Integrated process for producing cyclic acetals and oxymethylene polymers

Abstract

A process for producing cyclic acetals is described. A formaldehyde source is contacted with an aprotic compound in the presence of a catalyst to produce the cyclic acetals. The aprotic compound can increase conversion rates and/or efficiency. In one embodiment, the formaldehyde source is obtained from methanol. In particular, methanol can be converted into formaldehyde which is then converted into a cyclic acetal. In one embodiment, the cyclic acetal can then be used to produce oxymethylene polymers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.