| abstract |
A process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol from terephthalic acid is disclosed. In a two-step process, terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl) methanol and the terephthalate ester is hydrogenated with 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol. The (4-methylcyclohexyl) methanol formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a process for the purification and recovery of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol product. |