Process and catalyst for preparing 1,4-butanediol
AssigneeEvonik Operations GmbH
InventorsMonika Berweiler, Markus Göttlinger, Meike Roos, Matthias Schwarz, René Poss
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1,4-butanediol (BDO) by hydrogenating 2-butyne-1,4-diol (BYD) or 4-hydroxybutanal (4-HBA) in the presence of a catalyst of the Raney type having a porous foam structure, wherein the macroscopic pores have sizes in the range of 100 to 5000 μm, and a bulk density of up to 0.8 kg/L.
Claims20
A process for preparing 1,4-butanediol by hydrogenating 2-butyne-1,4-diol or 4-hydroxybutanal, said method comprising contacting an aqueous solution comprising 2-butyne-1,4-diol or 4-hydroxybutanal with hydrogen and an activated nickel catalyst, wherein said activated nickel catalyst comprises:
- a) a porous foam structure;
- b) macroscopic pores in the range of 100 to 5000 μm;
- c) a bulk density of not more than 0.8 kg/L.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.