process for producing ethylene glycol by reaction of methanol, an organic peroxide and formaldehyde

摘要

Ethylene glycol is prepared by reacting methanol, formaldehyde and no more than 6 weight percent based on the feed composition of an organic peroxide in the presence of water. The organic peroxide has the formula R-O-O-R1 wherein R and R1 are each an alkyl or aralkyl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms.