Patent ID: 7276634
Filing Date: 2007-10-02
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. In a process for the production of 1,3-propanediol wherein an aqueous solution of 3-hydroxy propanal is formed, catalyst, if any, used in said formation is removed from the solution, sodium hydroxide is added to the solution to neutralize acid therein such that the pH is at least about 5, the neutralized aqueous solution is subjected to hydrogenation to produce a crude 1,3-propanediol mixture which is distilled to produce 1,3-propanediol, water, and reactive heavy components, the improvement which comprises replacing the sodium hydroxide with a hydroxide selected from the group consisting of ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide to reduce the viscosity of the reactive heavy components.