PURPOSE: To obtain the titled compound, especially a monoalkylene glycol, in high selectivity, by the hydration of an alkylene oxide, in the presence of CO2 and a catalyst containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Fe, Co and Ni.
CONSTITUTION: An alkylene oxide is hydrated in the presence of CO2 and a compound as a catalyst containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Fe, Co and Ni, e.g. aluminum chloride or silicon tetrachloride, in an amount of 0.1W10wt% based on the alkylene oxide, at relatively low temperatures, and converted into a monoalkylene glycol completely.
EFFECT: Almost no production of a polyalkylene glycol, simplicity and economy.
USE: A raw material for a polyester, polyether, antifreeze, surfactant, etc.
YAMAMOTO TAKESHI
KUMAZAWA TOSHIHIKO
