Process for producing low color glycols

Abstract

The present invention provides a process for producing low color glycols that comprises altering at least one condition of a reaction component and/or process stream within the process to be unfavorable for the formation of at least one color-producing contaminant intermediate. As such, such intermediates may be reduced in concentration, or even eliminated entirely, from glycols produced by the process. Since they are not present, or are present in reduced number, the intermediates cannot form color-producing contaminants in the glycols, and low color glycols are provided to the customer. Any condition that can discourage the formation of color forming contaminant intermediates can be adjusted, although conditions that can be adjusted by materials or equipment already utilized in the process, e.g., temperature, pressure, pH, concentration of a color-forming contaminant precursor, the presence of one or more solvents or catalysts favorable for the production of the color-producing contaminant or contaminant intermediate, and the like, are preferred.