Abstract: A process for producing an epoxy compound by chlorinating a tertiary alkanol to the corresponding hypochlorite, followed by reaction of the hypochlorite with water and an olefinically unsaturated compound to produce the corresponding chlorohydrin and saponification of the chlorohydrin to the corresponding epoxy compound. The hypochlorite production and the saponification are effected with calcium oxide in an aqueous solution of calcium chloride, with calcium chloride being produced as by-product in an aqueous solution having a calcium chloride concentration of at least 25 wt. %. In this manner, calcium chloride by-product is recovered in a more usable form thereby eliminating the problems associated with recovery of calcium chloride by-product.

Abstract: Olefin is reacted with alkyl hypochlorite and water to produce an effluent containing the chlorohydrin and alkanol. An organic solvent is employed to extract the alkanol and chlorohydrin from the aqueous effluent, followed by saponification with base to produce olefin oxide. Olefin oxide is separated from the saponification effluent, followed by separation of an organic phase of the organic solvent, and an aqueous phase, which contains the alkanol. The aqueous phase containing alkanol, is chlorinated to produce the alkyl hypochlorite, with the organic phase being recycled to the extraction. The process is preferably integrated with the electrolytic production of chlorine.

Abstract: Olefin is reacted with alkyl hypochlorite and water to produce an effluent containing the chlorohydrin and alkanol. An organic solvent is employed to extract the alkanol and chlorohydrin from the aqueous effluent, followed by saponification with base to produce olefin oxide. Olefin oxide is separated from the saponification effluent, followed by separation of an organic phase of the organic solvent, and an aqueous phase, which contains the alkanol. The aqueous phase containing alkanol, is chlorinated to produce the alkyl hypochlorite, with the organic phase being recycled to the extraction. The process is preferably integrated with the electrolytic production of chlorine.