Process for producing polyols

A process for producing polyols (such as neopentyl glycol) is disclosed which comprises reacting formaldehyde and another aldehyde in the presence of a trialkylamine catalyst and a base promoter to form an Aldol condensation reaction product. The base promoter improves removal of nitrogen containing salts prior to hydrogenation of the hydroxy aldehyde to produce the polyol. The improved process also reduces trialkylamine catalyst usage, improves trialkylamine catalyst recovery, and reduces nitrogen-containing salts prior to hydrogenation.