Process for preparing TCD-alcohol DM

1. A process for preparing 3(4), 8(9)-dihydroxymethyltricyclo[5.2.10 2,6 ]-decane comprising hydrogenating the hydroformylation products of dicyclopentadiene in the presence of water, optionally after addition of water, whereas the hydroformylation products of dicyclopentadiene are fed to the hydrogenation stage without further purification and without catalyst removal.

2. The process of claim 1 , wherein the water is added before or during hydrogenation.

3. The process of claim 1 , wherein water is added to the reaction mixture in the hydrogenation to a content of from 0.5 to 5.0% by weight, based on the total use amount.

4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenation is effected in the presence of aliphatic alcohols.

5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of nickel catalysts.

6. The process of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenation is carried out at a temperature of from 70 to 170° C. and at a pressure of from 1 to 30 MPa.

7. The process of claim 1 , wherein the hydroformylation products of dicycylopentadiene are obtained by hydroformylation in homogeneous organic phase in the presence of homogeneously dissolved rhodium catalysts.

8. The process of claim 7 , wherein the hydroformylation is effected in the presence of water.

9. The process of claim 8 , wherein water is present in an amount of at least 0.1% by weight, based on the total use.

10. The process of claim 9 , wherein the water content is from 0.5 to 2.5% by weight, based on the total use.

11. The process of claim 9 wherein the water content is 1.0 to 2.0% by weight.

12. The process of claim 3 wherein the water is added to a content of 1.0 to 4.0% by weight.

13. The process of claim 10 wherein the amount of water is at least 0.5 by weight.