HYDROCARBOXYLATION OF AQUEOUS FORMALDEHYDE USING A DEHYDRATING RECYCLE STREAM TO DECREASE WATER CONCENTRATION

摘要

Disclosed is a process for the production and purification of glycolic acid or glycolic acid derivatives by the carbonylation of aqueous formaldehyde. The water in the hydrocarboxylation zone is reduced via reaction with the ester bonds in a recycle stream comprising glycolic acid oligomers and/or methyl glycolate oligomers.