TITLE: Synthesis of acrylates. Quarterly report, 1996.

INST.  AUTHOR: Research Triangle Inst., Durham, NC.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  Jul 96,  25p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE97050011INW

ABSTRACT:

Over the last quarter, Eastman has completed its experimental program on propionyl generation portion of the process. An improved olefin carbonylation process has been developed as the basis of the propionate synthesis portion of the project (Task 1). Bechtel has also completed a production cost estimate for the synthesis of propionic anhydride from ethylene, carbon monoxide, and recycled propionic acid based on the yields demonstrated for the Eastman carbonylation process. The results show a cost of $0.43/lb, which we judge to be competitive as a basis for MMA, which sells for about $0. 75/lb. RTI has tested (Task 2) over 71 acid-base catalysts for the condensation of propionic anhydride/acid with formaldehyde. Other catalysts are being tested to minimize the deactivation observed on these materials. These catalysts are more likely than the V-Si-P catalysts as potential candidates for a commercial process. RTI has also completed the assembly and operation of a HTHP slurry reactor system for demonstration of liquid phase synthesis (Task 3). NCSU has tested slurry fluids including decalin and tetralin for hydrothermal, oxidative, and reductive stability. The results of their effort will be directly applicable to bench-scale testing in the RTI HTHP slurry reactor.

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/94065-T7

CONTRACT  NUMBER: AC22-94PC94065