| abstract |
A process for the production of a lower polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof by the hydrogenation and hydrolysis of a carbohydrate. The first stage hydrogenation produces higher polyhydric alcohols, such as sorbitol. In the second stage these higher polyhydric alcohols are selectively converted under the appropriate reaction conditions to lower polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol, using a sulfide-modified ruthenium catalyst. |