摘要 |
An improved process for working-up crude liquid vinyl acetate which contains vinyl acetate, acetic acid, water, and ethyl acetate, possibly together with small amounts of other impurities, by distillation is disclosed, wherein a mixture essentially containing vinyl acetate and water is obtained as the top product and essentially acetic acid is obtained as the bottom product, and a sidestream, in which ethyl acetate is concentrated is removed. According to the process the top product is condensed and, after phase separation, a portion of the vinyl acetate phase is recycled as reflux into the distillation. The improved process involves the introduction of water above the point of introduction of the crude vinyl acetate. Preferably, the water is introduced in an amount which is not greater than the amount required to achieve a maximum water content in the vapors leaving the distillation at the top.
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