Patent ID: 6593502
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process of preparing triols and tetrols by aldolization of an aldehyde having at least two &agr;-hydrogen atoms and having a formula of R1CH2CHO, where R1 is hydrogen, an alkyl having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkyl having 1 to 7 carbon atoms having at least one cycloalkyl substituent, cycloalkyl, aryl or an aralkyl having 1 to 7 carbon atoms in its alkyl chain, with formaldehyde in the presence of anion exchange resin followed by hydrogenation of the aldol product in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, the improvement comprising conducting said aldolization at a temperature of 50Â° C. to 100Â° C. in the presence of 48% to 65% by weight of water; andconducting said hydrogenation at a temperature of 50Â° C. to 200Â° C. in the presence of 20% to 90% by weight of water as the sole solvent.