Synthesis of Higher Alcohols

Abstract

Long-chain alcohols are valuable raw materials in the detergent, textile and leather industries. Total synthesis from olefins is highly capital intensive, and feasible only when undertaken Ln large petrochemical complexes. Much smaller installations, however, 1.5-3.0 t/h in size, can be built using a process of selective hydrogenation of the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids supplied by the domestic market. The main reaction is reduction of the carboxylic group of fatty acids. The selectivity of the process ensures only partial saturation of the double bond in unsaturated acids and prevents deep hydrogenation of neutral hydrocarbons.