Abstract: This paper use isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde as the raw materials.
Under the reation of alkaline catalyst, they conduct a condensation reaction to prepare 2,2-dimethyl-3- hydroxymethyl-propionaldehyde (Hydroxyl valeraldehyde) at first, and then conduct a disproportionation reaction to prepare Neopentyl Glycol. In the reaction, we can obtain the mixed solution of NPG and sodium formate. After decompression dehydration, we need to select the appropriate solvent such as acetone to extract the product. When it cools to room temperature ,we need to decompress the filter, obtain the filtrate (neopentyl glycol solution), distillate and recover the solvent. In the experiment, we discuss the influence of catalyst type, concentration and reaction temperature. At last, we get the most suitable catalyst concentration (condensation dosage is 0.011 mol, disproportionation dosage is 0.5 mol) and the best reaction conditions (condensation temperature is 40 degree and disproportionation temperature is 40 degree).
The experimental method costs little and has a mild conditions. However, there is a large ammount of by-product sodium in the reaction products. Their removal is the major problem.