文摘
Effective hydrolysis of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) was conducted by heating in water between 100 and 140 掳C without another catalyst. It provided 100 % purity and 100 % yield of trans-1,2-cyclohexanediol (1,2-CHD) with five times of H2O to CHO at 120 掳C for 6 h. These intermediates of polyether polyols could be totally decomposed to 1,2-CHD (monomer) by hot water under the same condition. The improved process eliminates the purification and markedly reduces the cost of 1,2-CHD in the follow-up industrial production. The main factors, such as reaction temperature, time, and water volume, were investigated. It was proposed that water acted as a modest acid catalyst, reactant, and solvent in the hydrolysis of CHO and polymers.