Abstract:
This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.
Abstract:
A process for purifying an acetyl stream containing an impurity that forms an azeotrope with the acetyl moiety includes the steps of a) contacting an acetyl feed stream comprising: i) acetic acid; and ii) an acetic acid azeotrope-forming compound, with a metal oxide catalyst in a ketonization reactor to produce a crude product mixture from a ketonization reaction comprising acetone, water, the acetic acid azeotrope-forming compound, and byproducts from the ketonization reaction; and b) distilling the crude product mixture to recover: i) a lower boiling fraction stream comprising acetone, and a minor amount of: water, said acetic acid azeotrope-forming compound, and ketonization byproducts, and ii) a higher boiling fraction stream comprising a major amount of: water, the acetic acid azeotrope forming compound, and the ketonization byproducts. Optionally, the process can include contacting the crude product mixture with water in a countercurrent absorber prior to the distilling step (b).
Abstract:
This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making hydroxymethylbenzoic acid compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making hydroxymethylbenzoic acid compounds.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a process for the purification of a mixed diol stream. The mixed diol stream comprising two-, three-, and four-carbon diols is separated into component diols by extraction with a hydrophobic solvent mixture. The diols recovered in the extractant may be removed from the extractant stream by back extraction with water or by distillation with an azeotrope-forming agent present, preferably an azeotroping agent already present in the extractant mixture.
Abstract:
This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.
Abstract:
This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a process for the extractive recovery of a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst from the reaction product of the hydrogenation of glycolic acid, glycolate esters, and/or glycolic acid oligomers with an extractant comprising a hydrophobic solvent and an optional hydrophilic solvent. The ruthenium catalyst, which can include 1,1,1-tris(diaryl- or dialkylphosphinomethyl)alkane ligands, can be recovered from the hydrophobic extract phase by back extraction with a hydrophilic solvent and recycled to a process for the preparation of ethylene glycol by the hydrogenation of glycolic acid and glycolic acid derivatives.