ABSTRACT
Diols and triols are key intermediates in the industrial production of lubricants, surface coatings and synthetic resins. The classical pathway in the diol synthesis is based on the use of alkali-catalyzed aldolization followed by the Cannizzaro reaction [1]. Equilibrium amounts of sodium formate ions (i.e. formic acid) are formed in the traditional reaction route. This is a serious drawback since formate has to be separated from the product mixture. The producer of diols and triols is forced to deal with a component which has a low market value.
