Patent ID: 8344098

Claim:
A process for producing a reaction product, comprising: a) polymerizing reactants comprising 1,3-propanediol, oligomers of 1,3-propanediol, poly-1,3-propanediol, or a mixture thereof, in the presence of at least one polycondensation catalyst in a vessel to produce a reaction product whereby a vapor phase comprising water and reactants is produced as the polymerization proceeds; b) condensing and collecting at least a portion of the vapor phase at a temperature sufficient to form a condensate comprising water and reactants; and c) recycling at least a portion of the condensate to the vessel; wherein the condensate comprises water and reactants, and wherein the process is characterized by a reactant loss and wherein the reactant loss is less than about 5% by weight over the course of the polymerization and wherein the reaction product has color less than about 200 APHA.