Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the purification of a feed comprising monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid wherein the feed is subjected to a catalytic hydrodechlorination step by contacting it with a source of hydrogen to convert dichloroacetic acid into monochloroacetic acid in the presence of a solid heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst comprising a Group VIII noble metal on a carrier under hydrodechlorination conditions, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst enhancer which comprises a salt of a metal selected from the group of non-noble metals of Group VIII, Group VIB, Group VIIB, and Group IIB. It was found that the presence of a catalyst enhancer leads to reduced deactivation of the catalyst and/or increased activity of the spent catalyst. This allows longer production cycles, less downtime, and lower formation of side products.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the purification of a feed comprising monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid wherein the feed is subjected to a catalytic hydrodechlorination step by contacting it with a source of hydrogen to convert dichloroacetic acid into monochloroacetic acid in the presence of a solid heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst comprising a Group VIII noble metal on a carrier under hydrodechlorination conditions, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst enhancer which comprises a salt of a metal selected from the group of non-noble metals of Group VIII, Group VIB, Group VIIB, and Group IIB. It was found that the presence of a catalyst enhancer leads to reduced deactivation of the catalyst and/or increased activity of the spent catalyst. This allows longer production cycles, less downtime, and lower formation of side products.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for separating monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid from one another via extractive distillation using (a) an extractive agent that is chemically stable and has a BF3 affinity of between 65 kJ/mole and 110 kJ/mole and (b) an organic solvent that is either an acid with a lowest pKa of between 3.0 and 6.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for separating monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid from one another via extractive distillation, comprising the steps of (i) contacting a mixture comprising monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid with an extractive agent which is chemically stable and which has a BF3 affinity of between 65 kJ/mole and 110 kJ/mole, (ii) distilling the mixture to obtain a monochloroacetic acid stream and a stream comprising dichloroacetic acid and the extractive agent, and (iii) regenerating the extractive agent.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for separating monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid from one another via extractive distillation, comprising the steps of (i) contacting a mixture comprising monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid with an extractive agent which is chemically stable and which has a BF3 affinity of between 65 kJ/mole and 110 kJ/mole, (ii) distilling the mixture to obtain a monochloroacetic acid stream and a stream comprising dichloroacetic acid and the extractive agent, and (iii) regenerating the extractive agent.