Process for separating alkoxyketone compounds from the corresponding 1-alkoxy-2-alkanol compound

A process for separating an alkoxyketone compound from a feed mixture of the alkoxyketone compound and the corresponding 1-alkoxy-2-alkanol compound which comprises:

• A. introducing an extractant solvent selected from the group of aliphatic diols, triols and polyols having from two to six carbon atoms into an extractive distillation zone;
• B. introducing said feed mixture into said extractive distillation zone at a point above the bottom thereof and below the point of entry of said extractant solvent, wherein said feed mixture contains an organic or inorganic base in an amount sufficient to raise the pH to 8 or greater;
• C. subjecting the resulting mixture to extractive distillation in said extractive distillation zone;
• and
• D. recovering at the top of said extractive distillation zone a distillate fraction containing alkoxyketon compound and said extractant solvent substantially free of the corresponding 1-alkoxy-2-alkanol compound.