PROCESS FOR THE REMOVAL OF DIMETHYL ETHER IN METHYL CHLORIDE

摘要

A process is described for the removal of dimethyl ether in methyl chloride by catalytic cleavage by means of hydrogen chloride. Dimethyl ether is present as an impurity in crude methyl chloride produced by the catalytic esterification of methanol. The crude methyl chloride is cooled so that water and hydrogen chloride separate out. Gaseous hydrogen chloride is then added to the methyl chloride in an amount corresponding to at least twice the molar amount of dimethyl ether, and the gaseous mixture is passed over a methanol esterification contact catalyst at an elevated temperature.