Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyols having 3 or 4 hydroxyl groups, from an aldehyde and formaldehyde in the presence of water, followed by hydrogenation of the aldolisation product in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at an elevated temperature. The aledhyde is obtained by an aldolisation reaction of an aldehyde having at least two &agr;-hydrogen atoms and a formula according to R1CH2CHO, wherein R1 is selected from a group comprising hydrogen, alkyl groups having 1-7 carbon atoms which can have cycloalkyl substituents, cycloalkyl groups, aryl groups and aralkyl groups with 1-7 carbon atoms is the alkyl chain, with formaldehyde in the presence of water in an amount of 20-70 wt %, preferably 40-60 wt % and in the presence of an anion exchange resin. The hydrogenation is preferably carried out in the presence of water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for preparing heterogeneous catalysts. According to the method, preparation is carried out under such process conditions in which the bonding of compounds from the gas phase onto the surface of a support material is primarily determined by the properties of the support surface. The constituents contained in the reagent are then selectively bonded to the bonding sites of the support material surface, thus forming stable surface bonds. According to the invention, the number of surface-bond sites available for preparing a stable product with surface bonds is controlled by varying the reaction temperature and/or selecting a suitable reagent. The invention makes it possible to control the metal content of the end product at a predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyols having 3 or 4 hydroxyl groups, from an aldehyde and formaldehyde in the presence of water, followed by hydrogenation of the aldolisation product in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at an elevated temperature. The aledhyde is obtained by an aldolisation reaction of an aldehyde having at least two &agr;-hydrogen atoms and a formula according to R1CH2CHO, wherein R1 is selected from a group comprising hydrogen, alkyl groups having 1-7 carbon atoms which can have cycloalkyl substituents, cycloalkyl groups, aryl groups and aralkyl groups with 1-7 carbon atoms is the alkyl chain, with formaldehyde in the presence of water in an amount of 20-70 wt %, preferably 40-60 wt % and in the presence of an anion exchange resin. The hydrogenation is preferably carried out in the presence of water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol. According to the process, a reaction mixture is formed, containing 2-ethylhexanal and formaldehyde, into which an hydroxide compound is fed, whereby 2-ethylhexanal and formaldehyde are reacted to to produce 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol. According to the invention, the hydroxide compound is incrementally fed into the reaction mixture. Preferably the hydroxide compound is fed at least at two input rates, in such a way that the heat production of the reaction between 2-ethylhexanal and formaldehyde immediately after each increase of the input rate of the hydroxide compound, is at least almost the same. The invention allows for the production of BEPD in a controlled and safe manner, with excellent yields.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyvalent alcohols by hydrogenation of an aldehyde. According to the invention said aldehyde is obtained by aldolisation reaction of an aldehyde containing an &agr; hydrogen atom and having the formula R1CHO, or the mixture of said aldehyde with a second different aldehyde having the formula or R2CHO, wherein R1 is selected from alkyl having 1-12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl, aryl and aralkyl having 1-14 carbon atoms, and R2 is selected from H, alkyl having 1-12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl, aryl and aralkyl having 1-14 carbon atoms, said aldolisation being carried out in the presence of a weak base anion exchange resin, and the hydrogenation being carried out in the presence of a solvent and a hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a catalyst suited to the aromatization reaction of light hydrocarbons. Such a heterogeneous catalyst contains zinc bound to a zeolite support material. The catalyst in accordance with the invention is prepared by adsorbing the zinc onto the surface of the zeolite support material directly from the vapor phase by way of chemisorption. The zeolite compound acting thus as the support material is here heated to a temperature which is above the condensation temperature of the zinc vapor. Advantageously, the preparation has been carried out at temperatures above 390.degree. C. The zinc vapor has been brought to contact the zeolite support material, whereby the vapor pressure of zinc is maintained sufficiently high and the duration of its interaction with the support material sufficiently long so as to provide at least one equal amount of or, preferably, an excess of zinc in relation to the available binding sites of the support material.