PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC CARBOXYLIC ACIDS AND RECOVERY OF CO/MN CATTALYST FROM ASH

摘要

Cobalt and/or manganese is recovered from the ash obtained following incineration of the catalyst containing residue arising from the liquid phase oxidation of an aromatic carboxylic acid such as terephthalic acid. Recovery is effected by contacting the ash with an organic acid or an organic acid anhydride such as acetic anhydride, optionally in the presence of bromide ions (e.g. HBr), so that the cobalt and/or manganese metals are recovered as monocarboxylic acid soluble salts thereof thus permitting recycle thereof to the liquid phase oxidation process.