Process for the preparation of 3,3-dimethylbutanal

This invention relates to the preparation of 3,3-dimethyl butanal, and more particularly to improved processes for preparing 3,3-dimethylbutanal and precursors therefor. 3,3-Dimethylbutanal is prepared from 3,3-dimethylbutanol. Intermediate 3,3-dimethylbutanol is obtained by reacting ethylene, isopropylene and a mineral acid to produce a 3,3-dimethylbutyl ester which is hydrolyzed to the alcohol. The hydrolysis step is effectively carried out by reactive distillation. Alternatively, 3,3-dimethylbutanal is prepared from 3,3-dimethylbutanol obtained by reduction of the corresponding carboxylic acid or 1,2-epoxy-3,3-dimethylbutane, or by hydrolysis of 1-halo-3,3-dimethylbutane. Fixed bed gas phase and stirred tank liquid phase processes are provided for converting 3,3-dimethylbutanol to 3,3-dimethylbutanal by catalytic dehydrogenation.