Method for the continuous production of methyl formate

US6921833B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Heinz Auer · Neulußheim, DE
• Jurgen Dahlhaus · Schifferstadt, DE
• Karl Fischer · Burns Lake, CA
• Hans Hammer · Mannheim, DE
• Jochen Kellenbenz · Bad Dürkheim, DE
• Michael Schulz · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Joachim Thiel · Neustadt, DE
• Maximilian Vicari · Schifferstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 26, 2000
• Grant date: Jul 26, 2005
• Expiry date: Nov 25, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C67/36
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A description is given of a process for preparing methyl formate by reacting excess methanol with carbon monoxide under superatmospheric pressure and at elevated temperature in the presence of alkali metal methoxide or alkaline earth metal methoxide as catalyst in a pressure-rated reactor, in which the use of at least two reactor elements, preferably operated in countercurrent, at about 100° C. and a pressure of about 100 bar in combination with a solids-free desalting of the reaction product makes possible very economical, largely trouble-free production of methyl formate in any desired quality and with a very good production capacity.Furthermore, the process for solids-free desalting and apparatuses for carrying out this process are described.