Ethylene production from acetic acid utilizing dual reaction zone process

摘要

A process for selective formation of ethylene from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with a first catalytic composition including a suitable hydrogenating catalyst in a first reaction zone to form an intermediate mixture including ethanol and ethyl acetate; and subsequently reacting the intermediate mixture over a suitable dehydrating and/or cracking catalyst in a second reaction zone to form ethylene. Selectivities of ethylene of over 80% are achieved.