Patent ID: 6147233
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
Process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (3-MeTHF) by the steps comprising (1) contacting 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (3-HOMeTHF) with a carbonyl esterification compound under esterification conditions to produce a carboxylate ester of 3-HOMeTHF; (2) heating the carboxylate ester of step (1) under pyrrolysis conditions to convert the carboxylate ester of 3-HOMeTHF to 3-methylenetetrahydrofuran (3-methyleneTHF); and (3) contacting the 3-methyleneTHF with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst under hydrogenation conditions of temperature and pressure.