TERTIARY BUTYL ALCOHOL PD PROCESS Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC C07C31/12 C07C29/04 

FIELD: industrial organic synthesis.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to production of tert-butyl alcohol suitable as solvent and intermediate in organic synthesis, in particular in production of pure isobutylene. Process comprises hydration of isobutylene at elevated temperature and pressure in column-type reaction unit filled with molded ionite catalyst in H-form at countercurrent contact of isobutylene-containing C₄-hydrocarbon fraction with water accompanied by withdrawal of exhausted C₄-fraction from the top part of reaction unit, aqueous solution of tert-butyl alcohol from its bottom part, and stream containing hydrocarbons and tert-butyl alcohol from reaction zone. Hydrocarbons are further separated from this stream and recycled to reaction unit. The latter accommodates at least two catalyst beds separated by at least one catalyst-free zone, from which above-indicated stream containing hydrocarbons and tert-butyl alcohol is withdrawn, whereas at least one of catalyst beds is composed by catalyst represented by molded mix of (i) powdered sulfated styrene/divinylbenzene copolymers having macroporous and gel structure and (ii) thermoplastic material. Fresh and recycled hydrocarbons are supplied to reaction unit at temperature by 20 to 100°C lower that temperature of water supplied to reaction unit.

EFFECT: reduced consumption of hydration water, increased degree of conversion of isobutylene and productivity, and reduced power and material consumption.

4 dwg, 5 ex