US 7,615,671 B2
Hydrogenation process for the preparation of 1,2-diols
Thomas Allen Puckette, Longview, Tex. (US); and Kenneth Wayne Hampton, Jr., Gladewater, Tex. (US)
Assigned to Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tenn. (US)
Filed on Nov. 20, 2008, as Appl. No. 12/274,787.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/991529, filed on Nov. 30, 2007.
Prior Publication US 2009/0143612 A1, Jun. 04, 2009
Int. Cl. C07C 29/149 (2006.01); C07C 29/141 (2006.01); C07C 29/145 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 568—864  [568/862; 568/863] 15 Claims
 
1. A process for preparing a 1,2-diol, which comprises contacting a 1,2-dioxygenated organic compound, with the exception of oxalic acid or ester thereof, with hydrogen, under hydrogenation conditions, in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising:
(a) a ruthenium compound;
(b) a trivalent phosphorus compound selected from 1,1,1-tris(diarylphosphinomethyl)alkyl or substituted alkyl; and
(c) a promoter selected from Lewis acids, protic acids having an ionization constant (Ki) of 5×10−3 or greater, onium salts, and mixtures thereof;
wherein said catalyst components (a)-(c) are dissolved in an organic solvent, to produce a 1,2-diol.