Process for the production of choline hydroxide

US9216944B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TAMINCO BV · BE

Inventors

• Kristof Moonen · Hamme, BE
• Dieter Ulrichts · Sint-Andries, BE
• Daan Scheldeman · Waregem, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 29, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 22, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 31, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C213/04
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A continuous process for the production of choline hydroxide includes reacting ethylene oxide, trimethylamine, and water in a reaction zone to form a reaction mixture and extracting heat from the reaction mixture. Subsequently, phase separation of the reaction mixture is induced to obtain a choline hydroxide phase and an organic liquid phase comprising trimethylamine. A choline hydroxide solution (e.g., at a concentration of about 40% to 50% by weight, based on total weight of the choline hydroxide solution) is obtained from the choline hydroxide phase.