Production of carboxylic acids

US5321158A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Solvay Interox GmbH · GB

Inventors

• Siegfried Warwel · Aachen, DE
• Mark Rüsch gen. Klaas · Münster, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 26, 1993
• Grant date: Jun 14, 1994
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C51/285
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An improved process for the production of carboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids by the catalytic oxidation of olefins and vicinal diols by hydrogen peroxide is provided. The process employs a rhenium (VII) catalyst, and a solvent comprising a mixture of a carboxylic acid or anhydride having 2 or more carbon atoms and a high boiling cyclic or acyclic ether. Particularly suitable carboxylic acids or anhydrides include acetic acid, propionic acid and acetic anhydride. Particularly suitable high-boiling ethers include 1,4-dioxane and diglyme.