Patent ID: 7064222
Filing Date: 2006-06-20
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
1. A process for the preparation of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran comprising the steps of: (a) vaporizing a furfural containing feedstock; (b) mixing and hydrogenating the vaporized feedstock with sufficient hydrogen to provide about 2 moles of hydrogen per mole of furfural in the feedstock, the mixing and hydrogenating being carried out at a temperature at or above 175° C. in the presence of a reduced copper-based catalyst consisting essentially of cupric oxide, chromium (III) oxide, manganese oxide, and barium chromate to produce a first vaporous mixture of hydrogenated products including 2-methylfuran; (c) mixing the first vaporous mixture with sufficient hydrogen to provide about 2 moles of hydrogen per mole of 2-methylfuran in the first vaporous mixture, the mixing and hydrogenating being carried out at a temperature at or above about 100° C. in the presence of a reduced nickel-based catalyst consisting essentially of nickel, nickel (II) oxide, aluminum oxide, and silica to produce a second vaporous mixture of hydrogenated products including 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; (d) condensing the second vaporous mixture by directing the second vaporous mixture through one or more condensers and directing excess vapors through a plurality of traps prior to venting to the atmosphere; (e) allowing the condensate in the condensers to separate into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; and (f) separating the organic phase to recover the 2-methyltetrahydrofuran.