Methods for Producing Triol Ethers by Reactive Distillation

Abstract

This invention relates to methods for preparing alkyl ethers from glycerin by reactive distillation. For example, the present invention provides a method for the preparation of mono-, di- and tri-ethers of glycerin, either in the presence or absence of fatty acids, contaminants by reactive distillation using solid catalysts. Specific desirable final products according to the reactive distillation method provided herein include glycerin ethers and fatty acid esters of C 4 -C 5 alcohols, such as for example, isobutanol, tert-butanol, and isoamyl alcohol.

1 . A process for the production of glycol ethers by reactive distillation, comprising:
 continuously introducing an alcohol vapor feedstream to a distillation column;   continuously introducing a glycol feedstream to the distillation column;   catalytically reacting the alcohol and glycol feedstreams in a reaction zone within the distillation column to form;   stripping water from the reaction zone with the alcohol vapor;   separating the water from the alcohol vapor and recycling the alcohol to the bottom of the distillation column;   collecting the mono-, di- and tri-glycol ether products.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the alcohol is selected from isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol and tert-butanol. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the reaction zone includes a solid ion exchange catalyst, said catalyst including SO 3 H and CO 2 H reactive groups. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the reaction zone includes trays. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the reaction zone includes structured packing. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the alcohol is introduced to the bottom of the distillation column. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the glycerin is introduced to the top of the distillation column. 
     
     
         8 . A process for the preparation of tert-butyl triol-ethers, comprising:
 continuously introducing tert-butanol to the bottom of a reactive distillation column;   continuously introducing glycerin to the top of said distillation column;   heating the alcohol to form a stripping vapor;   reacting said glycerin and said stripping vapor in a reaction zone, said reaction zone located between the top and bottom of the distillation column;   collecting said stripping vapor from the top of the distillation column;   recycling said stripping vapor to the distillation column; and   collecting a triol-ether product from the bottom of said distillation column.