Abstract: The invention provides a process for the separation of a diol from a product stream. The process includes the steps of: i) separating the product stream comprising three or more C2 to C6 diols, C3 to C6 sugar alcohols, and C4 to C6 polyhydric alcohols with at least 3 hydroxyl groups in the molecule, and a catalyst, to produce a first stream comprising the three or more C2 to C6 diols; ii) separating the first stream comprising the three or more C2 to C6 diols into a) a second stream comprising a first diol and unsaturated hydrocarbons and/or one or more compounds with a carbonyl group and b) a third stream comprising two or more diols; iii) hydrogenating the second stream comprising a first diol and unsaturated hydrocarbons and/or one or more compounds with a carbonyl group to provide a purified diol stream.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of an alkylene oxide to the corresponding alkylene glycol in the presence of a catalytic composition, carbon dioxide and water, wherein the catalytic composition comprises a halide, a metalate and optionally a macrocyclic chelating compound.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic carboxylation of alkylene oxides with carbon dioxide, in the presence of a catalyst composition and water, wherein the catalyst composition comprises an alkali metal halide and a macrocyclic chelating compound.