sirch · Schifferstadt, DE
• Michael Steiniger · Neustadt, DE
• Steffen Maas · Bubenheim, DE
• Stefan Rittinger · Mannheim, DE
• Stephan Schlitter · Schifferstadt, DE
• Maria Guixa · Mannheim, DE
• Todd C. Spengeman · Missouri City, US
• Jeffrey T. Andress · Lake Jackson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 2007
• Grant date: Dec 9, 2008
• Expiry date: Apr 30, 2027

Classification

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for preparing polymethylol compounds of the formula (I)where the radicals R are each, independently of one another, a further methylol group or an alkyl group having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms or an aryl or aralkyl group having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, by condensation of aldehydes having from 2 to 24 carbon atoms with formaldehyde in an aldol reaction using tertiary amines as catalyst to form alkanals of the formula (II)where the radicals R each independently have one of the abovementioned meanings, and subsequent hydrogenation of the latter. The particular inventive feature of this process is that the aldol reaction is carried out using an aqueous formaldehyde solution having a formic acid content of <150 ppm and preferably <100 ppm.In this way of carrying out the process, the formation of by-products can advantageously be prevented in a targeted manner and the yield of the desired polymethylol compound can thereby be increased.