Patent ID: 8304585
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for producing 1,6-hexanediol from cyclohexane, comprising the steps of: (1) treating an aqueous extraction concentrate of a reaction mixture obtained by oxidation of cyclohexane with a gaseous methanol or ethanol to esterify monocarboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids contained in an extract in the form of a gas-liquid reaction, and simultaneously remove and separate by distillation, water, excess methanol or ethanol, and carboxylic acid esters; (2) converting oligomer esters contained in a bottom liquid to carboxylic acid esters by depolymerizing the oligomer esters at a temperature of 250 to 280° C. and at a pressure of 9 to 15 MPa in the presence of methanol or ethanol, and a catalyst; and (3) hydrogenating the carboxylic acid esters distilled off in the step (1) and the carboxylic acid esters obtained in the step (2) either respectively or collectively to convert to 1,6-hexanediol.