955. HEDBERG, D. G., JR. (Eastman Kodak Co.). Lower Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids and Ketones. United States Patent 2,510,105, June 6, 1950. Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950, p. 7344.

Patent Abstracts

Process operating either batchwise or continuously for manufacturing EtCO₂H (I) by liquid-phase reaction of C₂H₄, CO, and water at 200º-250º and pressures of 2,000-4,000 lb. in the presence of an aqueous solution of a Co-containing catalyst is presented. Yields of 50-80% of (I) with 40-80% conversion based on consumed C₂H₄, are obtained; simultaneously Et₂CO and CO₂ are formed. Optimum results are obtained with a CO : C₂H₄ ratio of 3 : 1 and aqueous solutions of Co salts of lower aliphatic acids, such as (I) or PrCO₂H. The catalyst, employed as 0.025-1.0 N (preferably 0.1-0.3 N) solution, is prepared by activation of an aqueous solution of the Co salt with Co at 150º and 2,000-3,000 lb. pressure, followed by removal of solids: the used catalyst is reconditioned in the same manner. To avoid inactivation of the catalyst by carbonate formation, the CO₂ content of the reaction liquid should be kept below 28%. Other Co catalysts, including Harshaw No. 268 and 542, have been investigated. Metal propionates, other than Co, appear to be inactive. See also United States Patent 2,448,375 (abs. 2001).