Patent ID: 7238772
Filing Date: 2007-07-03
Classification: C08G

Abstract:
1. A process for producing polytrimethylene ether glycol comprising: A) forming a reaction mixture comprising (1) a 1,3-propanediol reactant selected from the group consisting of 1,3-propanediol, oligomers of 1,3-propanediol having a degree of polymerization of 2–9, and mixtures of the 1,3-propanediol and said oligomers, (2) at least one polycondensation catalyst and (3) at least one ionic liquid having the Formula Z wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are independently selected from the group consisting of: R 7 , R 8 , R 9 , and R 10 are independently selected from the group consisting of: wherein optionally at least two of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R 9 , and R 10 can together form a cyclic or bicyclic alkanyl or alkenyl group; and A thereby forming a polyether phase comprising at least one polytrimethylene ether glycol and an ionic liquid phase that comprises the at least one polycondensation catalyst; and B) separating the polyether phase from the ionic liquid phase, thereby forming a separated ionic liquid phase.