Dsm N.v.

Abram Peet

Otto G Plantema

Jacob Van Soolingen

Hendricus J Rozie

Alexander P M Vrinzen

Christiaan J C Stoelwinder

Process for the preparation of benzyl alcohol via hydrolysis of a benzyl ester with water in the liquid phase, the hydrolysis being carried out in the absence of a strong acid and a base at a temperature between 40&deg; C. and 320&deg; C. The benzyl ester to be hydrolyzed can be chosen from the group comprising benzyl formiate, benzyl propionate, benzyl acetate and benzyl benzoate. A weak acid may optionally be added to the reaction mixture to be hydrolyzed. After the hydrolysis the reaction mixture is preferably cooled to a temperature between 80&deg; C. and 180&deg; C. so that a phase separation takes place. Both the organic phase and the aqueous phase can be upgraded. As such, benzyl alcohol can be obtained with a high overall yield and a purity of more than 98%.

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Maassluis, Netherlands

Abram Peet