PRODUCTION OF ACETALDEHYDE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for industrially advantageously producing acetaldehyde using inexpensive raw materials alternative to ethylene. SOLUTION: This method for producing acetaldehyde comprises 1st step wherein methyl acetate is produced from methanol and acetic acid, 2nd step wherein the methyl acetate is reacted with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a gas phase to produce acetaldehyde and acetic acid, and 3rd step wherein the acetaldehyde and the acetic acid are separated. The acetic acid thus separated in the 3rd step is circulated to the 1st step for reuse. It is preferable that both the carbon monoxide and hydrogen to be used as the raw materials in the 2nd step are afforded by decomposing methanol.