Patent ID: 6080896
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: C07C,C12C

Abstract:
A process for producing a polyhydric alcohol which comprises subjecting formaldehyde and at least one aliphatic aldehyde to an aldol condensation reaction in the presence of a base catalyst comprising a carbonate as a principal component, said aliphatic aldehyde being represented by the formula (I): ##STR3## and subsequently subjecting the resultant reaction product to a crossed Cannizzaro reaction, while mixing a solution containing a 2-substituted-2-alkanal-1 with formaldehyde in the presence of said base catalyst, and thereafter reacting the resultant mixture with said aliphatic aldehyde represented by the formula (I), wherein said 2-substituted-2-alkanal-1 being represented by the formula (III): ##STR4## and being obtained by reacting a 2-substituted-2-alkenal which is formed as a byproduct during said aldol condensation reaction with water in the presence or the absence of a catalyst, said 2-substituted-2-alkenal being represented by the formula (II): ##STR5## wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.