Abstract: A solid supported catalyst suitable for the vapor phase carbonylation of lower aliphatic alcohols, ethers, ester, and ester-alcohol mixtures, and desirably, methanol, to produce acetic acid, methyl acetate and mixtures thereof. The solid supported catalyst includes an effective amount of iridium and at least one second metal selected from group metals of the periodic table of elements, their respective salts and mixtures thereof associated with a solid support material. Desirably, the support material is selected from carbon, activated carbon, pumice, alumina, silica, silica-alumina, magnesia, diatomaceous earth, bauxite, titania, zirconia, clay, magnesium silicate, silicon carbide, zeolites, ceramics and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A catalyst in carbonylation processes for producing esters, carboxylic acids, and carboxylic acid anhydrides from lower alkyl alcohols, ethers, esters, alcohol producing derivatives. The catalyst includes a catalytically active metal selected from Group VIII metals, tin mixtures thereof associated with a carbonized polysulfonated divinylbenzene-styrene copolymer.