Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the purification of phenols in a feedstock containing phenols and neutral oils and/or tar bases. The process includes liquid-liquid extraction of feedstock using a solvent and a counter-solvent, and separating the resulting solvent and counter-solvent layers. Phenols are then recovered from the separated solvent layer, and counter-solvent is recovered form the counter-solvent layer. The process also includes at least one of the following additions steps i) subjecting the separated solvent layer to distillation at atmospheric pressure; ii) subjecting the separated solvent layer to distillation, recovering an organic phase from the overheads product of the distillation step and recycling it to the liquid-liquid extraction step; and iii) recovering solvent from the counter-solvent layer.

Abstract: A process for producing methyl isobutyl ketone includes introducing acetone into a catalytic distillation. Some of the acetone is converted to mesityl alcohol (‘MSO’), water and, optionally, diacetone alcohol (‘DAA’) and/or other by-products. A product stream comprising MSO, water, and, optionally, DAA, other by-products and/or unreacted acetone is withdrawn from the catalytic distillation zone. When the product stream includes DAA, other by-products and/or unreacted acetone, it is treated in a treatment zone to remove at least some of the DAA, other by-products and/or the unreacted acetone therefrom. The product stream and hydrogen are fed into a reaction zone in which MSO present in the product stream and hydrogen react to form methyl isobutyl ketone (‘MIBK’). A MIBK rich product stream is withdrawn from this reaction zone.

Abstract: A process for producing methyl isobutyl ketone includes introducing acetone into a catalytic distillation. Some of the acetone is converted to mesityl oxide (‘MSO’), water and, optionally, diacetone alcohol (‘DAA’) and/or other by-products. A product stream comprising MSO, water, and, optionally, DAA, other by-products and/or unreacted acetone is withdrawn from the catalytic distillation zone. When the product stream includes DAA, other by-products and/or unreacted acetone, it is treated in a treatment zone to remove at least some of the DAA, other by-products and/or the unreacted acetone therefrom. The product stream and hydrogen are fed into a reaction zone in which MSO present in the product stream and hydrogen react to form methyl isobutyl ketone (‘MIBK’). A MIBK rich product stream is withdrawn from this reaction zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the purification of phenols in a feedstock containing phenols and neutral oils and/or tar bases. The process includes liquid-liquid extraction of feedstock using a solvent and a counter-solvent, and separating the resulting solvent and counter-solvent layers. Phenols are then recovered from the separated solvent layer, and counter-solvent is recovered form the counter-solvent layer. The process also includes at least one of the following additions steps i) subjecting the separated solvent layer to distillation at atmospheric pressure; ii) subjecting the separated solvent layer to distillation, recovering an organic phase from the overheads product of the distillation step and recycling it to the liquid-liquid extraction step; and iii) recovering solvent from the counter-solvent layer.