Method of extraction of tetrahydrofuran from mixtures containing tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-butanediol, gamma-butyrolactone and amber acid esters.

摘要

A process is claimed for the prodn of THF from mixts (I) contg THF, butane-1,4-diol (II), gamma-butyrolactone (III), succinate esters and alcohols, which are obtd by the catalytic hydrogenation of maleic, succinic or fumaric acid, or esters thereof, or maleic or succinic anhydride, in the presence of alcohols; the process comprises distn of the THF, alcohols and water, heating the residue at 100-250 deg C in the presence of a layer silicate (IV), distn of the THF and water formed in the reaction, and sepn of THF from the distillate. More specifically, (I) are produced by hydrogenation of maleic anhydride (MA) in the presence of butanols, and contain THF, butanol, propanol, (II), (III), dibutyl succinate (V) and water; distn of (I) before treatment with (IV) gives THF, propanol, butanol and water; traces of catalyst components are removed from the mixt before treatment with (IV).