IRIDIUM-CATALYSED CARBONYLATION PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ACETIC ACID

摘要

A process for the production of acetic acid comprising carbonylating with carbon monoxide methanol and/or a reactive derivative thereof in the substantial absence of a metal promoter and/or ionic iodide co-promoter in a carbonylation react or containing a liquid reaction composition comprising an iridium carbonylation catalyst, methyl iodide co-catalyst, water, acetic acid and methyl acetate wherein there is maintained (i) in the liquid reaction composition:- (a) water at a concentration of less than 5.0% by weight and (b) methyl iodide at a concentration greater than 12% by weight and (ii) in the carbonylation reactor a total pressure of less than 50 barg.