| abstract |
Tetrahydrofuran is prepared by the vapor phase reaction of a compound selected from 1,4-butanediol, monoesters of 1,4-butanediol, diesters of 1,4-butanediol and mixtures thereof in the presence of water and an acid catalyst wherein the catalyst is selected from phosphoric acid on a suitable support and eta alumina at a temperature of from about 200 DEG to about 325 DEG C followed by the recovery of the tetrahydrofuran by distillation. |