摘要 |
What is disclosed is a process for the continuous production of isobutyric acid or an alkyl ester thereof by the Koch synthesis, which process comprises reacting propylene, carbon monoxide, and water or an alkanol in the presence of hydrogen fluoride in at least one reaction space containing a liquid phase and a gas phase under high pressure, releasing said pressure at least partially, whereby a gas containing organic compounds from said synthesis evolves from said liquid phase, adding oxygen to said evolved gas and at least partially combusting the organic compounds contained therein, then contacting the evolved gas containing the at least partially combusted organic compounds with at least a portion of the water or alkanol to be reacted with said propylene and carbon monoxide, whereby at least a portion of said combusted organic compounds are absorbed by said water or alkanol, returning said water or alkanol containing the absorbed combusted organic compounds to said reaction space, and discharging any unabsorbed gas from the reaction system.
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