Processes for making cyclohexane compounds

Abstract

This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compound dissolved in a solvent, wherein the solvent comprises at least about 50% by weight of a tertiary cyclic amide solvent compound. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tertiary cyclic amide solvent compound has the structure depicted in formula I or II: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein R is selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl, alkyl-substituted aryl, and alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl, and wherein R has from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally possesses on or more hydroxyl group. 
       
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein R has one or two carbon atoms. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one tertiary amide solvent compound has the structure depicted in formula I. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein R has one or two carbon atoms. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein R is an unsubstituted alkyl group selected from methyl and ethyl. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein R is 2-hydroxyethyl 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein at least about 80% by weight of the solvent is at least one tertiary cyclic amide solvent compound. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent further comprises isopropyl alcohol.