Abstract: A high purity acetic acid is prepared by reacting methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a rhodium catalyst, iodide salts, and methyl iodide, wherein an acetaldehyde concentration in the reaction liquid is maintained at 400 ppm or lower. This may be attained by contacting the liquid containing carbonyl impurities with water to separate and remove the carbonyl impurities. After that, the liquid can be returned to the reactor.

Abstract: A method is provided to improve the quality of recycle of certain residues by modifying the separation of alkanes and alkane-like materials and carbonyl-containing impurities from the recycle during the manufacture of acetic acid by the carbonylation of methanol. The improvement comprises partitioning the residues by the addition of water obtained from aqueous streams containing up to 50 wt. % acetic acid and which have been treated in a catalytic distillation unit to react the acetic acid with methanol to form recyclable methyl acetate and water and wherein the water is separated from the organics by distillation.

Abstract: In the production step, alcohol is reacted with carbon monoxide in a reaction solvent in the presence of a rhodium-containing solid catalyst obtained by immobilizing rhodium in an insoluble carrier (I) containing a pyridine ring in its resin structure and an alkyl iodide containing an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, to produce a reaction product having a water content of 0.5 to 10% by weight; and in the subsequent removing step, an organic carboxylic acid is separated and recovered from the reaction product, and the recovered organic carboxylic acid is contacted with an insoluble carrier (II) containing a pyridine ring in its resin structure, to remove an iodide contained in the organic carboxylic acid.

Abstract: In a process for producing acetic anhydride and acetic acid by reacting methanol and methyl acetate, optionally together with dimethyl ether, with carbon monoxide, acetic anhydride and acetic acid are effectively produced with the use of a sequence of production facilities by carrying out separation of low-boiling point fraction mainly consisting of methyl iodide, methyl acetate and dimethyl ether with the use of at least two distillation zones, separating catalyst drops entrained from the vapor-liquid separation zone in at least one distillation zone and further by controlling the pressurization of the vapor-liquid separation zone and the above distillation zones under 5 bar to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A process for preparing acetic acid from methanol and carbon monoxide or a mixed gas of carbon monoxide with hydrogen, which process comprises contacting methanol with a gaseous component selected from a group consisting of carbon monoxide and a mixed gas of carbon monoxide with hydrogen of 2% by volume or less in the presence of a carbon-supported rhodium metal catalyst and methyl iodide promoter in vapor phase under the conditions of a reaction temperature of 180.degree.-220.degree. C., a reaction pressure of 5-10 kg/cm.sup.2 .multidot.G, and a weight of catalyst to feed gas flow rate ratio (W/F) of 10-20 g.multidot.h/mole; and a process for preparing acetic acid from methanol and carbon monoxide, which process comprises contacting methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbon-supported rhodium metal catalyst, methyl iodide promoter and water in vapor phase.

Abstract: A process for the production of a carboxylic acid by carbonylation of an alkyl alcohol or its reactive derivative comprises contacting the reactant with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction composition comprising: (a) an iridium catalyst or rhodium catalyst, (b) alkyl halide, (c) at least a finite concentration of water and (d) rhenium as promoter.

Abstract: A process or the liquid phase carbonylation of methanol or a reactive derivative thereof comprises contacting carbon monoxide with a liquid reaction composition comprising methanol or a reactive derivative thereof, a halogen promoter and a rhodium catalyst system comprising a rhodium component and a bidentate phosphorus-sulphur ligand, the ligand comprising a phosphorus dative center linked to a sulphur dative or anionic center by a substantially unreactive backbone structure comprising two connecting carbon atoms or a connecting carbon and a connecting phosphorus atom. Novel rhodium ligand complexes of formula [Rh(CO)L].sub.m and Rh(CO)LY] wherein Y is a halogen, m is a number less than 10 and L is ##STR1## wherein the R groups are independently selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl and optionally substituted aralkyl; the R.sup.5 groups are selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.

Abstract: A monomeric diacid derivative includes at least two fatty acids coupled by a hydrolytically or enzymatically degradable bond. In a biological environment, the bond degrades forming naturally occurring fatty acid products thereby allowing elimination.

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: A process for preparing a carboxylic acid having (n+1) carbon atoms (e.g. acetic acid) from an alcohol having n carbon atoms (e.g. methanol) by liquid phase, rhodium catalyses carbonylation is provided. The process is characterized by using a catalyst stabilizer selected from certain classes of imidazolium iodides, alkyl substituted pyridinium iodides and hydroxypyridinium iodides. Most preferred are those derived from the amines 2-ethyl-4-methyl imidazole, 4-ethylpyridine, 4-t-butylpyridine and 3,4-lutidine by quarternisation with a methyl group.

