2067. ------. [LODER, D. J.] (E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.). Organic Acid Synthesis. United States Patent 2,135,453, Nov. 1, 1938; appl. filed Oct. 22, 1935, Serial No. 46,119; 29 claims (Cl. 260-532). Chem. Abs., vol. 33, 1939, p. 995.

Relates to reactions such as the production of HOAc or propionic acid from MeOH or EtOH by reaction in the liquid phase at a temperature < 350°, with CO in the presence of a catalyst such as BF₃ and of not more than about 5 mols of H₂O per mol of BF₃. Instead of BF₃, other catalysts may be used such as MgF₂, CaF₂, Ti fluoride, SbF₃, or various other halides such as those of Al, Be, Zr, Hf, Cb, S, Si, P, Ta, Cr, V, W, or Mo. Various details and modifications for conducting the reaction are described.