PROCESS FOR PRODUCING FORMIC ACID BY CARBONYLATION OF HYDROXYALKYLAMINES AND HYDROLYSIS OF THE HYDROXYALKYLFORMAMIDES PRODUCED

摘要

A process for producing formic acid by carbonylation of hydroxyalkylamines and hydrolysis of the hydroxyalkylformamides produced, wherein in a first stage a primary or secondary hydroxyalkylamine is directly reacted with carbon monoxide and in a second stage the hydroxyalkylformamide-containing reaction mixture from the first stage is treated with water and an acid catalyst, the formic acid obtained being separated continuously. The process is conveniently applicable on an industrial scale because of its simplicity and high yields.