Abstract: Preparation of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having (n+1) carbon atoms, where n is an integer up to 6, may be achieved by contacting an aliphatic alcohol having n carbon atoms or a reactive derivative thereof with carbon monoxide, in the presence of a copper, nickel, iridium, rhodium or cobalt loaded mordenite zeolite catalyst, at elevated temperature and at a pressure in the range 15 to 200 bars.

Abstract: In a process for the production of acetic acid by carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a rhodium carbonylation catalyst, methyl iodide and an iodide salt stabiliser the improvement resides in maintaining a finite concentration of water of up to about 10% by weight and a methyl acetate concentration of at least 2% by weight in the liquid reaction composition and recovering the acetic acid product by passing the liquid reaction composition through a flash zone to produce a vapour fraction which is passed to a single distillation column from which an acetic acid product is removed.

Abstract: Ethanol is produced economically by a gas phase carbonylation of methanol with carbon monoxide followed by a hydrogenation.

Abstract: In a process for preparing methyltris(m-sulfonatophenyl)phosphonium iodide trisodium salt, the sodium salt of trisulfonated triphenylphosphine and methanol are introduced as the initial charge, a solution of methyl iodide in methanol is added dropwise at elevated temperature, and after an additional reaction time the reaction product is evaporated to dryness in vacuo.Methyltris(m-sulfonatophenyl)phosphonium iodide trisodium salt can be used to prepare carboxylic acids and/or their esters by carbonylation of saturated aliphatic alcohols having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms or their halo, ester or ether derivatives over a rhodium catalyst in the presence of water and methyl iodide under a CO partial pressure of from 0.3 to 200 bar at a temperature of from 100.degree. to 240.degree. C., provided methyltris(m-sulfonatophenyl)phosphonium iodide trisodium salt and carboxylic acid are added to the liquid phase prior to carbonylation.

Abstract: Preparation of methyl formate by the reaction of carbon monoxide and methanol under conditions of elevated pressure and temperature in the presence of an alkali metal methylate, in whichA) the starting materials are mixed in a mixing zone, are allowed to react partially, and the reaction solution is saturated with CO andB) the reaction is allowed to reach completion in one or more secondary reaction zones without the addition of further starting materials.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids are produced in the liquid phase carbonylation reaction from an alcohol or its derivative and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system containing a rhodium component and an alkyl halide and water, adding an iodide salt to the rhodium/alkyl halide catalyst system so as to maintain the iodine ion concentration in the carbonylation reaction solution at 0.3 mol/l or higher.

Abstract: To prepare acetic acid and acetic anhydride, methanol and methyl acetate are reacted under anhydrous conditions with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system containing carbonyl complexes of group VIII noble metals, methyl iodide, an alkali metal acetate or iodide, or quaternary organophosphonium or organoammonium acetate or iodide, The hot carbonylation mixture is decompressed, the evaporated components are fed to a first distillation zone, and the catalyst solution which remains is fed back to the reaction zone. In the first distillation zone, the volatile carbonylation products are subjected to fractional distillation; the low-boiling methyl iodide and methyl acetate pass back into the reaction zone, and the bottom product produced is a mixture of acetic acid and acetic anhydride, which is split into the pure components in a second distillation zone and a third distillation zone.

Abstract: A novel control system is provided to control the liquid levels in a reactor-flasher combination used particularly for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid. Liquid level control is achieved by proportional controllers or other controllers which do not continuously seek zero offset from the desired level and which proportionally change the liquid flow rates from the respective reactor and flasher. An adjustment can be made to the level controllers to change the liquid flow rates by a function generator which adjusts the flow rate, according to an empirically derived function which correlates changes in methanol feed rate to liquid flow rates from the reactor and flasher. A further adjustment to flow rates can be made to effect a change in the water concentration in the reactor so as to maintain the water concentration at a desired level.

Abstract: A method is provided to improve the quality of recycle of certain residues by modifying the separation of alkanes and alkane-like materials and carbonyl-containing impurities from the recycle during the manufacture of acetic acid by the carbonylation of methanol. The improvement comprises operating a prior art stripper column in a reflux manner and partitioning the residue therefrom by the addition of water. The method also reduces the volume of disposal of potentially valuable recyclable reactants.

Abstract: A catalyzed, continuous vapor phase process to convert a C.sub.2 or higher alcohol and, optionally, one or more C.sub.1 or higher alcohols, for example methanol and ethanol, to a mixture containing at least one higher molecular weight alcohol, for example, isobutanol, over a catalyst which is essentially magnesium oxide. The process also may have a lower aldehyde and/or ketone in the feed.

