Process for Preparing Carboxylic Acids or Corresponding Esters Using an Iridium-Based Catalyst

摘要

The present invention relates to the preparation of carboxylic acids or of the corresponding esters by reaction of an alcohol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst containing iridium and of a halogenated promoter. The reaction is carried out with a reaction mixture whose composition is maintained throughout the operation. The said mixture comprises between 0 exclusive and 10% of water, between 0 exclusive and 10% of halogenated promoter, and between 2 and 40% of ester corresponding to the reaction of the abovementioned carboxylic acid and alcohol, the said carboxylic acid constituting the solvent of the reaction.