Process for producing C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 ethylene alcohols

Abstract

The process for producing C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 ethylene alcohols of the formula: ##STR1## wherein (a) R.sub.1 is --CH.sub.2 OH, R.sub.2 =R.sub.3 =--H; (b) R.sub.1 is --H, R.sub.2 =--CH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =--CH.sub.3 or --C.sub.6 H.sub.11 comprises hydrogenation of acetylene alcohols of the formula: ##STR2## wherein (a) R.sub.1 is CH.sub.2 OH, R.sub.2 =R.sub.3 =--H; (b) R.sub.1 is --H, R.sub.2 is --CH.sub.3, R.sub.3 is --CH.sub.3 or --C.sub.6 H.sub.11, in the form of technical products in the liquid phase on a membrane catalyst made of an alloy consisting of palladium and ruthenium at a mass ratio therebetween of 90-94:10-6 respectively. Hydrogenation of said alcohols is effected by means of hydrogen diffusing through a membrane catalyst at a temperature of from 60.degree. to 180.degree. C. under atmospheric pressure of hydrogen. The process is simple in its scheme and the equipment employed. It avoids losses of noble metals of the catalyst and makes it possible to obtain the desired products in a yield of up to 99.2% of the theoretical, as well as to use both pure and technical hydrogen. It can be effected both discontinuously and continuously. The catalyst employed retains its activity for a long time and can be easily regenerated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.