Process for the production of one or more carboxylic acid anhydrides.

摘要

An olefin is reacted with an alcohol and carbon monoxide using a halide promoted rhodium or iridium catalyst to form an anhydride of a carboxylic acid, for example, ethylene is reacted with methanol and carbon monoxide to form a mixture of acetic and propionic anhydrides. The reaction rate is improved by including a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium compromoter. Desirably water is excluded from the reaction.