Shell Oil Comapny

Hendrik Johannes Van Milligen

Peter Veenstra

Processes and reactors for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkylene oxide are provided. In one embodiment, a reactor is provided comprising a carboxylation zone, a hydrolysis zone, and a channel whereby carbon dioxide can be supplied from the hydrolysis zone to the carboxylation zone, wherein the carboxylation zone and the hydrolysis zone are contained within one reactor vessel and wherein the carboxylation zone is separated from the hydrolysis zone by an internal baffle.

Process for the preparation of alkylene glycol

The invention provides a process and a reactor for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkylene oxide. Alkylene oxide, water, a homogeneous carboxylation catalyst and a homogenous hydrolysis catalyst are supplied to a reactor comprising a carboxylation zone and a hydrolysis zone. One or more ejectors are used to mix carbon dioxide and the liquid reagents in the carboxylation zone so that alkylene oxide reacts with carbon dioxide in the presence of water in the carboxylation zone to form a reaction solution comprising alkylene carbonate, water, the homogeneous carboxylation catalyst and the homogeneous hydrolysis catalyst. The reaction solution is supplied from the carboxylation zone to a hydrolysis zone, wherein alkylene carbonate and water react to form a product solution comprising alkylene glycol, the homogeneous carboxylation catalyst and the homogeneous hydrolysis catalyst. Carbon dioxide released by the reaction of alkylene carbonate and water in the hydrolysis zone is supplied to the carboxylation zone. Product solution is withdrawn from the hydrolysis zone.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hendrik Johannes Van Milligen