Abstract: A process for the hydroformylation of .alpha.-substituted, .alpha.-.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in the presence of a catalyst system based ona) a source of rhodium cations andb) a source of ligands of the formula MR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 wherein M represents a phosphorus, arsenic or antimony atom and R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 independently represent substituted or non-substituted hydrocarbyl groups, together containing not more than 24 carbon atoms. At least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 is linked to M via an aliphatic carbon atom. The process is selective for the generation of alpha reaction products.

Abstract: A methanol carbonylation catalyst includes a rhodium complex supported on a porous, cross-linked vinylpyridine resin, wherein the vinylpyridine resin has a cross-linking degree of 30-60%, a pore volume of 0.1-0.4 ml/g and an average pore diameter of 20-100 nm. The catalyst may be prepared by contacting the pyridine ring-containing resin with an aqueous solution containing rhodium ion and then contacting the resulting rhodium ion-carrying resin with carbon monoxide and an alkyl iodide in an organic solvent to convert the rhodium ion to a rhodium complex bound to the resin. Acetic acid is produced by reacting carbon monoxide with methanol at a temperature of 140.degree.-250.degree. C. and a partial pressure of carbon monoxide of 7-30 kg/cm.sup.2 in the presence of an alkyl iodide and the above catalyst.

Abstract: Acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride containing methyl crotonate, vinyl acetate, or both as impurities, is contacted with ozone in an amount of excess molar to the carbon-carbon double bond in said methyl crotonate and/or vinyl acetate and the impurities produced by ozone-treatment are removed off by distillation. A large quantity of impurities such as aldehydes are produced after treatment by treating acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride containing much amount of unsaturated compounds as impurities with ozone. Distilling the ozone-treated acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride make it possible to remove methyl crotonate and vinyl acetate, which are unsaturated compounds difficult to remove by the conventional separation methods, to give high-quality acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride excellent in the residence time in the potassium permanganate test.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and/or its derivatives, especially methyl acetate, under mild reaction conditions using a novel catalyst precursor. The precursor is a transition metal complex having a heterodifunctional bidentate phosphorus--nitrogen ligand attached to the metal. The carbonylation reaction can now typically be carried out at 80.degree. C. and CO pressure of 40 p.s.i.g.

Abstract: A novel control system is provided to control the liquid levels in a reactor-flasher combination used particularly for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid. Liquid level control is achieved by proportional controllers or other controllers which do not continuously seek zero off-set from the desired level and which proportionally change the liquid flow rates from the respective reactor and flasher. An adjustment can be made to the level controllers to change the liquid flow rates by a function generator which adjusts the flow rate, according to an empirically derived function which correlates changes in methanol feed rate to liquid flow rates from the reactor and flasher.

Abstract: A liquid feed containing methanol, carbon monoxide, an alkyl iodide and a solvent is contacted with a supported rhodium catalyst to produce acetic acid at a temperature of 140.degree.-250.degree. C. and a pressure of 15-60 kg/cm.sup.2 G with a partial pressure of carbon monoxide of 7-30 kg/cm.sup.2 while maintaining (a) the water concentration of the product solution in the range of 0.5-10% by weight and (b) the carbonylation degree C.sub.r, defined in the specification, of the solution within the reactor at 0.15 or more. The solvent may be a carboxylic acid or a carboxylic acid ester.

Abstract: Difunctional butenes are linearly dicarbonylated into 3-hexene-1,6-dioic acid or alkyl diesters thereof, well suited for the ultimate production of, e.g., adipic acid, by reacting such difunctional butene with carbon monoxide and, if appropriate, an alcohol, at an elevated temperature under superatmospheric pressure, in the presence of at least one source of hydrogen chloride and a catalytically effective amount of palladium, at least a portion of which palladium being in the zero oxidation state, as well as a quaternary onium chloride of nitrogen or phosphorus, the nitrogen or phosphorus atom being tetracoordinated to carbon atoms, with the proviso that the nitrogen atom may be coordinated to two pentavalent phosphorus atoms.

Abstract: A process for the production of an aliphatic carboxylic acid of the formula RCOOH, wherein R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, comprises the catalytic reaction of an alcohol of formula ROH and carbon monoxide in the presence of a rhodium catalyst, methyl iodide, a high lithium iodide content, a low water content and an organic ester of formula RCO.sub.2 R. The process can optionally be carried out in the presence of hydrogen and/or an organic ligand of formula ER.sup.11.sub.3 where E is nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony or bismuth and R.sup.11 is an organic moiety.

