| abstract |
A process is disclosed for preparing mixtures of low molecular weight polyhydroxyl compounds and hydroxyaldehydes and hydroxyketones by condensing formaldehyde hydrate with itself in the presence of (I) as catalyst a soluble or insoluble compound of a metal of the first to eighth sub-group or second to fourth main group of the Periodic System of Elements, optionally bound to a high molecular weight carrier, and (II) more than 10% by weight, based on formaldehyde, of one or more dihydric or higher hydric low molecular weight alcohols and/or higher molecular weight polyhydroxyl compounds. The pH of the reaction mixture is held at 5.5 to 9.0 until 5-40% conversion has occurred and is then lowered to between 4.5 and 8.0 (0.5-2.0 pH units lower). The reaction is then stopped by inactivating the catalyst. |