Development of Methods for the Synthesis of Neopentyl Glycol by Hydrogenation of Hydroxypivaldehyde

Neopentyl glycol (NPG) is a precursor for the manufacture of many valuable products of industrial importance such as polyester, polyurethane and alkyd resins, synthetic lubricants, hydraulic fluids, drugs, etc. The structure of NPG provides the resins with excellent hydrolytic stability, resistance to weather conditions, good flexibility-hardness balance, and outstanding functional properties. The paper presents a literature review on the development of methods for NPG preparation, focusing primarily on the synthesis of NPG by hydrogenation of hydroxypivaldehyde, which is obtained by the crossed aldol condensation of isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde. Preparation of the substrates, catalysts, technical and apparatus solutions, and NPG purification were discussed.