Abstract: A process for preparing carboxylic acids (e.g. acetic acid) from alcohols (e.g. methanol) by carbonylation is provided. The process employs a catalyst comprising rhodium and nickel supported upon a carbon, preferably a high surface area carbon. The process described is carried out in the presence of hydrogen and a halide promoter leading to high yields of the carboxylic acid under very mild conditions (1 to 50 atmospheres, 150.degree.- 300.degree. C.).

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the carbonylation of an organic compound selected from the group consisting of an olefin, an alcohol, an acid and an ester. In this process the organic compound is reacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of a Group VIII metal-containing catalyst. The liquid carbonylation product solution of this reaction is conveyed to a separation zone maintained at a lower total pressure than is the pressure in the reaction zone. Simultaneously with the conveyance of the liquid product solution to the separation zone is the introduction therein of a carbon monoxide-containing gaseous stream, the carbon monoxide therein contributing a partial pressure of up to 30 psia of the total pressure in said separation zone. A portion of the liquid carbonylation product solution is flashed and removed from the separation zone. The unflashed liquid carbonylation product solution is recycled back into the reaction zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for synthesizing carboxylic acids by the carbonylation of alcohol. An alcohol such as methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction medium containing a rhodium (Rh) catalyst stabilized with an haloacetic acid, especially trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA), along with alkyl iodide such as methyl iodide (MeI) in specified proportions. The present reaction system is not only characterized by unexpectedly high catalyst stability, but also characterized by the high reaction rate for the formation of acetic acid. The improvement resides in the employment of trifluoroacetic acid as the catalyst promoter at a temperature from 180.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. The primary advantage of the catalyst system of this invention is the enhancement of the rate of carbonylation. The other advantage of the catalyst system is that they are readily soluble and thermally stable, making them resistant to deposition.

Abstract: A process for purifying an iodide-contaminated carboxylic acid and/or anhydride fraction obtained by liquid phase carbonylation using a carbonylation catalyst, an iodine-containing promoter and optional iodine-containing copromoter comprises vaporizing the fraction after it has been freed of catalyst, feedstock and promoter components to produce a vapor acid and/or anhydride fraction having reduced iodide contamination.

Abstract: A process and novel catalyst for the carbonylation of one or more of alcohols, ethers and ether alcohols to esters and, optionally, to carboxylic acids. The reaction is effected in the vapor state over a solid catalyst comprising a polyoxometalate anion in which the metal is at least one taken from Group V and VI of the Periodic Chart of the Elements complexed with a cation from a member of Group VIIIA of the Periodic Chart of the Elements. Preferably, the catalyst is deposited on a support that is inert to the reaction. The preferred support is silica.

Abstract: An improved liquid-phase process for preparing carboxylic acids having (n+1) carbon atoms by rhodium catalyzed carbonylation of an alcohol having n carbon atoms is provided. The process is particularily suitable for preparing acetic acid from methanol in commercial carbonylation reactors operating at steady-state with a low standing quantity of water (e.g. 0.5 to 5% by weight). The improvement lies in carrying out the carbonylation in the presence of an iodide stabilizer (e.g. lithium iodide) and a Group VI B metal costabiliser. The process can optionally be carried out in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids are produced in the liquid phase carbonylation reaction from an alcohol or its derivative and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system containing a rhodium component and an alkyl halide and water, adding an iodide salt to the rhodium/alkyl halide catalyst system so as to maintain the iodine ion concentration in the carbonylation reaction solution at 0.3 mol/.lambda. or higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of acetic anhydride, characterized in that a gas containing essentially CO, at a pressure of at least 1 MPa, is reacted with methyl formate in the presence ofa) a rhodium-based catalyst,b) two iodine-containing promoters of different kind, successively ionic and covalent, andc) an N-substituted cyclic amide as solvent.

Abstract: A process for the production of an aliphatic carboxylic acid of the formula RCOOH, wherein R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, comprises the catalytic reaction of an alcohol of formula ROH and carbon monoxide in the presence of a rhodium catalyst, methyl iodide, a high lithium iodide content, a low water content and an organic ester of formula RCO.sub.2 R. The process can optionally be carried out in the presence of hydrogen and/or an organic ligand of formula ER.sup.11.sub.3 where E is nirogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony or bismuth and R.sup.11 is an organic moiety.

