The Halcon Sd Group, Inc.

Halcon International, Inc.

Kowabunga Patent & Trademark 1 LLC

Chun Fei Chueh

Stephen E Jacobson

Paul Scharf

Adaptor

A process for the preparation and purification of a glycol aldehyde intermediate which is later hydrogenated to ethylene glycol is disclosed. The process proceeds via the catalytic reaction of formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hydrogen and utilizes a novel class of lipophilic rhodium phosphine amide catalysts and an effective solvent mixture, which enables efficient catalyst separation and recycle without the loss of a substantial amount of the expensive catalyst.

Process for the production of ethylene glycol through the

Ethylene glycol or 1,2-propylene glycol contained in mixtures with lower carboxylate esters of the glycol is recovered by azeotropic distillation of the mixtures with an azeotroping agent forming a minimum boiling azeotrope with the ethylene glycol or the 1,2-propylene glycol, the distillation being effected with reflux of azeotroping agent as well as controlled reflux of the glycol to the distillation zone.

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Jamaica, NY, United States of America

Chun Fei Chueh