Abstract: [Objective] An object is to provide a method for producing a diol by which diols having a favorable color scale and containing a reduced amount of an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon can be produced.

Abstract: A method for preparing 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol is provided. The method allows hydrogen gas fed into a reaction tank to be uniformly dispersed in a reaction solution by a gas-introducing mixer having air-extracting, air-exhausting and mixing functions. Accordingly, the reaction solution has a high concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas so that the reaction time of hydrogenation can be reduced to as short as possible. Furthermore, the method uses a hydrogenation catalyst having many advantages such as high activity and low cost. The added amount of the hydrogenation catalyst can be reduced under the operation of the gas-introducing mixer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a 1,4-disubstituted cyclohexane compound of formula (I): where A is —OH, —OR, Br, or Cl; and R is a silyl group, a hydrocarbyl group, or an acyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. The process includes the steps of reacting ethylene with a (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-diene compound to produce a 3,6-disubstituted cyclohex-1-ene compound, and hydrogenating the 3,6-disubstituted cyclohex-1-ene compound to yield the 1,4-disubstituted cyclohexane compound of formula (I).

Abstract: The invention relates to ruthenium-rhenium-tin and ruthenium-rhenium catalysts effective for the reduction of carboxylic acids to the corresponding alcohols and processes for the reduction of carboxylic acids to the corresponding alcohols using the ruthenium-rhenium-tin and ruthenium-rhenium catalysts.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of terephthalic acid by 1) cycloaddition of 2,5 substituted furan (such as 2,5-bis hydroxymethylfuran or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural) and ethylene, and 2) the subsequent oxidation of the dehydrated cycloaddition product to terephthalic acid. The invention relates more particularly to overall biobased pathways for making terephthalic acid from carbohydrates such as hexoses (e.g., glucose or fructose).

Abstract: Bio-based terephthalic acid (bio-TPA), bio-based dimethyl terephthalate (bio-DMT), and bio-based polyesters, which are produced from a biomass containing a terpene or terpenoid, such as limonene are described, as well as the process of making these products. The bio-based polyesters include poly(alkylene terephthalate)s such as bio-based poly(ethylene terephthalate) (bio-PET), bio-based poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (bio-PTT), bio-based poly(butylene terephthalate) (bio-PBT), and bio-based poly(cyclohexylene dimethyl terephthalate) (bio-PCT).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol (IPCHM) from para-cymene. The process for preparing 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol (IPCHM) comprises an electrochemical process for preparing a mixture of 4-isopropylbenzaldehyde dimethyl acetal and 4-(1-alkoxy-1-methylethyl)benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal, and intermediates passed through in the process, a hydrolysis step to form the corresponding benzaldehydes and a hydrogenation of this mixture to form 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol (IPCHM).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol from isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is esterified with (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the isophthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an alicyclic alcohol represented by general formula (III) which is useful as a starting material for a flavor mixture or the like at low cost in high yield. The alicyclic alcohol represented by general formula (III) is produced by preparing a cyclohexanecarbonyl compound represented by general formula (II) through the carbonylation of an unsaturated hydrocarbon represented by general formula (I) (preferably a compound obtained through the partial reduction of a diene compound) using carbon monoxide in the presence of HF, and thereafter reducing the cyclohexanecarbonyl compound. In formulae (I), (II), and (III), R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R3 represents an OH group, fluorine, or an OR4 group, and R4 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for preparing para-alkyl-substituted cyclohexylmethanols, especially 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol, by catalytically hydrogenating the corresponding aldehydes or ketones in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a catalyst which comprises, as an active metal, ruthenium applied to a support, the support comprising Al2O3 and/or SiO2, and the catalyst being used in the form of a fixed bed catalyst in a hydrogenation reactor or in a plurality of hydrogenation reactors connected in series.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. After removal of the (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol from the crude hydrogenation product, the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product can be recovered and purified by a phase separation and distillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol from isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is esterified with (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the isophthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eggshell catalyst comprising an active metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, platinum and mixtures thereof, applied to a support material comprising silicon dioxide, wherein the pore volume of the support material is 0.6 to 1.0 ml/g, determined by Hg porosimetry, the BET surface area is 280 to 500 m2/g, and at least 90% of the pores present have a diameter of 6 to 12 nm, to a process for preparing this eggshell catalyst, to a process for hydrogenating an organic compound which comprises at least one hydrogenatable group using the eggshell catalyst, and to the use of the eggshell catalyst for hydrogenating an organic compound.

