摘要 |
A process for isolating carboxylic acids from residues of the oxo reaction which are obtained as residues, on hydroformylation of ethylene or propylene, optionally after removing a part of the aldehydes produced, subsequent hydrogenation, treatment with aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solutions and subsequent distillation, wherein the residues are acidified with strong mineral acids to a pH of from 2-4, the acidified mixture not containing more than 5 parts by weight of water per part by weight of the carboxylic acids contained in the mixture, the organic phase is then separated off and the carboxylic acids are isolated therefrom by distillation at pressures below 150 mbar. The carboxylic acids obtained can be used as solvents or for the manufacture of esters. |