PROCESS FOR CARBONYLATION OF DIMETHYL ETHER

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heterogeneous gas phase process for the production of methyl acetate from dimethyl ether under substantially anhydrous conditions using a zeolite catalyst which is superior to the other processes using a carbonylatable reactant as feedstock.SOLUTION: The present invention provides production of methyl acetate by carbonylating dimethyl ether feedstock with carbon monoxide in the presence of hydrogen under substantially anhydrous conditions, in the presence of a zeolite catalyst at a temperature in the range greater than 250°C to 350°C and a dimethyl ether concentration of at least 1 mol%.