Patent ID: 6545189
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of neopentyl glycol which comprises hydrogenating hydroxypivaldehyde (HPA) in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst at an elevated temperature, wherein the hydrogenation of hydroxypivaldehyde is carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing nickel or nickel-chromium and at a temperature below 100Â° C. and under a pressure of 10-80 bars in a liquid phase comprising solvent in an amount of 1-70% by weight and water in an amount less than 15% by weight, wherein said hydroxypivaldehyde is obtained by aldolization of formaldehyde and isobutyraldehyde with a weakly basic anion exchange resin acting as an aldolization catalyst.