A process is incorporated herein for the synthesis of bio-1,2-alkanediols, comprising: providing a bio-alkene having a carbon chain of about 5 to about 20 carbon atoms and a bio-1-alkene regioselectivity of at least about 80%, at least about 92% and/or at least about 95%; and converting the bio-alkene to a bio-1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain length of about 5 to about 20 carbon atoms. Methods for treating catalysts which may be incorporated in the process for the synthesis of bio-1,2-alkanediols are also included herein. Such bio-1,2-alkanediols are used in compositions and products alone as antimicrobial materials, or with existing bio-compounds and/or antimicrobials, preservatives, alternative preservation systems and/or hurdle technology components. The bio-1,2-alkanediols incorporate a natural and bio-based pathway for antimicrobial effects in various compositions such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, industrial and household products.

A method for producing isopropyl alcohol is provided in which propylene is hydrated directly with water to produce isopropyl alcohol, the method including: a distillation step in which crude isopropyl alcohol is distilled; and a filtration step in which the isopropyl alcohol obtained in the distillation step is filtered through a filter having an ion-exchange group.

A method for producing isopropyl alcohol is provided in which propylene is hydrated directly with water to produce isopropyl alcohol, the method including: a distillation step in which crude isopropyl alcohol is distilled; and a filtration step in which the isopropyl alcohol obtained in the distillation step is filtered through a filter having an ion-exchange group.

A method for producing isopropyl alcohol is provided in which propylene is hydrated directly with water to produce isopropyl alcohol, the method including: a distillation step in which crude isopropyl alcohol is distilled; and a filtration step in which the isopropyl alcohol obtained in the distillation step is filtered through a filter having an ion-exchange group.

Suggested are 1,2-alkanediols of formula (I) HOCH.sub.2—CH(OH)—R.sup.1 in which R.sup.1 stands for an alkyl radical having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, said diols being substantially free of lactones and/or peroxides.

Suggested are 1,2-alkanediols of formula (I) HOCH.sub.2—CH(OH)—R.sup.1 in which R.sup.1 stands for an alkyl radical having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, said diols being substantially free of lactones and/or peroxides.

A method for preparing 1,2-propanediol involves reacting propene with hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst and a heteropolytungstate, in a liquid reaction mixture containing an aqueous phase with a maximum apparent pH of 6 and an organic phase containing a solvent having a solubility in water at 20° C. of less than 500 mg/kg. The method then involves separating the liquid reaction mixture into an aqueous phase containing 1,2-propanediol and an organic phase; recycling at least a part of the separated organic phase to the reaction; and extracting the separated aqueous phase with an extractant solution containing the same phase transfer catalyst and solvent as used in the reaction to provide an extracted aqueous phase and an extract phase. The method further involves recycling at least a part of the extract phase to the reaction and recovering 1,2-propanediol from the extracted aqueous phase.

A method for preparing 1,2-propanediol involves reacting propene with hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst and a heteropolytungstate, in a liquid reaction mixture containing an aqueous phase with a maximum apparent pH of 6 and an organic phase containing a solvent having a solubility in water at 20° C. of less than 500 mg/kg. The method then involves separating the liquid reaction mixture into an aqueous phase containing 1,2-propanediol and an organic phase; recycling at least a part of the separated organic phase to the reaction; and extracting the separated aqueous phase with an extractant solution containing the same phase transfer catalyst and solvent as used in the reaction to provide an extracted aqueous phase and an extract phase. The method further involves recycling at least a part of the extract phase to the reaction and recovering 1,2-propanediol from the extracted aqueous phase.

A submerged propylene hydration micro-interface strengthening reaction system and a method are proposed. The system includes a reactor, a first micro-interface generator and a second micro-interface generator. Through the micro-interface generators, the propylene is broken to form micron-scale bubbles, which are mixed with reactants and deionized water to form a gas-liquid emulsion, so as to increase a phase boundary area between gas and liquid phases, and achieve a strengthening mass transfer effect under a lower preset operating condition. The micro-scale bubbles can be fully mixed with the deionized water to from a gas-liquid emulsion. By fully mixing gas and liquid phases, it can ensure that the deionized water in the system is in full contact with propylene, and they are fully in contact with the catalyst, which effectively improves the efficiency of preparing isopropanol.

A submerged propylene hydration micro-interface strengthening reaction system and a method are proposed. The system includes a reactor, a first micro-interface generator and a second micro-interface generator. Through the micro-interface generators, the propylene is broken to form micron-scale bubbles, which are mixed with reactants and deionized water to form a gas-liquid emulsion, so as to increase a phase boundary area between gas and liquid phases, and achieve a strengthening mass transfer effect under a lower preset operating condition. The micro-scale bubbles can be fully mixed with the deionized water to from a gas-liquid emulsion. By fully mixing gas and liquid phases, it can ensure that the deionized water in the system is in full contact with propylene, and they are fully in contact with the catalyst, which effectively improves the efficiency of preparing isopropanol.