Abstract: A carbonylation catalyst useful for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid, acetic anhydride or both comprises a polymer support containing pendant pyrrolidone groups which support a rhodium species. Other polymeric supports capable of withstanding carbonylation temperatures of at least 150.degree. C. are disclosed for the carbonylation reaction in which rhodium levels in the reaction medium of greater than 500 ppm are contemplated.

Abstract: Esters such as methyl acetate which contain carbonyl impurities including aldehydes are purified by adding to the esters an amino compound which reacts with the carbonyls to form water soluble nitrogenous derivatives, separating an organic ester phase from an aqueous derivative phase, and distilling the ester phase to further remove heavier impurities. The formation of nitrile from the nitrogenous derivative is minimized by adding water to the distillation column or washing the aqueous bottoms from distillation with water to further remove the derivatives from any ester contained in the bottoms. The organic phase recovered from the bottoms can be recycled to the distillation to recover ester.

Abstract: Acetic acid produced by the low water carbonylation of methanol and containing iodide, unsaturates and carbonyl impurities is purified by treatment with ozone.

Abstract: Acetic acid containing iodide, unsaturates and carbonyl impurities is purified by treatment with ozone in the presence of an oxidation catalyst. The acetic acid product may be further contacted with activated carbon or ion-exchange resins for additional removal of impurities.

Abstract: Acetic acid containing iodide, unsaturates and carbonyl impurities is purified by treatment with ozone and thereafter contacted with activated carbon and/or an ion-exchange resin for removal of impurities.

Abstract: A process for treating carbonylation catalyst solutions which contain a rhodium component and a lithium component to remove metallic corrosion products comprises contacting the catalyst solution with a cation exchange resin in the lithium form.

Abstract: This invention describes an improved process for the production of C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl acrylate by the reaction of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl alcohol with acrylic acid in the presence of esterification catalysts and soluble manganese or cerium ions.

Abstract: New and improved compositions are described of ethylenically unsaturated organic compounds capable of addition polymerization stabilized from unintentional or premature polymerization in the liquid phase by the addition of the combination cerium compounds which are soluble in the ethylenically unsaturated organic compounds and phenolic type inhibitors.

Abstract: In the process of producing ethyl acrylate by the reaction of ethylene and acrylic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid, using phenolic type inhibitors, soluble manganese or cerium salts are additionally utilized.