REACTION-KINETICS OF THE ALDOL CONDENSATION OF MIXED C-7 ALDEHYDES

A novel process couples hydroformylation with aldol condensation to form detergent alcohols from low-cost branched hexenes. Kinetic studies for the aldol condensation of the hydroformylation products, mixed heptanals, were performed to find ways of increasing the very slow reaction rates. The effects of co-solvent concentration, base concentration, batch residence times, temperature and aldehyde concentration were evaluated in batch experimental runs. Results showed that increasing the concentration of a methanol co-solvent and of the NaOH gave faster reaction rates. Separate kinetic models were developed for the alpha -branched aldehydes and for the aldehydes unbranched at the alpha -position. Complete kinetic equations were derived and rate constants at 110 degree C were determined for each aldehyde.