Formic acid-free acetic acid prodn - by oxidn of acetaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst contg cobalt, manganese and nickel cpds

摘要

Acetic acid is produced virtually free of formic acid by the liq. phase oxidn. of acetaldehyde with (an) O2 (-contg. gas) in the presence of a catalyst comprising mixts. of Co, Ni and Mn cpds. Due to only traces of HCO2H being present, (typically 100 ppm) ordinary stainless steel distillation columns can be used (instead of special materials) to purify the crude AcOH. Purifn. of the AcOH is simplified as impurities other than HCO2H are easier to remove. Secondary products (CH3OH, AcOCH3, CO2, CH4, H2O etc.) are not formed in any greater quantities nor is the yield of AcOH reduced. The catalyst can be easily recovered almost quantitatively and re-used.