| abstract |
The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of 2-bromo-2-nitro-1, 3-propanediol, according to which: I) nitromethane and one or two aqueous solutions containing formaldehyde and alkali hydroxide are intermixed, with molar ratios of formaldehyde to nitromethane of 1.9 to 2.2:1 and alkali hydroxide to nitromethane of 0.95:1 to 1.1:1, and continuously supplied to a first, cooled reaction zone; II) the aqueous reaction mixture obtained in step I) is continuously removed from the first reaction zone and is directly and continuously supplied, along with bromine, to at least one second, cooled reaction zone; and III) 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol is isolated from the aqueous reaction mixture obtained in step II). |