PRODUCTION OF CARBOXYLIC ACID SALTS

摘要

A process for reacting an alcohol with a caustic at a reaction temperature in the presence of a catalytic amount of metallic zinc or a zinc compound to produce a final reaction mixture containing carboxylic acid salts and to liberate hydrogen which comprises mixing (i) the caustic; (ii) the catalytic amount of metallic zinc or zinc compound, and (iii) an effective amount of an inert diluent for the final reaction mixture, to form an intermediate reaction mixture. The effective amount of diluent is an amount sufficient to maintain fluidity of the final reaction mixture. A preferred diluent is mineral oil. The intermediate reaction mixture is then heated to the reaction temperature. Alcohol is then added to the intermediate reaction mixture over a period of time to form the final reaction mixture. The improved process permits greater control of the process thus reducing the tendency of the reaction mixtures to foam and solidify.