2219. MERTZWEILLER, J. K. (Standard Oil Development Co.). Metal Treatment of Oxo Alcohols. United States Patent 2,585,816, Feb. 12, 1952; appl. filed June 1, 1950, Serial No. 165,407; 9 claims (Cl. 260-643).

An Oxo alcohol, having 4-12 C atoms produced by the reaction of CO and H₂ on an olefin and the aldehydic product reduced with H₂, is purified from sulfurous, color-producing bodies by contacting the alcohol, freed from the more volatile components, at 25°-180° and < its boiling point with a metal selected from the group consisting of Hg, Cu, and Ni. A treating time of 1-6 hr. is considered satisfactory, while substantially neutral conditions are advised. For highest operating efficiency free H₂ should not be present.