Integrated process for oxygenated acetyl compounds from synthesis gas via dimethyl ether

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Oxygenated acetyl compounds ethylidene diacetate acetic acid, acetic, anhydride, and methyl acetate are produced directly from synthesis gas via the intermediate compound dimethyl ether. Dimethyl ether is produced from synthesis gas in a first liquid phase reactor and the reactor effluent comprising dimethyl ether, methanol, and unreacted synthesis gas flows directly to a second liquid phase reactor containing acetic acid in which the oxygenated acetyl compounds are synthesized catalytically. Vinyl acetate and additional acetic acid are produced by pyrolysis of ethylidene diacetate in a separate reactor system. Synthesis gas is preferably obtained by partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon …