Process for producing acetic acid

摘要

PCT No. PCT/JP96/01087 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 13, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 13, 1996 PCT Filed Apr. 22, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/33965 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 31, 1996The present invention provides a process for producing acetic acid by reacting continuously methanol, methyl acetate and the like with carbon monoxide in the presence of an eighth group metal-containing catalyst, methyl iodide and water, which is characterized in that wherein a liquid separation state in a decanter at the top of the first distillation column is maintained by adding water to the first distillation column. High quality acetic acid which has not so far been achieved can be obtained while controlling the purifying energy in a low level.