Abstract: A process of hydrogenating an aliphatic dialdehyde, preferably, a C6-C16 alicyclic dicarboxaldehyde, to form an aliphatic diol, preferably, a C6-C16 alicyclic diol, most preferably, cis/trans-(1,3)(1,4)-cyclohexanedimethanol. The process involves contacting one or more aliphatic dialdehydes in a liquid phase with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst in a hydrogenation zone and in the presence of water in an amount equal to or greater than 10 weight percent, based on the weight of the total liquid feed to the hydrogenation. The alicyclic dicarboxaldehyde is preferably prepared via hydroformylation of an olefin with subsequent extraction of the alicyclic dicarboxaldehyde product from the hydroformylation product fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an alicyclic alcohol represented by general formula (III) which is useful as a starting material for a flavor mixture or the like at low cost in high yield. The alicyclic alcohol represented by general formula (III) is produced by preparing a cyclohexanecarbonyl compound represented by general formula (II) through the carbonylation of an unsaturated hydrocarbon represented by general formula (I) (preferably a compound obtained through the partial reduction of a diene compound) using carbon monoxide in the presence of HF, and thereafter reducing the cyclohexanecarbonyl compound. In formulae (I), (II), and (III), R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R3 represents an OH group, fluorine, or an OR4 group, and R4 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process of refining a crude C6-C16 aliphatic diol, preferably, a C6-C16 monocyclic aliphatic diol, more preferably, an isomeric mixture of cis/trans-(1,3)(1,4)-cyclohexanedimethanol, containing in addition to the diol one or more impurities selected from phenols, and aliphatic mono-ols, esters, carboxylic acids, and hemiacetals, and mixtures thereof. The refining process involves distilling the crude C6-C16 aliphatic diol in the presence of an alkali or alkaline earth metal compound, preferably, an excess thereof relative to acid equivalents present in the diol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a practical method for efficiently producing an alcohol compound by hydrogenating an aldehyde by using a homogeneous copper catalyst which is an easily-available low-cost metal species. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol compound, which is characterized in that a hydrogenation reaction of an aldehyde compound is performed in the presence of a homogeneous copper catalyst and a diphosphine compound.

Abstract: A process of hydrogenating an aliphatic dialdehyde, preferably, a C6-C16 alicyclic dicarboxaldehyde, to form an aliphatic diol, preferably, a C6-C16 alicyclic diol, most preferably, cis/trans-(1,3)(1,4)-cyclohexanedimethanol. The process involves contacting one or more aliphatic dialdehydes in a liquid phase with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst in a hydrogenation zone and in the presence of water in an amount equal to or greater than 10 weight percent, based on the weight of the total liquid feed to the hydrogenation. The alicyclic dicarboxaldehyde is preferably prepared via hydroformylation of an olefin with subsequent extraction of the alicyclic dicarboxaldehyde product from the hydroformylation product fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of catalytic hydrogenation and, more particularly, to the use of Ru complexes with bidentate ligands, having one amino or imino coordinating group and one phosphino coordinating group, in hydrogenation processes for the reduction of esters or lactones into the corresponding alcohol or diol respectively.

Abstract: A process of refining a crude C6-C16 aliphatic diol, preferably, a C6-C16 monocyclic aliphatic diol, more preferably, an isomeric mixture of cis/trans-(1,3)(1,4)-cyclohexanedimethanol, containing in addition to the diol one or more impurities selected from phenols, and aliphatic mono-ols, esters, carboxylic acids, and hemiacetals, and mixtures thereof. The refining process involves distilling the crude C6-C16 aliphatic diol in the presence of an alkali or alkaline earth metal compound, preferably, an excess thereof relative to acid equivalents present in the diol.

Abstract: Process for preparing cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol, said process comprising (a) neutralising acids and/or carbon dioxide present in an organic solution further comprising cyclohexylhydroperoxide by mixing the organic solution with a first aqueous base solution to form a first mixture comprising a first aqueous phase and a first organic phase, (b) separating first aqueous phase from first organic phase, (c) discharging first aqueous phase, (d) decomposing cyclohexylhydroperoxide present in said first organic phase by mixing said first organic phase with a second aqueous base solution to form a second mixture comprising a second aqueous phase and a second organic phase comprising cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol, (e) separating the second aqueous phase from the second organic phase, (f) feeding at least a portion of said separated second aqueous phase to said neutralising (a), wherein the process further comprises feeding such a portion of the first aqueous phase to the decomposing that the pH of the first aque

Abstract: Used as cooling agents are the compounds of 1/7-isopropyl-4/5-methyl-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene derivatives of the formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl, carboxy, or C(O)NHR, wherein R is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or cyclopropyl; with the proviso that R1 and R2 are not both hydrogen.

