Patent ID: 6077980
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: C07C

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): ##STR7## wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and subsequently subjecting the resultant reaction product to a crossed Cannizzaro reaction, while separating a 2-alkenal which is formed as a byproduct during said aldol condensation reaction and prior to the completion of said crossed Cannizzaro reaction, said 2-alkenal being represented by the formula (II): ##STR8## wherein R is as defined above, wherein said 2-alkenal formed during the aldol condensation reaction as a byproduct and represented by the formula (II), is separated while the molar consumption ratio of the base catalyst to the aliphatic aldehyde is 0.50 to 0.95.