Process for the production of 1,3-propanediol

Abstract

1,3-Propanediol produced in a known manner by catalytic hydrogenation of 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (HPA) obtainable from acrolein has a high residual carbonyl content and leads to problems in the production of poly(1,3-propylene glycol terephthalate). Disclosed is a process for producing 1,3-propanediol having a residual carbonyl content, expressed as propionaldehyde, below 500 ppm and generally below 100 ppm produced in the presence of a fixed-bed or suspension hydrogenation catalyst under an H.sub.2 pressure of 5 to 300 bar providing the hydrogenation is carried out at 30.degree. to 80.degree. C. to an HPA conversion of 50 to 95% and is then continued at 100.degree. to 180.degree. C. to an HPA conversion of substantially 100%.

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