868. ------. [GREESHAM, W. F., AND BROOKS, R. E.] (E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.). Synthesis of polyhydroxy Compounds. United States Patent 2,451,333. Oct. 12, 1948. Chem. Abs., vol. 43. 1949. p. 673.

Patent Abstracts

Poly-HO compounds are produced by reaction between HCHO, CO, and H₂ in the presence of a hydrogenating catalyst, preferably a Co derivative and an inert solvent, such as HCO₂Me. Thus, paraformaldehyde 31.6 gm., HCO₂Me 123 ml., and sintered Co oxide catalyst 10 gm. were heated in a Ag-lined shaker tube 2 hr. at 150º-157º and 500-700 atm. pressure of a gas, which was 11 vol. CO to 2 vol. H₂. On distillation there was obtained 6.8 gm. mixed poly-HO compounds, b₃ 58º to b₆ 174º. The product may be further hydrogenated in MeOH solution with Cu chromite catalyst to give ethylene glycol and glycerol and other lower molecular products.