Abstract: Process for preparing cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol, said process comprising (a) neutralising acids and/or carbon dioxide present in an organic solution further comprising cyclohexylhydroperoxide by mixing the organic solution with a first aqueous base solution to form a first mixture comprising a first aqueous phase and a first organic phase, (b) separating first aqueous phase from first organic phase, (c) discharging first aqueous phase, (d) decomposing cyclohexylhydroperoxide present in said first organic phase by mixing said first organic phase with a second aqueous base solution to form a second mixture comprising a second aqueous phase and a second organic phase comprising cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol, (e) separating the second aqueous phase from the second organic phase, (f) feeding at least a portion of said separated second aqueous phase to said neutralising (a), wherein the process further comprises feeding such a portion of the first aqueous phase to the decomposing that the pH of the first aque

Abstract: In a producing method of alcohols such as cyclohexanedimethanol, a benzyl ester is obtained, for example, by the reaction between a benzyl compound and carboxylic acid in the presence of oxygen and a catalyst including palladium, gold ultra fine particles, and at least one kind of element selected from the group consisting of Group IIA, IIIA, VIA, IIB, VB, and VIII of the periodic table, and alkali metal. The alcohols are produced by hydrogenating a benzene ring of the benzyl ester and then hydrolyzing the resultant esters. Alternatively, the benzyl ester is hydrolyzed to produce benzyl alcohols, and a benzene ring of the benzyl alcohols is hydrogenated to produce the alcohols.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst for hydrogenating a carboxylic acid, comprising an activated carbon having carried thereon an active metal species comprising ruthenium and tin, wherein the activated carbon is produced by subjecting a carbonaceous material to activation treatment using zinc chloride, followed by calcination. Also disclosed is a catalyst for hydrogenating a carboxylic acid, comprising an activated carbon having carried thereon an active metal species comprising ruthenium and tin, wherein the activated carbon, prior to having carried thereon the active metal species, exhibits specific pore characteristics wherein, especially, the pore volume with respect to pores each having a radius of from 10 to 100 Å is from 0.5 to 2.0 cm3/g.

Abstract: Methods for producing perfluorocarbon monomethanols or dimethanols are disclosed. The methods of the invention can provide branched perfluorocarbon monomethanols or dimethanols with good purity and yields.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a novel catalyst by use of which methylbenzenes can be oxidized in gaseous phase in the presence of molecular oxygen to give the corresponding aromatic aldehydes in high yields, a process for producing an aromatic aldehyde from the corresponding methylbenzene in a high yield by use of said catalyst, and a process for producing cyclohexanedimethanol which comprises hydrogenating phthalaldehyde among the aromatic aldehydes which can be obtained as above.

Abstract: A process for producing cyclohexene dimethanol or cyclohexane dimethanol compounds is provided. By controlling the rates of addition of certain reaction components and/or by controlling reaction solution temperatures at specific stages during synthesis, this invention provides a process for producing high purity cyclohexene dimethanol or cyclohexane dimethanol compounds without the need for solvent extraction and/or recrystallization procedures.

Abstract: A process for producing 1,6-hexanediol by hydrogenation of adipic esters and/or 6-hydroxycaproic esters in the gas phase at elevated temperature and elevated pressure in the presence of chromium-free catalysts comprises hydrogenating a) over a catalyst comprising copper, manganese and aluminum as essential constituents or over Raney copper, b) at a temperature of from 150 to 230° C. and a pressure of from 10 to 70 bar, c) at a molar ratio of hydrogen to ester to be hydrogenated within the range from 150:1 to 300:1, and d) at a catalyst space velocity of from 0.01 to 0.3 kg of C6 ester per liter of catalyst per hour.

Abstract: A process for producing highly pure 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol safely and efficiently, and an intermediate to be used in the process. 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol represented by the chemical formula (IV) is produced by adding 1-menthol to a 1,2-epoxy-3-halogenopropane represented by the following general formula (I) (wherein X represents a halogen atom) in an organic solvent in the presence of a Lewis acid to produce a novel 1-halogeno-3-1-menthoxypropan-2-ol represented by the following general formula (II), then, epoxidating it with a base in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst to produce a 1,2-epoxy-3-1-menthoxypropane represented by the chemical formula (III), and further hydrolyzing it.

Abstract: A process for making cycloalkyldimethanol, includes hydrogenating at least one cycloalkyldicarboxylic acid and/or an alkyl ester thereof with a catalyst, to produce a cycloalkyldimethanol, where the catalyst contains ruthenium, tin and platinum. Also, a method for regenerating a used catalyst, includes contacting the used catalyst with a base, where the catalyst includes ruthenium, tin and platinum.

