Addition of mineral acids or salts thereof to a TMA production process

摘要

This invention is related to the production of trimellitic anhydride (TMA). More specifically, the invention is related to the addition of a mineral acid or salt thereof in the production process of trimellitic anhydride to reduce the viscosity of the bottoms fraction when TMA is purified by distillation and thus to prevent fouling/plugging. This permits the use of lower levels of TMA in the bottoms fraction and increases TMA recovery.