3195.     SINGH, A. D., AND KRASE, N. W.  Synthesis of Acetic Acid From Methanol and Carbon Monoxide.  Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 27, 1935, pp. 909-914; Chem. Abs., vol. 29, 1935, p. 6571.

        Catalytic, vapor-phase synthesis of AcOH (I) from MeOH and CO under pressure was studied.  The reaction goes at 300°-500° and 2,000-4,000 p.s.i. pressure.  Under the same conditions, recirculation of the exit products gave about 2 times the yield of (I) as that obtained by a once-through operation.  Me₂O is 1 of the main byproducts, but since it is formed by a reversible reaction, recirculation of noncondensable gases builds its concentration to a constant value at about 2.4%.  Use of 85% MeOH is best.  The maximum catalyst temperature is 400°.  Active C impregnated with H₃PO₄ was used as a catalyst.  Its life is limited, owing presumably, to volatilization.