Patent ID: 6852868
Filing Date: 2005-02-08
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
1. A process for the preparation of furfural alcohol 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) condensing the first vaporous mixture by directing the first vaporous mixture through one or more condensers and directing excess vapors through a plurality of traps prior to venting to the atmosphere; (d) allowing the condensate in the condensers to separate into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; and (e) recovering the furfural alcohol from the aqueous phase.