Acetalization of aldehyde oils by catalysis with cation-exchange resins

Aldehyde oils produced on a pilot-plant scale gradually polymerized at room temperature and became extremely viscous or solidified in a few weeks. Initial viscosity level was maintained by converting the oils to acetals by use of a strong cation resin catalyst which, it was found, does not cause appreciable transesterification. Aldehyde conversion was determined by infrared absorbance at 2720 cm−1. The effects of amount of alcohol and resin on degree of conversion were studied. Storage studies indicate that the acetal oils must be protected from oxidation.