GB1433986A - Process for condensing alcohols - Google Patents

Abstract

1433986 Condensation of alcohols CONTINENTAL OIL CO 4 June 1974 [6 June 1973 (4)] 24709/74 Heading C2C Higher molecular weight alcohols are produced by condensing at elevated temperatures at least one lower molecular weight primary or secondary alkanol or aralkanol having a methylene or methyl group adjacent to the hydroxylated carbon to produce alcohols having carbon content equal to the sum of the number of carbon atoms in the two reacting alcohol molecules, the process being carried out in the liquid phase while simultaneously removing water as it forms, in the presence of an alkali catalyst, and a co-catalyst in an amount effective to increase the reaction rate and essentially consisting only of one or more of the following: palladium (II) compounds selected from halides, alkyl carboxylates (C 1 -C 17 alkyl) and compounds of formula where Y is ammonium or alkali metal and X is halogen, provided that the said palladium (II) compounds are mixed with the alkanol or aralkanol reactant prior to the dissolution of the alkali catalyst therein and the reaction mixture is formed at temperatures below that necessary to effect condensation of the alkanol or aralkanol; PdZ 2 or CuZ 2 , where Z is each R‹ being independently a C 1 -C 10 hydrocarbon group; AgSO 3 R<SP>1</SP> or AgZ, R<SP>1</SP> and R‹ in Z here being saturated or unsaturated, cyclic or acyclic, branched or straight chain hydrocarbon groups. The alkali catalyst is preferably an alkali metal alcoholate or an alkali metal compound that forms an alcoholate in the reaction medium. Water is preferably removed by azeotropic distillation. The products are perferably hydrogenated to convert high molecular weight aldehydes and unsaturated alcohols which are obtained as by-products to the required product alcohols; the alcohols may then be recovered by distillation.