HYDROCARBOXYLATION OF FORMALDEHYDE IN THE PRESENCE OF A HIGHER ORDER CARBOXYLIC ACID AND A HETEROGENEOUS CATALYST

摘要

Disclosed is a process for the production and purification of glycolic acid or glycolic acid derivatives by the carbonylation of formaldehyde in the presence of a solid acid catalyst and a carboxylic acid. This invention discloses hydrocarboxylations and corresponding glycolic acid separations wherein the glycolic acid stream is readily removed from the carboxylic acid and the carboxylic acid is recycled.