Battelle Development Corporation

Maynard M Baldwin

Robert E Wyant

Luther E Vaaler

A process for making symmetrical alkanediols and the bis-ethers thereof by electrochemically coupling the haloalkylethers that are the equivalent of one-half of the symmetrical bis-ether. A symmetrical alkanediol may be obtained from the symmetrical bis-ether. The method significantly increases the yield of alkanediols as for example 1,4-butanediol from electrochemical processes.

Process for making symmetrical alkanediols and the bis-ethers thereof

Disclosed is a method for making an .alpha.-, .omega.-dihydroxy-terminated alkane, preferably butane-1,4-diol, by cathodically coupling a polymethylene halohydrin, preferably ethylene bromo-, or iodohydrin, in an aqueous elctrolytic bath maintained at a pH of between about 8 and 10.

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Columbus, OH, United States of America

Maynard M Baldwin