CARBONYLATION OF METHANOL USING A NOVEL TRANSITION METAL CATALYST PRECURSOR

摘要

An improved process is provided for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and/or its derivatives, especially methyl acetate, under mild reaction conditions using a novel catalyst precursor. The precursor is a transition metal complex having a heterodifunctional bidentate phosphorous - nitrogen ligand attached to the metal. The carbonylation reaction can now typically be carried out at 80 °C and CO pressure of 40 p.s.i.g.