RESIDUE TREATMENT PROCESS

摘要

In the manufacture of adipic acid by the nitric acid oxidation of a cylcohexanol/cyclohexanone mixture, the spent nitric acid is fortified and recycled for use. Continuous recycling causes a built-up of impurities such as succinic and glutaric acid and catalyst metals. These residues are treated by the process of the invention which comprises mixing the residue in molten form with a C6-C13 alcohol at elevated temperature to effect partial esterification and to produce an aqueous phase and an organic phase. The phases may then be separated.