PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF ADIPIC ACID

摘要

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of adipic acid from adipic acid alkyl ester comprising: - subjecting an adipic acid alkyl ester to a hydrolysis reaction in the presence of water, at conditions of temperature and time suitable to form a hydrolysate comprising adipic acid; and - optionally recovering adipic acid from said hydrolysate, characterized in that the hydrolysis reaction is carried out in the initial presence of adipic acid, and further to adipic acid obtained by the process. The invention also relates to the use of adipic acid as an acid catalyst in the hydrolysis of adipic acid alkyl ester. The process may advantageously be carried out in the absence of a mineral acid or a heterogeneous catalyst. The adipic acid produces with the process may be low in metals and/or sulphates.