Patent ID: 8222464
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose, the process comprising: a) contacting, in a continuous manner, in a reaction zone, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with a catalyst system comprising an unsupported component comprising a compound comprising an element selected from the group consisting of IUPAC Groups 4, 5 and 6 of the Periodic Table and having an oxidation state greater than or equal to 2+ wherein the compound of the unsupported component is in a form other than a carbide, nitride or phosphide, and a supported hydrogenation component comprising an element selected from the group consisting of IUPAC Groups 8, 9, and 10, of the Periodic Table on a solid catalyst support; b) separating hydrogen from the effluent stream and recycling at least a portion of the separated hydrogen to the reaction zone; c) separating water from the effluent stream and recycling at least a portion of the separated water to the reaction zone; and d) recovering the polyol from the effluent stream.