Process for preparing relatively long-chain polyalkylene glycol diethers

Abstract

The invention provides a process for preparing alkylene glycol diethers of the formula (I)

Description

Claims

1. A process for preparing alkylene glycol diethers of the formula (I)

2. The process as claimed in claim 1, in which R1 is H or methyl.

3. The process as claimed in claim 1, in which R2 is hydrogen.

4. The process of claim 1, in which n is from 15 to 300.

5. The process of claim 1, in which the Raney nickel catalyst contains from 0.2 to 25% by weight of one or more other metals selected from transition groups I, VI and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

6. The process of claim 1, in which the metals from transition groups I, VI and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements are selected from the group consisting of palladium, iron, molybdenum, copper, chromium, cobalt, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and mixtures thereof.

7. The process of claim 1, in which the metals from transition groups I, VI and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements are doped with the Raney nickel on the same support material, or are added to the catalyst on a separate support material.