Formaldehyde modem catalyst

Two key intermediates in the production of vitamin A are citral and the so-called C5 aldehyde. In the modem routes to these intermediates, developed by BASF and Hoffmann-La Roche, catalytic technologies are used (see Fig. 2.29 and 2.30). Thus, in the synthesis of citral, the key intermediate is 2-methyl-l-butene-4-ol, formed by acid-catalyzed condensation of isobutene with formaldehyde. Air oxidation of this alcohol over a silver catalyst at 500°C (the same catalyst as is used for the oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde) affords the corresponding aldehyde. Isomerization of 2-methyl-l-butene-4-ol over a palladium-on-charcoal catalyst affords 2-methyl-2-butene-4-ol. The latter is then reacted with the aldehyde from the oxidation step to form an enol ether. Thermal Claisen rearrangement of the enol ether gives citral (see Fig. 2.29). 

Phenolic adhesives are structural adhesives with specific applications, e.g. where wide gap bonding is required and where large structures need to be bonded. Phenolic resins are the product of a special reaction ratio of a phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of an organic catalyst. There are two main types of phenolic resins phenol or methylol terminated. The phenol terminated are called novalacs, while the methylol terminated are called resoles (one step resins). Modem phenolic resins are prepared in the presence of metal carboxylates and these resins contain a large number of benzylic ether linkages and have open para positions which have good temperature stability and are usually of low viscosity. 

Additives such as chromium or cobalt oxides can stabihze the catalyst. In Table 4.5, catalyst compositions and operating conditions in modem formaldehyde processes are shown. 

---