Abstract: In a process for preparing alcohols containing cycloaliphatic groups by hydrogenation of carboxylic acids containing aromatic nuclei, or anhydrides or esters thereof, in the presence of a catalyst, the hydrogenation is carried out in one stage, and the catalyst contains at least one element from groups 8 to 10 and at least one element from group 7 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, in the form of the metal or an oxide in each case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 3-hydroxymethylcycloalkanol of the following formula (1), and a process for production of a 3-hydroxymethylcycloalkanol of the formula (1) by reduction of 3-formylcycloalkanone or 3-formylcycloalkenone. In accordance with the present invention, 3-hydroxymethylcycloalkanol, which is useful as the starting material for the production of polymers, can be produced with high conversion and high selectivity.

Abstract: A carbonyl compound or a mixture of two or more carbonyl compounds is catalytically hydrogenated in the presence of a Raney copper catalyst in the form of nuggets.

Abstract: A process for the reaction of an organic compound in the presence of a catalyst comprising, as active metal, ruthenium alone or together with at least one Group Ib, VIIb, or VIIIb metal in an amount of from 0.01 to 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the catalyst, applied to a support, wherein from 10 to 50% of the pore volume of the support comprises macropores having a pore diameter in the range of from 50 nm to 10,000 nm and from 50 to 90% of the pore volume of the support comprises mesopores having a pore diameter in the range of from 2 to 50 nm, the sum of said pore volumes being 100%, and said catalyst as such.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing cyclohexanedimethanol comprising hydrogenating a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester by a fixed-bed continuous reaction in the presence of a preformed copper-containing catalyst under the conditions of reaction temperature of 200 to 280° C., hydrogen pressure of 185 to 300 kgf/cm2 and hydrogen gas feed rate of 1 to 40 cm/s in terms of superficial linear velocity, the cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester being prepared, typically, by ring hydrogenating of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester in the presence of a preformed supported ruthenium catalyst by a fixed-bed continuous reaction.

Abstract: In a process for preparing alcohols by gas phase hydrogenation of carboxylic acids or esters thereof at elevated temperature and elevated pressure in the presence of catalysts consisting of or comprising, as hydrogenating components, oxides of main group VI and/or subgroup IV, the hydrogenation is carried outa) at from 250.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. and from 5 bar to 100 bar in the presence ofb) primary or secondary alcohols, the molar hydrogen/alcohol ratio being at most 800.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active alcohol by reacting a prochiral ketone corresponding to the optically active alcohol and an acid with a mixture of (1) a boron-containing compound selected from the group consisting of i) a borane compound which is obtained from an optically active .beta.-aminoalcohol and a boron hydride; or obtained from the optically active .beta.-aminoalcohol, a metal borohydride and an acid and ii) an optically active oxazaborolidine and (2) a metal borohydride; and a process for preparing an optically active amine by reacting an oxime derivative and an acid with a mixture of (1) a boron-containing compound selected from the group consisting of i) a borane compound which is obtained from an optically active .beta.-aminoalcohol and a boron hydride, or obtained from said optically active .beta.-aminoalcohol, a metal borohydride and an acid and ii) an optically active oxazaborolidine, and (2) a metal borohydride.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of an aromatic compound, in which at least one hydroxyl group is attached to an aromatic core, or an aromatic compound, in which at least one amino group is attached to an aromatic core, in the presence of a catalyst containing, as active metal, ruthenium and optionally one or more other Group IB, VIIB, or VIIIB metals, applied to a macroporous support.

Abstract: A process reaction between: (1) a compound that contains one or more epoxide moieties per molecule, and (2) a compound that contains one or more primary aliphatic hydroxyl groups per molecule; is catalyzed by: (3) a catalyst compound containing one or more trifluoromethanesulfonate moieties and one or more silyl moieties and run at a temperature of no more than 130.degree. C., such that the catalyst preferably catalyzes reaction at the primary aliphatic hydroxyl group, so that the resulting resin does not gel.

Abstract: Process for carrying out gas/liquid reactions at from (-50.degree.) to 300.degree. C. and from 0.1 to 100 bar by carrying out the reaction in the absence of a continuous gas phase, and, as a special case, a process for the batchwise reaction of acetylene in the liquid phase at from 0.degree. to 300.degree. C. and from 2 to 30 bar, in which acetylene is introduced a) in the absence of a continuous gas phase and b) under isobaric conditions to a degree of saturation of from 5 to 100%.

