DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF 1,2-CYCLOHEXANEDIOL AS A STAGE OF PYROCATECHOL PRODUCTION

Data are given on the operation of a pilot unit for the production of 1,2-cyclohexanediol, a semiproduct in the process chain proposed for t he synthesis of pyrocatechol. On the basis of the work carried out, th e optimum conditions for the process of 1,2-cyclohexanediol production have been determined. It has been shown that, for the selective produ ction of 1,2-cyclohexanediol, the heterophase reaction of hydrogen per oxide with cyclohexene must be carried out under the following conditi ons: temperature 40-70 degrees C; the initial hydrogen peroxide concen tration is no higher than 35 mole/l; maximum initial concentration of heteropolyphosphoric acid 0.014 mole/l; initial concentration of inter phase transfer catalyst 0.011 mole/l; volume ratio of organic and aque ous phases 2:1. Under these conditions of the heterophase reaction of hydrogen peroxide with cyclohexene, the target product (1,2-cyclohexan ediol) yield amounts to at least 80-90 mol.%.