CATALYTIC HYDROLYSIS OF ALKYLENE OXIDES Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: industrial organic synthesis. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to production of alkylene glycols applicable in antifreeze compositions, as solvents, and starting materials in production of polyalkyleneterephthalates. Process involves alkylene oxide-water reaction in presence of catalytic composition containing a macrocyclic chelating compound complexed by an ionic compound with anion catalytically effective under reaction conditions. This macrocyclic chelating compound is generally selected from crown ethers and cryptanides and it is immobilized on the surface of or imbedded into inert solid carrier selected from inorganic oxides (silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide) and organic polymers: polystyrenes and polyacrylates. Anion is usually selected from halides, C1-C20-carboxylates, hydrocarbonates, bisulfites, acid phosphates, and metallates. Typically, alkylene oxide is ethylene oxide and alkylene glycol is ethylene glycol. Process can be carried out both in homogenous and heterogeneous systems. EFFECT: facilitated separation and recycling of catalyst (in homogenous systems) and increased heat resistance of catalyst (in heterogeneous systems). 7 cl, 2 tbl, 23 ex