Abstract: A method for producing neopentyl glycol is described using tertiaryamines as a catalyst for the condensation of isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde followed by hydrogenation of the resulting reaction mixture using a manganese oxide promoted copper chromite catalyst.

Abstract: Neopentyl glycol is recovered from an impure process stream by the steps of (1) extracting neopentyl glycol from the impure stream with an organic solvent or mixture of solvents, (2) flashing the neopentyl glycol solvent mixture in a thermosiphoning reboiler so as to separate the solvent from the neopentyl glycol under atmospheric conditions, and (3) refining the neopentyl glycol by atmospheric distillation.

Abstract: Polyhydric alcohols are prepared by the aldol condensation of an aldehyde having 1 to 3 hydrogens on the alpha-carbon atom with formaldehyde in the presence of sodium carbonate and the subsequent crossed Cannizzaro reaction wherein the aldol condensation product is reacted with additional formaldehyde and sodium carbonate to form a polyhydric alcohol.

Abstract: Trimethylolpropane prepared in alkali solution by the condensation of n-butyraldehyde and formaldehyde is purified by extraction of the trimethylolpropane from the process effluent with a first solvent and the subsequent addition of a second solvent to the extract to further reduce the content of water and alkali salts. The first solvent may be recovered from the trimethylolpropane containing mixture by a simple distillation. The remaining mixture of trimethylolpropane and the second solvent may be separated by settling and decanting. In a preferred embodiment isobutanol is the first solvent and xylene is the second solvent.