METHOD OF PREPARING PROPIONIC ACID

摘要

FIELD: chemical industry. SUBSTANCE: method comprises preparing propionic acid by hydroxycarbonytation of ethylene with carbon monoxide in water and organic C2-C4 carboxylic acid. Process is carried out at elevated pressure and temperature in the presence of catalyst system comprising halogen-free palladium compounds and tertiary organic phosphine with basic type additive. Additive includes one compound from among alkali or alkaline-earth metal oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate or carboxylate in amount of less than 0.05 wt %. Alkali or alkaline-earth metal carboxylate includes C1-C12 mono-dibasic or polybasic organic acid salt, e.g. aliphatic C1-C10 carboxylic acid salt, preferably sodium propionate. EFFECT: increased yield of propionic acid. 15 cl, 1 tbl