| abstract |
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1,3-alkandiols fromn3-hydroxyesters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a processnfor preparing 1,3-alkandiols from 3-hydroxyesters, which comprisingnhydrogenating 3-hydroxyesters in an alcohol-containing solvent in the presencenof a novel hydrogenation catalyst, wherein said alcohol-containing solvent is anpure alcohol or a mixed solvent consisting of an alcohol and a high-boiling pointnsolvent which boils at a higher temperature than the 1, 3-alkandiol does, and saidncatalyst was prepared by adding alkaline precipitator, such as alkali metalncarbonates or sodium hydroxide, to an aqueous solution containing copper salt tonform particles, and then ageing said particles following addition of colloidalnsilica thereto. According to the process of the present invention, 1,3-alkandiolsncan be selectively produced from 3-hydroxyesters in a high yield. |