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: A process of preparing acetic acid by reacting a mixture of a methyl ester, an alcohol, and water preferably as a solution in aqueous acetic acid, with carbon monoxide, with or without hydrogen, at a selected partial pressure, in the presence of a catalyst, preferably composed of a nickel or nickel/molybdenum compound with phosphorus compounds as ligands, and a promoter composed of iodine compounds, at a predetermined temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing acetic acid, acetic acid methyl ester or acetic anhydride or mixtures thereof by converting a synthesis gas mainly containing hydrogen and carbon oxides, by first converting the synthesis gas catalytically into a gas mixture containing methanol and dimethyl ether and then carbonylating this mixture catalytically into acetic acid and/or methyl acetate and/or acetic anhydride.

Abstract: A process for the production from an alcohol having n carbon atoms, wherein n is a number from 1 to 20, of a carboxylic acid having n+1 carbon atoms and/or an ester of the alcohol having n carbon atoms with the carboxylic acid by reacting the alcohol at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Hexene-1,6-dioic acids, e.g., hex-3-ene-1,6-dioic acid, are prepared by reacting carbon monoxide with at least one butenediol, in a polar, aprotic, basic solvent, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of palladium values and at least one inorganic halide, the cation of which halide being an alkali or alkaline earth metal and the anion thereof being a chloride or bromide.

Abstract: Iodine and its compounds are separated from the carbonylation products acetic acid, acetic anhydride or ethylidene diacetate obtained on subjecting dimethylether, methyl acetate or methanol to a carbonylation reaction in the presence of an iodine-containing catalyst. The quantity of total iodine contaminating the carbonylation products is reduced to less than 20 ppb iodine by treating the products at 20.degree.-200.degree. C. with peracetic acid, diacetyl peroxide or a compound yielding these two agents under the reaction conditions, and separating them distillatively.

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: An improved Monsanto-type process for acetic acid preparation and a heterogeneous-supported catalyst for accomplishing the same, comprising reacting methanol with carbon monoxide under pressure of about 65-80 Bar and temperature of about 170.degree.-200.degree. C. in the presence of methyl iodide and a catalyst comprising an insoluble polymer having pendant free base, N-oxide or quaternized pyridine groups supporting a rhodium species loaded to less than about 10 weight percent (expressed as metal) of the polymer component.

Abstract: An alcohol such as methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction medium containing a rhodium catalyst stabilized with an iodide salt, especially lithium iodide, along with alkyl iodide such as methyl iodide and alkyl acetate such as methyl acetate in specified proportions. With a finite concentration of water in the reaction medium the product is the carboxylic acid instead of, for example, the anhydride. The present reaction system not only provides an acid product of unusually low water content at unexpectedly favorable reaction rates but also, whether the water content is low or, as in the case of prior-art acetic acid technology, relatively high, is characterized by unexpectedly high catalyst stability; i.e., it is resistant to catalyst precipitation out of the reaction medium.

Abstract: A process for removing metallic corrosion products from carbonylation reactions which are carried out under anhydrous conditions and in which methyl acetate and/or methanol and/or dimethyl ether are reacted over a noble metal catalyst system which comprises a noble metal of group VIII of the periodic table of the elements, a co-catalyst, such as iodide or bromide, in particular methyl iodide, and a promoter, such as an organophosphonium or organoammonium salt, and if appropriate a lithium salt, to give acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride is described, the process comprisinga) bringing the reaction solution which is contaminated with metallic corrosion products and contains the catalyst system into contact with an ion exchanger;b) separating this reaction solution which has been brought into contact in this way from the ion exchanger;c) desorbing the promoter adsorbed on the ion exchanger before regeneration with acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride;d) combining the eluate obtained in step c) with the reaction

Abstract: .beta., .gamma.-Unsaturated carboxylic acids, e.g., 3-hexene-1,6-dioic acid, are selectively prepared by carbonylating (with carbon monoxide) an allyl alcohol, e.g., a butenediol, at an elevated temperature and under superatmospheric pressure, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a palladium-based catalyst and at least one quaternary onium chloride of one of the Group VB elements nitrogen or phosphorus, such element being tetracoordinated via carbon atoms and with the proviso that such nitrogen atom may be coordinated to two pentavalent phosphorus atoms.

Abstract: In a process for the purification and recovery of a contaminated catalyst solution produced during carbonylation of methanol and/or methyl acetate and/or dimethyl ether and containing carbonyl complexes of rhodium, organic and/or inorganic promoters, undistillable organic impurities and acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ethylidene diacetate, the organic impurities and acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ethylidene diacetate are removed from the contaminatd catalyst solution by extraction at pressures from 35 to 450 bar and temperatures from 0.degree. to 120.degree. C.