Abstract: A method of manufacturing 2-propyn-1-ol by decomposing 2-butyn-1,4-diol in the presence of a copper acetylide catalyst. 2-propyn-1-ol is produced at high conversion, yield, and purity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing 2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol by the oxidative coupling of propargyl alcohol, in the presence of an aliphatic C.sub.4 alcohol solvent is disclosed. The 2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol is completely dissolved in the butanol. Residual salts dissolved in the butanol solution at the end of the reaction are separated out by electrodialysis. The salt-containing stream which is separated out and contains the catalyst salts, water, and butanol is suitable as a reaction mixture, and can be recycled to the reactor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing 2-propyn-1-ol by decomposing 2-butyn-1,4-diol in the presence of a copper acetylide catalyst. 2-propyn-1-ol is produced at high conversion, yield, and purity.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing propynol from formaldehyde and acetylene is disclosed. In this process the acetylene is first dissolved in a dimethoxymethane solvent under strong cooling and at slight gauge pressure. The cool acetylene-containing solution is then fed to a reactor charged with formaldehyde and a catalyst.

Abstract: A process for regenerating suspended heavy metal catalysts used in the synthesis of butynediol from acetylene and formaldehyde. The aqueous catalytic slurry removed from the reaction mixture is raised to a temperature of about 200.degree. to 500.degree. C., where appropriate with air supplied, and is left at this temperature with air being supplied, until the carbon content of the catalytic substance is about 0.5 to 3%.

Abstract: A process permitting hazard free purification by distillation of compounds which are distillable per se but which present the risk of explosive decomposition under the effect of elevated temperatures. A desensitizing substance is added to the compounds to be distilled.Aliphatic alcohols for instance are suitable additives for alkinols.Examples are provided for the distillation of butinediol-1,4 together with the additive glycerin.

Abstract: A radial-flow reactor, especially for carrying out endothermic, catalytic reactions, which has a closed reactor housing defining a reactor chamber therein, a centrally arranged, first inlet duct for entry of a gaseous reactant stream and a catalyst bed disposed around the duct located within said chamber, and at least one additional outlet duct arranged on the outer rim of the housing for discharge of a gaseous product stream from said reactor chamber. A plurality of heating elements are embedded in the catalyst bed. Each heating element is constructed as a straight heating tube and each tube has one free end projecting into the reactor chamber, with a part adjacent to the other end attached to a base plate. The base plate forms a part of a wall structure defining the reactor chamber within said housing and can be detached from the wall structure. A group of the heating elements is secured to one base plate so that the group of elements and the one base plate can be removed from the reactor together.

Abstract: A process for the purification of crude alkylate from the Friedel-Crafts alkylation of aromatics comprises introducing anhydrous ammonia under anhydrous conditions into the crude alkylate(a) at a temperature of 40.degree.-70.degree. C, preferably 50.degree.-60.degree. C;(b) to a pH of 7-9, preferably 7.5-8.5; and(c) at a pressure of 0.4-25 bars, preferably 2-5 bars. During the introduction of ammonia, the crude alkylate can be agitated.