PURPOSE: To obtain the titled compound in high selectivity at a low cost, by hydrogenating 2-hydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyran in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst consisting of a molybdenum-modified Raney-Ni catalyst.
CONSTITUTION: The titled compound useful as a raw material for polyester polyol can be produced by hydrogenating 2-hydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyran in the presence of 0.1W10wt.%, preferably 0.5W5wt.% (in terms of metal based on the reaction mixture) of a molybdenum-modified Raney-Ni catalyst (preferably a catalyst modified with 0.1W10wt.% of molybdenum based on nickel) at 1W100atm., preferably 2W20atm., especially 5W15atm. at 50W180°C, preferably 80W140°C preferably using the reaction product as a reaction solvent. The industrial advantages of the process are e.g. quantitative production of the objective compound even under low pressure condition, the repeated use of the catalyst with little lowering of the catalytic activity, etc.
TOKITO YASUO
YOSHIMURA NORIAKI