Abstract: Bioerodible ortho ester polymers useful for preparing solid form bioerodible pharmaceutical compositions such as pellets, capsules, suppositories and the like are provided. A novel synthetic method for preparing the polymers is provided as well as is a novel triol reactant. Synthesis involves a one-step reaction between a monomeric ortho ester and a triol. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are useful for the controlled release of therapeutic agents, and may be administered for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst for directly reducing a carboxylic acid, the catalyst comprising a tin compound and a ruthenium compound supported on a carrier, the catalyst being prepared by the steps of calcining the tin compound in the presence of oxygen after deposition of the tin compound alone on the carrier, and activating the obtained product after deposition of the ruthenium compound on said carrier, a process for preparing the catalyst, and a process for preparing an alcohol compound using the catalyst.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of cyclohexanedimethanol by hydrogenation of a dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate which comprises the steps of:(a) providing a hydrogenation zone containing a charge of a granular reduced manganese promoted copper catalyst;(b) forming a vaporous feed stream of a hydrogenatable material comprising a dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate and from about 0.1 wt % up to about 15 wt % of an acidic material at a feed temperature which is in the range of from about 150.degree. C. to about 350.degree. C. and which is above the dew point of the feed stream and at a feed pressure which is in the range of from about 150 psia (about 10.34 bar) up to about 2000 psia (about 137.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of a hydroxylic compound selected from alcohols and diols by hydrogenation of a corresponding hydrogenatable material selected from monoesters of carboxylic acids, monoesters of dicarboxylic acids, diesters of dicarboxylic acids, lactones, and mixtures of two or more thereof which comprises:(a) providing a hydrogenation zone containing a charge of a granular heterogeneous ester hydrogenation catalyst;(b) supplying to the hydrogenation zone a vaporous feed stream containing hydrogen and a hydrogenatable material selected from monoesters of carboxylic acids, monoesters of dicarboxylic acids, diesters of dicarboxylic acids, lactones, and mixtures of two or more thereof, at an inlet temperature which is above the dew point of the mixture;(c) maintaining the hydrogenation zone under temperature and pressure conditions which are conducive to effecting hydrogenation of esters;(d) recovering from the hydrogenation zone a two phase product stream containing a hydroxylic compou

Abstract: A continuous process is described for the production of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) having a desired or predetermined trans-:cis- isomer ratio by catalytic hydrogenation of a dialkyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate in the presence of an ester hydrogenation catalyst. The process is capable of being operated for an extended period of time during which the hydrogenation catalyst declines in catalytic activity and comprises feeding a vaporous mixture of the dialkyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate and hydrogen to a hydrogenation zone containing the hydrogenation catalyst and recovering CHDM product. The degree of conversion of the dialkyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate at a particular combination of temperature and pressure is related to the trans-:cis- isomer ratio of the CHDM product and may be varied by adjusting at least one feed condition selected from (i) the dialkyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate feed rate and (ii) the hydrogen-containing gas:dialkyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate molar ratio.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of cyclohexanedimethanol having a trans-:cis-isomer ratio greater than about 1:1 by hydrogenation of a dialkyl (e.g. dimethyl) cyclohexanedicarboxylate having a trans-:cis-isomer ratio less than about 1:1 which comprises:(a) providing a hydrogenation zone containing a charge of a granular heterogeneous ester hydrogenation catalyst;(b) supplying to the hydrogenation zone a vaporous feed stream containing hydrogen and a hydrogenarable material comprising a dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate at an inlet temperature which is above its dew point of the mixture;(c) maintaining the hydrogenation zone under temperature and pressure conditions which are conducive to effecting hydrogenation of esters;(d) passing the vaporous feed stream through the hydrogenation zone; and(e) recovering from the hydrogenation zone a product stream containing cyclohexanedimethanol having a trans-:cis-isomer ratio greater than 1:1.

Abstract: A hydrogenation process is described for the production of a hydroxylic compound selected from alcohols and diols by hydrogenation of a corresponding unsaturated organic compound selected from esters, diesters and lactones which involves use of two hydrogenation zones (11, 36), each containing a charge of a hydrogenation catalyst (12, 37). In a first phase of operation one of the hydrogenation zones (36 or 11) is in standby condition and a stream of hot hydrogen-containing gas is passed therethrough. Meanwhile a vaporous feed stream comprising a hydrogen-containing gas and the unsaturated organic compound to be hydrogenated, e.g. dimethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, is fed to the active zone (11 or 36). This feed stream can include the gas stream from the first mentioned hydrogenation zone (36 or 11).