Formaldehyde → Glycolic Acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

FIGS. 1 and 2 present two, non-limiting embodiments or the instant invention described herein in detail. In a first embodiment of the invention as laid out in FIG. 1, Carbon Monoxide Stream 1, Aqueous Formaldehyde Stream 2, and Propionic Acid Stream 3 are fed to Hydrocarboxylation Reactor 50 which comprises a fixed bed, solid catalyst (not shown). The Effluent Stream 4 comprises the esters of glycolic and propionic acid including 2-propionoxyacetic acid and (2′-(propionyloxy)acetoxyacetic acid. Effluent Stream 4 and Water Stream 8 are fed to Hydrolyzer 55. Hydrolyzer 55 is operated at sufficient temperature, pressure, and residence time to produce Hydrolyzed Mixture Stream 9 comprising glycolic acid, propionic acid, and water. Hydrolyzed Mixture Stream 9 is extracted with Hydrophobic Solvent Stream 11, such as methyl tertiary-butyl ether, in Extractor 60, to produce Organic Extract Stream 10 and Aqueous Raffinate Stream 12. Organic Extract Stream 10 can be separated into Propionic Stream 3 and Hydrophobic Solvent Stream 11 in Separator 70. Separator 70 can be, for example a distillation column. Propionic Acid Stream 3 is recycled to Hydrocarboxylation Reactor 50 and Hydrophobic Solvent Stream 11 is recycled to Extractor 60.

Provenance & Evidence