Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the manufacture of 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal wherein 2-ethylhexanal, formaldehyde and a tertiary amine are continuously fed to a reaction zone and crude product comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase containing 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal and 2-ethylhexanal is continuously removed from the reaction zone Also disclosed are processes for (1) the azeotropic distillation of the organic phase of the crude product whereby unreacted 2-ethylhexanal is recovered and (2) the catalytic hydrogenation of the refined, organic phase of the crude product to produce 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the recovery of purified hydroxypivalyl hydroxypivalate (HPHP) from a crude, HPHP containing material containing inorganic catalyst residues and low-boiling and high-boiling (with respect to the boiling point of HPHP) impurities. The purification process employs two distillation zones, a first distillation zone wherein inorganic and high-boiling impurities are removed and a second distillation zone wherein low- and high-boiling impurities are removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the manufacture of 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal wherein 2-ethylhexanal, formaldehyde and a tertiary amine are continuously fed to a reaction zone and crude product comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase containing 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal and 2-ethylhexanal is continuously removed from the reaction zone. Also disclosed are processes for (1) the azeotropic distillation of the organic phase of the crude product whereby unreacted 2-ethylhexanal is recovered and (2) the catalytic hydrogenation of the refined, organic phase of the crude product to produce 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the manufacture of 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal wherein 2-ethylhexanal, formaldehyde and a tertiary amine are continuously fed to a reaction zone and crude product comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase containing 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanal and 2-ethylhexanal is continuously removed from the reaction zone. Also disclosed are processes for (1) the azeotropic distillation of the organic phase of the crude product whereby unreacted 2-ethylhexanal is recovered and (2) the catalytic hydrogenation of the refined, organic phase of the crude product to produce 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: Process is disclosed for the preparation of dihydroxy esters such as hydroxypivalyl hydroxypivalate from hydroxy aldehydes such as hydroxypivaldehyde by contacting said hydroxy aldehydes with low levels of at least one elemental metal selected from a defined group of metals. Reaction product is readily recovered without the need for extensive catalysts neutralization and/or removal procedures.

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: A process for producing neopentyl glycol is disclosed which comprises reacting isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde in the presence of a trialkylamine catalyst to form a condensation reaction product comprising hydroxypivaldehyde, followed by hydrogenation of the hydroxypivaldehyde in a hydrogen gas sparged reactor in the presence of a Raney nickel catalyst. This process minimizes unwanted by-products, and does not have to be carried out under high pressure as do certain prior art methods.

Abstract: In the present invention aliphatic aldehydes are condensed to form .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated aldehydes by use of a heterogeneous catalyst. Such process uses an anatase titanium dioxide catalyst in a fixed bed process under mild temperature conditions to yield high conversions and high yields, and which also eliminates the catalyst removal steps required by conventional processes.

Abstract: Polyethylene glycols of the typeHOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OHwherein n is an integer of from 0 to 5, can be converted to the corresponding dicarboxylic acids of the formulaHOOCCH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.2 COOHwherein n is as previously defined, by oxidation in an aqueous solution over a fixed bed catalyst consisting of platinum on a granular carbon support.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for the catalyzed condensation of aldehydes in the liquid phase to form 1,3-glycol monoesters utilizing tin metal or a tin oxide catalyst. Condensation can be visualized as an aldol condensation followed by a Tischenko reaction between the aldol and a third molecule of aldehyde. In its simplest form the condensation can be illustrated by the following general formula ##STR1## R or R.sup.1 =Hydrogen or alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms or aromatic groups. R and R.sup.1 can also be part of a cyclic system.

Abstract: Cyclic acetals are rearranged to form isomeric carboxylic acid esters according to the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl, alkenyl, or aromatic moiety containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms;AndR' is an alkyl or alkenyl moiety containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms;In the presence of a catalyst consisting of a metal selected from the group Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir or Pt supported on carbon.