C - Chemistry – Metallurgy – 07 – C
Patent
C - Chemistry, Metallurgy
07
C
260/529.8
C07C 53/02 (2006.01) C07C 29/09 (2006.01) C07C 51/09 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 1114397
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Formic said is produced in a continuous process by hydrolyzing methyl formate with water at high temperature and pressure in the presence of a formic acid catalyst. Methanol is also formed. The reesterification of the reaction products to methyl formate (a reaction favored by high temperatures) is minimized by flashing the reaction product at relatively low pressure and temperature and thereafter distilling the residual liquid under vacuum. This procedure separates the methyl alcohol from the formic acid with a minimum contact time and at a low temperature which does not favor the reesterification reaction. The flashed vapor, primarily unreacted methyl formate, is recycled to the reaction zone. High purity formic acid, i.e., 85%, is obtained by subjecting the bottom from the vacuum distillation to a second distilla- tion step. The distillate from the vacuum distillation is distilled to separate residual methyl formate for recycle from the co-product methyl alcohol. In another embodiment of the invention, prior to the main hydrolysis, the methyl formate is partially hydrolyzed to form the small amount of formic acid needed to accelerate the main hydrolysis step. Accordingly, the necessary formic acid catalyst is formed eliminating the need to recycle product formic acid.
329010
Gowling Lafleur Henderson Llp
Leonard Jackson D.
LandOfFree
Preparation of formic acid by hydrolysis of methyl formate does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Preparation of formic acid by hydrolysis of methyl formate, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Preparation of formic acid by hydrolysis of methyl formate will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFCA-PAI-O-1021364